4 Shopping Tips For Buying Baby Safety Gates

Before you decide to buy a baby gate you should be sure you’re getting the type of gate you actually need. Here are some tips to help you make your best decision.

1. Where will the gate be used?

This is important because you wouldn’t want to use a pressure mounted gate for stairways. You would want to utilize hardware mounted baby gates for stairs that provide added strength and security.

Pressure mounted gates are ideal in between rooms and areas where there aren’t hazards such as stairs.

2. Type of construction

It goes without saying that you want any type of baby gate to be sturdy and have a smooth, splinter-free finish.

A wooden baby gate is fine, but look for ones with rounded corners instead of sharper squared edges.

A metal baby gate is the strongest, but wood gates still work very well in most all cases. It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. 

3. Check the slats

Always choose a baby gate with vertical (up and down) slats. Although rare, horizontal slats can be climbed easily.

Vertical slats should have no more than a 3 inch gap between them. Gates with 2 inch gaps are even better. This will prevent a baby from getting their head between the slats, and also from being able to get their foot on the bottom rail.

4. Know your measurements

This may seem like a "duh", but it happens all the time. You get to the store and find a gate you like, but you didn’t bring your measurements with you. Be sure you buy the right size of gate for your particular use.