Baby Gates - Which one is best for you? |
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When it comes to buying baby (safety) gates, there are many things you must consider before that final purchase. I have had seven years dealing with purchasing baby gates and made the wrong purchase for my needs 90% of that time, until I finally found what worked for me. Here are some tips to help you decide on the right gate for you:
- First, decide which locations in your home you definitely need a gate, because having too many can be frustrating and can make YOU feel confined
- Understand that not all openings require top-of-the-line expensive gates (i.e. a hallway can be adequately blocked off by using a non-invasive, temporary, adjustable gate). These types of gates work well for children until about age three years - after which time they may become strong enough to push it down - THESE GATES ARE NEVER RECOMMENDED FOR STAIRS. For high-traffic hallways you may want to get a shorter gate instead of a tall one so adults can easily step over them instead of having to repeatedly move them. These gates can be bought at virtually any retailer for between $20-$50.
- If the gate is being used to block off pets(especially big pets) you should invest some time and money to find a gate that is made of sturdy material and it should be a mountable gate rather than a temporary - One I like is by www.playfence.com - a strong retractable gate that retracts out of the way for when not in use - I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS GATE TO BE USED AT THE TOP OF STAIRS because of the large opening it may leave for pets and children to crawl up under. This gate is around $100.
- A great (and actually the best out of 5 gates I have tried) top-of-the-stairs gate that I highly recommend is by www.cardinalgates.com. The "auto-lock" gate is the safest, strongest, and longest-lasting gate I have found. It is quiet and you can install it to open either direction. If using this as a top-of-the-stairs gate, however, you don't want it to swing open over the stairs. It is around $100, but we had to buy the extension for $20 extra because our stair opening was more than the standard 42", but well worth every penny.
No mattter what type of gate you end up purchasing, make sure that you keep the reciept and manufacturer's warranty papers in case of any issues. I don't recommend buying safety gates second hand simply for the lack of this paperwork and assurance. Good luck and stay safe! |
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