How To

How to Choose a Child Safety Gate

She's crawling! Better get a gate!
She's crawling! Better get a gate!
Contributor
By Tricia Goss
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

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
  1. Step 1

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

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Step 4

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

  5. 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.

Tips & Warnings
  • Read up on different brands of gates before you go shopping for one.
  • Steer clear of wooden safety gates as they can splinter if broken.
Photo Credit

www.morguefile.com/jpkwitter

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Have you done this? Click here to let us know.

I Did This

Related Ads

Parenting
Judy Ford,

Meet Judy Ford eHow’s Parenting Expert.

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

eHow Parenting
eHow_eHow Parenting, Relationships and Family