How to Select the Right Child Proof Gate

Never underestimate your busy crawling baby. One minute he may be completely content to sit at the bottom of the stairs, playing with blocks, oblivious to the heights surrounding him. But one thing babies have on us adults is that they look up, they see the world from a unique vantage point – and once they spy new heights to climb, they intend to conquer them.

So that’s where baby gates begin – at the bottom of your stairs. But that’s not where they end. The top of your stairs must be gated as well. And it’s important to block off at least one designated, babyproofed area with baby gates.

Kidco Deluxe Safeway Gate
& No-Holes Mounting Kits

Hardware-mounted baby gates

If there are stairs in your home, you have one option at the top and bottom: hardware-mounted baby gates. This means the gates are drilled into the wall or banisters themselves. Or better yet, mount the gate into a hole-free mounting kit and avoid drilling into your banister completely!  

You may be groaning at the thought of making holes in your walls, but avoid the temptation of installing a pressure-mounted gate at the top of the stairs. These gates can easily come loose and both gate and baby could go tumbling. 

Kidco Premier Center Gateway

Pressure-mounted baby gates

Depending on the layout of your home, pressure-mounted baby gates work in most doorways. They also satisfy the parent who isn’t keen on dragging out the drill or screwdriver. The KidCo Premiere Center Gateway® installs quickly without tools or hardware and without damaging walls or woodwork. Keep in mind that with pressure-mounted gates there is a stationary frame that remains firmly installed while the door swings open – so you will have to step over the bottom of the gate. All accident-prone parents, take note.

Retract-a-Gate

The look, the feel, the shape

Today’s baby gates are made from a variety of materials, including white metal, wood, and black metal. There are even retractable child proof gate options and some gates that are designed with extra-special flair so they look like they’re part of your décor rather than an eyesore (more on childproofing for modern décor). For extra-wide doorways, corners, or large areas, gate extensions can be attached to your baby gate so that the desired territory is cordoned off.

Installing baby gates can be complicated and time-consuming, but installation is the most important part of baby gates if they’re to actually do their job. You want the gates to be put in place correctly and safely so there is no chance of injury to anyone in your family. Safety installation kits can help you attach gates in and around tricky surfaces, including wrought iron and hollow walls. There are also a variety of gate mounts that can help simplify the process.