The debate over baby gates is one that is sure to continue. Do they keep babies safe, or do they trap them in a confined space? What are the right and wrong ways to use them? Here are the DOs and DON’Ts of baby gates to make sure yours keeps your little one safe.
16 Do’s of Baby Gates:
- Do measure the opening before purchasing a baby gate.
- Do choose a baby gate that is the right size for the opening.
- Do use baby gates for the top of stairs and fireplace; It’s a must.
- Do inspect the baby gate regularly to make sure it is in good condition and functioning properly.
- Do make sure the baby gate is tall enough so that a child cannot climb over it.
- Do close safety gates completely every time you pass through them, even if you’re only going to be gone for a second.
- Do contact the manufacturer with any questions or concerns you have about the baby gate.
- Do read online reviews before choosing a baby gate.
- Do hire a professional to install the baby gate if you are not confident in your ability to do so.
- Do check the weight limit of your pressure-mounted baby gate to make sure it can support your child’s weight.
- Do make sure the baby gate is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and meets safety standards set by ASTM.
- Do store the baby gate safely when it is not in use.
- Do read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before installing the baby gate.
- Do install a baby gate when your child reaches the crawling stage, around six months of age.
- Do purchase a baby gate that comes with a warranty.
- Do use a wall spacer when you need to install a baby gate on a baseboard.
Read more: Best Baby Gate for Top Of stairs
16 Don’ts of Baby Gates
- Don’t use a pressure-mounted baby gate at the top of the stairs and fireplace.
- Don’t rely on baby gates only to keep children safe. Always use parental
- Don’t forget to use a baby gate for the bottom of stairs, be it a pressure-mounted or hardware-mounted baby gate.
- Don’t use a baby gate with sharp edges or points.
- Don’t use a damaged or broken baby gate, as it could cause injury.
- Don’t use a baby gate with wide spacing between the slats, as a child’s head could get stuck.
- Don’t purchase a baby gate without first checking the return policy, as you may not be able to return it if you are not satisfied.
- Don’t use a baby gate that is made from toxic materials, as it could be harmful to your child.
- Don’t stack baby gates one over the other.
- Don’t neglect to inspect the baby gate regularly.
- Don’t let the baby gate swing over the top of the stairs. Use a baby gate with one way opening for the top of the stairs. If the baby gate has a two-way opening, make sure the baby gate has
- Stop Bracket to prevent the gate from swinging over Stairs.
- Don’t use a baby gate that has a bottom bar to avoid a trip hazard.
- Don’t forget that you can donate a baby gate to a charity or someone in need if you no longer have a use for it.
- Don’t use the baby gate when your children can climb the baby gate or have the smartness to open it. This is around 24 months when you should stop using a baby gate.
- Don’t set up the baby gate too high off the ground to accommodate the baseboard.
- Don’t purchase a baby gate that has no warranty.
Read more: Best Baby Gate For Bottom Of Stairs
So there you have it, the do’s and don’ts of baby gates. Hopefully, this will help make your decision a little easier when it comes time to buy one. Just remember, safety should always be your number one priority! Have any other safety tips for parents? Share them in the comments below!
