How To

How to Choose a Child Safety Gate

She's crawling! Better get a gate!

Contributor

By Tricia Goss
eHow Contributing Writer

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If your baby is walking, crawling, or even scooting, it is time for you to buy a child safety gate to keep baby away from those dangerous spots like stairways. But there are so many safety gates on the market; how do you decide which one is best? Here are some steps to help you choose the best child safety gate for your baby.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Measure your baby's height. The gate you choose should be at least three-fourths the height of your child.
Step 2

Consider your unsafe areas. If you are trying to keep baby from a staircase, you need to install a hardware-mounted gate. However, if you just want to keep your mischievous little one out of the kitchen, a pressure-mounted gate is sufficient. Always use a hardware-mounted if there is a possibility of falling or injury.
Step 3

Know your doorway's width before you go shopping. If you purchase a gate that's a bit too small but install it anyway, it could be unsafe.
Step 4

Test the latches. Make sure the latch on the gate you purchase is one that you can operate but baby cannot.
Step 5

Look for an indicator that shows the gate is correctly shut and locked. Some gates have an audible sound, and others provide a color indicator. This will help you assure your baby's safety.