Baby Gate Safety Considerations

Important safety features to look for in a baby gate

The protection offered by a baby gate is determined by many different factors, some of which will vary from one home or child to another. These are the essential and variable safety qualities to consider as you shop for baby gates.

Certification

Baby safety gates that have been certified as meeting the safety standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) are designated by the official Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA) logo or seal.

Product registration

This one is actually something you need to do as a parent, not a feature to look for in a baby safety gate. After you receive the gate you've purchased, be sure to send in the included product registration card. If a recall ever goes out for that product, registration is what lets the manufacturer know that you should be notified of a potential safety hazard.

Mounting type

If you're using a baby gate to prevent your child from accessing a stairway or other potentially injurious spot, then a hardware mounted baby gate is recommended. Unlike pressure mounted baby gates, hardware mounted baby gates are installed using metal screws. This makes them more resistant to toppling under pressure or weight. You can visit our baby gates for stairs section for a variety of stair-safe products.

Size

Hallway and doorway widths vary. Babies and toddlers don't all grow at the same rate. For these reasons, it's important that you accurately measure the area you intend to block, and also that you choose a baby security gate that's tall or wide enough for the dimensions of your home and the size or strength of your child. Along with expandable models, we carry a wide variety of extra tall baby gates and extra wide baby gates.

Adult access

For your own safety and convenience, you may want to install a hands free or walk through baby gate. Swinging baby gates allow you to easily pass through with your hands full of toys, baby wipes, and food containers, but still offer reliable help in keeping baby where he or she belongs.

Avoid older designs

You may remember the old accordion baby gate, or see one from time to time at a yard sale. Accordion-style gates are no longer made because of the likelihood of babies getting stuck or injured in their openings. You should also avoid baby gates with widely spaced slats, or openings that might offer a ladder-like toe hold for precocious climbers.

Keep an eye out

Baby security gates are not a substitute for watchful parenting - though they sure do help.