Baby Gates 101: The New Non-Standard

By Kim Proulx

The days of "standard" doorways are facing extinction, as new and contemporary architectural developments are now well known for showcasing "open" designs. Large rooms, French doors, and sweeping staircases are considered desirable, especially doorways that can range anywhere from 30"-36". The need for reliable safety gates, however, has not changed and choosing the right one the first time has become a thorough process that should be adopted by all parents.

Important Safety Gate Questions

When shopping for the right safety gate, you should ask yourself or the retailer the following questions:

1. Where will the gate be installed? (i.e. top of the stairs, doorway, etc.)
2. How wide is the opening? (be sure to get exact measurements)
3. What type of surface will gate be mounted to? (i.e. wood, hollow wall, etc.)

Safety Gate Types

After you have determined the gate requirements you will need for installation, the next step is to figure out what type of gate you need. Today, there are three types of safety gates you can choose from:

• Pressure Mounted: Often easy to install and made for less hazardous areas, such as in a doorway or at the bottom of the stairs. Parents like pressure mounted gates because they require no holes or hardware to install. Pressure mounted safety gates have panels that slide past each other, making it more of a barrier. A locking mechanism along with rubber feet allows the gate to be tightly fastened to the mounting area. Because of this design, adults have a tendency to "climb over" the pressure mounted gate, which is a safety hazard, especially if you are holding your child. Portability for travel is a big plus as you can use it for just about any doorway, as long as it is installed properly.
• Hardware Mounted: A more permanent solution for hazardous areas, such as the top of the stairs, is hardware mounted gates. They are considered safer than pressure mounted gates for this very reason. Often made out of metal, wood or retractable mesh, hardware mounted gates possess the traditional "opening" so only parents can walk through and keep their child enclosed. Hardware is available to have it mounted to just about any surface. And if parents are worried about the drill holes, a little wood putty or spackling can easily fix that. Hardware mounted safety gates typically have built-in directional devices to prevent the gate from opening over the stairs, which is an absolute NO, NO! Many retailers will offer in-home installation with experienced professionals, so you can be sure it is mounted properly.
• Enclosures and Gate Systems: Specially designed gate systems for "non-standard" doorways and enclosures that isolate dangerous areas have become more common with contemporary architectural designs. Gate enclosures come in many different sizes and give parents the flexibility to shape the enclosure to fit in difficult areas. Extensions are available so you can expand the enclosure to whatever size you'd like. It is great for play areas and especially outdoors, so your small child cannot wander.

Safety Standards

According to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), the recommended age for safety gate use is when a child is 6-24 months old. If your child can climb over the gate, can open it independently, or if the height of the gate is ? tall compared to your child, you are strongly advised to discontinue use of the safety gate. Locking mechanisms on pressure gates should be faced on the opposite side of your child, so they are not used as a step ladder.

As far as testing, there are no Federal child safety gate standards that warrant manufacturing guidelines, besides regulating toxic materials, and regulating small parts or sharp edges. However, many reputable organizations have volunteered testing standards because they recognize the importance of ensuring child safety gates are properly manufactured and utilized correctly. The consequence of not choosing the right safety gate can be devastating, so choosing the perfect safety gate should be the top baby-proofing priority to ensure your child is safe.