Babies are natural explorers with a tremendous amount of curiosity that never seems to be satisfied. Our job as parents is to encourage their learning and exploring while keeping the baby safe. With so many baby safety products available and so many baby gate types, a parent’s job has become much easier. Babies can be given a tremendous amount of freedom to roam a particular area that is safe and enclosed by a baby gate.
Using baby gates to keep toddlers out of certain dangerous areas such as the kitchen, securing staircases and guarding fireplaces are just some of the advantages of baby gates. The gate assures a certain amount of safety while allowing the toddler to explore. While baby gates may add a bit of strain to a parent’s credit cards, the amount of anxiety they reduce makes them well worthwhile.
There are several varieties of gates available, however the two main types of gates are pressure gates and hardware mounted gates.
Pressure gates can be quickly installed with no tools. These gates have the advantages of not only being completely removable, they can be transferred from area to area. You may use a pressure gate to keep the toddler out of the kitchen while you are cooking then move the gate to keep the toddler from exiting the living room while you enjoy some after dinner family activities. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the gate. Pressure gates are not recommended for use at the top or bottom of a staircase. One additional advantage to pressure gates is the ability to take them with you when you travel, allowing that extra measure of safety while you are away from home.
Hardware mounted gates have many advantages as well. These gates being permanently attached to the wall can more easily be operated by one hand, leaving the other hand free to deal with the toddler. Hardware mounted gates are always recommended for the top of a staircase. The weight of a toddler leaning against a pressure gate can dislodge the gate and cause a nasty fall down the stairs. Hardware mounted gates at the bottom of a staircase insure that the gate cannot be accidentally dislodged allowing the toddler access to the staircase and potential dangers. Gates mounted at the top of the stairs should always be set up to swing in over the landing not over the stairs.
Baby gates are the cornerstone of baby proofing your home. These devices allow more freedom than a playpen giving your child the opportunity to explore and allowing additional mental development.