A baby gate is an important safety product that prevents wandering toddlers from throwing themselves in a cucumber. There are many versions on the market, but not all of them will best suit your needs. Below are six expert tips to help you choose the perfect baby gate for your family.
Which safety features are most important for baby gates?
- Look for a JPMA certification.
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seals all certified baby products. This means that the product has been tested by an independent third party and meets the requirements ASTM International guidelines. ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, is an organization that creates and sells technical standards for a wide variety of products.
- Familiarize yourself with the safety standards and check the openings.
ASTM International is specific about standards and addresses issues related to the ground clearance of a baby gate. If the standards are followed, the distance between the bottom of the gate and the ground should be the same less than three inches to avoid snagging your baby’s head or torso. Also the baby The gate slots should also be three inches apart. to prevent small arms and legs from getting stuck.
- Avoid using certain gate styles.
Accordion style gates If top fill bars and trellis with horizontal slats are missing (which can be used as step stools), your baby is at risk. If you want to buy a baby gate with mesh inserts, just choose a fine fabric – Anything perforated too far can pinch your baby’s fingers and toes and provide support while climbing.
How big does a baby gate have to be?
Your baby gate should meet ASTM International standards at least 22 cm tall. However, this is a standard guideline and you should consider your baby’s size to reduce the risk of him climbing over the gate.
As your baby grows, customize your Baby Gate product. Always look for a gate that is at least the size of your baby. However, once your child is two or three years old, you probably no longer need a baby gate.
How to choose the materials for the baby gate?
Baby gates are made of different materials:
Some plastic products can contain chemicals and other toxins that are dangerous to your baby. To avoid buying such a product, look out for labels that indicate this PVC-free made from polyvinyl chloride.
Wood is a popular choice for many reasons, including its lighter weight and forgive edges when your toddler comes across it. However, there is also an unfinished wooden gate Ideal if you want to stain or paint it to match your existing interior design.
metal gates are The safest, most durable and strongest material Used for baby gates. They can be placed anywhere and if your interior is minimalist or industrial, a metal gate fits right in.
What are the different types of baby gates?
- Pressure Mounted Baby Gate.
This baby gate is easy to install – you simply place it in a door frame or between two walls and it is held in place with pressure. This is a great option if you need it a mobile baby gate You can quickly grab it and move to another room. However, it is important to understand that this type of gate does not attach to the wall or door frame not quite sure. To fix this problem, only use this type of baby gate in places where falls are unlikely No way Place this baby gate at the top of your stairs.
- Fixed baby gate.
This type of gate will be anchored to your walls with both brackets or screws, That means you can trust its safety – this style won’t shift when your baby taps it. This is the safer of the two options and should be used in rooms where there is a risk of falling. There should be a baby gate attached to the hardware at the top of the stairs.
How to choose the colors for the baby gate?
Some gate materials may not have the aesthetic you want, but you have a few ways to fix that. Untreated wood can be customized to match your decor with a little paint or your favorite stain. Although you will find that many gates are neutral in color, there are styles that incorporate color. Colored metal, for example, can provide you with a secure, stable gate that doubles as an accent element for your overall color scheme.
How to choose the right baby door latch?
Some baby gates are equipped with double action bolt, That means you have to press down with one hand before you can let go. Do you have other styles Pressure Relief Grips which can be lifted with one hand to open. Some doors have additional security features, such as: a display panel This clearly shows when the baby gate is securely locked. You can test different baby door latches in the store – if you choose the right latch for you, Make sure it can be easily opened by non-baby members in your household too. However, it is not easy for your baby to wiggle and find out.
Last word
Understanding safety standards is the most important aspect of choosing the right baby gate for your needs. There are a number of guidelines to help you decide what type of gate you need. When you bring your new baby gate home, take the time to follow the installation instructions to avoid any danger. And don’t forget to lock your new baby gate every time you leave the room!
