As a parent, you take your child’s safety seriously. You baby-proof your home, making sure that sharp corners are covered, and electrical outlets are hidden. But what about your baby gate? Is it really safe?
You might be surprised to learn that a baby gate could be dangerous. That’s right; those seemingly innocuous metal or wood bars could pose a serious threat to your little one.
Of course, baby gates are not inherently dangerous. They’re designed to keep curious toddlers from wandering into areas where they might get hurt. But if your baby gate has no safety certification or is not correctly installed or adequately maintained, then it can be incredibly dangerous.
This blog post will discuss some factors that make your baby gates dangerous and what you can do to keep your child safe. Keep reading.
Why is your baby gate dangerous?
Most parents don’t think twice about using a baby gate to protect their children from harm. But did you know that an estimated 37,673 children were treated in emergency departments with baby gate-related injuries? So even though a baby gate is a necessary part of babyproofing, some factors are so critical that they can make this safety equipment a safety hazard. Keep reading to learn more.
Read More: Best Baby Gate For Bottom Of Stairs
Lack of Compliance With Safety Standards/ Safety Certification:
It’s hard to believe that something as innocuous as a baby gate could be dangerous. But it turns out that many baby gates on the market lack the JPMA safety certification or ASTM compliance, meaning they don’t meet the highest safety standards. If you’re using one of these gates, you could be putting your child at risk. So before buying a baby gate, be sure to research a safe and reliable product with safety certification. Your child’s safety is worth it.
Incorrect Installation:
If you have a baby gate, you might want to check to see if it’s installed correctly. Believe it or not, many parents think their baby gates are correctly installed when they’re not. And it is obvious that an incorrectly installed baby gate won’t provide the support it should, which could lead to a serious accident. So, please be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing your baby gate. And if you are still confused about the installation, then there is always the option of calling a babyproofing expert to help you to install the baby gate.
Using A Pressure Mounted Baby gate For Top of Stairs:
If you have a pressure-mounted baby gate at the top of your stairs, you might as well not have a baby gate at all. That’s because a pressure-mounted baby gate that stands between two walls using pressure is only meant for the places where the risk factor is relatively less, like the bottom of stairs or doorway. But at the top of the stairs, a hardware-mounted gate is a must because this type of babu gate is installed using screws and is very secure. So if you’ve been using a pressure-mounted gate at the top of the stairs, it’s time to switch to a hardware-mounted gate. Your baby will be safer, and you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your little one can’t escape. Otherwise, you might as well not bother.
Read more: Best Baby Gate For Top Of Stairs
If The Baby Gate Is Too High Off The Ground:
Many parents make the mistake of installing their gates too high off the ground. This may seem like a good idea, as it can help accommodate baseboards or allow the family pet to squeeze underneath the baby gate. However, it also means your little one can crawl underneath—or at least attempt to. If you’re not careful, they could end up getting stuck. And if they’re successful, they may be able to reach hazards, including stairs or sharp objects. So if you’re using a baby gate, be sure to install it low to the ground. This will help to ensure that your child stays safe and sound.
Leave the gate up too long:
If you leave a baby gate up for too long, your child may learn how to climb over it and get hurt. So what’s the solution? The best way to avoid these hazards is to only use baby gates until your little one reaches the age when he/she can climb over the baby gates. You need to put the baby gate on afterward.
Poorly maintained:
Parenting is hard enough without having to worry about whether or not your baby gate is going to be a safety hazard. Unfortunately, if you’re not careful, that’s exactly what could happen. Baby gates are designed to keep curious toddlers from wandering into areas where they might get hurt. But it might become dangerous if you don’t regularly check and maintain your baby gate.
Inspect the gate for any damage or wear and tear, and make sure to fix any problems immediately. So next time you’re stressed out about everything you have to do to keep your toddler safe, just remember: a little bit of preventive maintenance can go a long way.
Read More: Why Do We Need Baby Gate
Bottom Bar May cause Trip Hazard:
We often overlook one potential danger associated with baby gates: the bottom bar. You and your child could possibly trip over the bottom bar, could fall, and get hurt.
Sharp corners:
Your baby gate may have sharp corners that can easily injure a small child who falls against it.
Two Way Opening:
Many baby gate doors have a two-way opening. On the one hand, baby gates with such features are incredibly user-friendly; on the other hand, if you’re using them at the top of the stairs, they can be a bit of a safety hazard. The reason for this is that the two-way opening allows the gate to swing over the stairs, which could be a disaster if your little one decides to push it open. So, if you’re using a baby gate for top stairs with such features, make sure you use it with caution – and maybe consider investing in a gate with a one-way opening instead.
So, is your baby gate dangerous? The answer is a little complicated. Baby gates are designed to protect babies and young children, but if not installed or used correctly, they can actually be quite dangerous. It’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow them closely in order to ensure your child’s safety. If you have any questions about how to install or use your baby gate safely, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer or a professional installer. With proper installation and use, baby gates can provide an extra layer of protection for your child while they are learning to walk.
