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KidCo offers some guidelines and tips for using baby safety gates and other products to keep your child safe at home!
Selecting a Baby Safety Gate
If you are expecting or have a little one it is not a matter of “if” you need a safety gate, it is a matter of “when” you need to install safety gates in your home. Safety gates should be on the list of “essential things needed” when having a baby. Add them to your registry. Install them while you are preparing the nursery.
How to pick a safety gate? First and foremost, you should be looking at safety gates that are truly meant to be baby safety gates. These gate will indicate they are certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Safety gates that are certified meet certain safety standards that ensure you are using a safe product. The space between the vertical bars should not exceed 3 inches. When installed the gate should be a minimum of 22 inches tall and the bottom of the gate should not exceed a height of 3 inches from the floor.
Hardware Mount Gates
Hardware mount gates should always be used at the top of stairs. Look for features that prevent the gate from opening up over the open staircase. Top of stair safety gates should be adjustable to provide a custom fit when installed. If your installation points do not align, choosing an angle mount gate will allow for a proper installation. Hardware should be secured into a solid surface. Installation aids will help with creating a solid surface, preventing drilling into banisters and ensuring the gate is installed properly. After determining how the gate will mount, and what aids are needed for a secure installation, determine which of the additional features are important:
- One hand operation
- Manufacturer included template for guiding proper placement of hardware installation
- Quick release hardware
- Metal, wood, or a combination of both
- Color
Pressure Mount Gates
Pressure mount gates are a great choice for bottom of stairs, in doorways and high traffic areas. Pressure mount gates usually install with no tools needed, offer two-way door and are adjustable at all four corners to provide for proper installation. Added features include one-hand operation, auto close and auto lock, and optional extensions to properly fit the installation area. Some pressure mount gate with optional extensions added can accommodate a 6’ foot opening. A variety of color and material choices are available to compliment home décor. Never use a pressure mount gate at the top of a stairway.
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Large and odd shaped areas
There are safety gates made especially for large and odd shaped areas. Some offer the versatility of being hardware mounted or by adding extra pieces lock together created a secure play area.
Fireplaces
If you have a fireplace in your home, installing a gate around the fireplace will prevent your little one from getting close to the fire and heat of the fire. Some fireplaces have a brick or stone hearth which pose a danger if little ones fall over or bump into it. There are gates designed to fit a standard fireplace and include doorway so you can easily access.
Before you purchase your safety gates, do some research. Visit manufacturer websites to review features they offer on their safety gates. Call their customer care department and ask for assistance in choosing safety gates. A reputable brand should be able to recommend the correct gate for your installation area and offer you advice of any needed installation aids.
Most importantly, be prepared and keep your baby safe!
To learn more about KidCo, a leading manufacturer of baby gates abd baby safety products, visit kidco.com!
Lorraine Parisi is the Marketing Services Manager at KidCo, Inc. In addition to her 11 years of experience in the juvenile products industry, she has enjoyed 27 years of being a mother and the hands on experience with her 20+ nieces and nephews. “In 27 years of being a mom, I have never met an age I did not like. And I have found that in the heart of a mother, no matter how old your children are, you always want to keep them safe,” she says.
