How to Secure a Child Gate to a Wall
Child gates are designed to protect children under 36 inches tall and under 2 years old by restricting their access to unsafe areas. Child gates can be secured with hardware that is permanently attached to the wall or with pressure mounts that are not permanently attached. Some gates only mount with hardware or with pressure, while other gates can be used either way. Pressure-mounted gates are ideal for temporary use between two rooms or at the bottom of stairs. Hardware-mounted gates are the only safe option at the top of stairs because they are more secure than pressure-mounted gates.
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Instructions
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Hardware-mounted Gates
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Mount the gate in a location that has wood on both sides, such as a door frame or framed wall. Locate wood studs inside walls with a stud finder.
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Purchase a gate mounting kit if studs or wood surfaces are not available in your desired location. Follow the installation instructions provided with the mounting kit. Mounting kits can be used to safely install gates on drywall on uneven surfaces like stairway posts and in places where you do not want to drill holes.
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Drill holes in the wood on both sides of the opening following the gate manufacturer's instructions. Install the gate hardware and attach the gate.
Pressure-mounted Gates
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Measure the width of the opening you intend to block. Purchase a gate that can be adjusted to fit the opening. Extension kits are available to increase the width of some gates.
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Follow the manufacturer's directions to adjust the gate to the correct size for the opening. Add an extension kit if necessary.
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Align the gate between two parallel surfaces such as walls or door frames with any locking hardware on the opposite side of the opening from the child.
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Lock the gate in place following the manufacturer's directions.
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Apply pressure to the gate to make sure it is tight enough that your child will not be able to push it down.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose a gate certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
Test your gate regularly to ensure pressure-mounted gates do not slip or that hardware does not come loose.
Observe your child to make sure he cannot open or dislodge the gate and that he does not attempt to climb over the gate.
Stop using a gate when your child is 2 years old or 36 inches tall. A gate must never be less than three-quarters as tall as your child, or the child may be able to fall over the gate.
Avoid accordion-style gates and gates with horizontal bars or mesh wider than 1 inch. These types of gates provide the opportunity for climbing. Accordion gates can also pinch fingers.
Do not leave your child unattended. A gate does not replace adult supervision.
