Look out, there’s a baby on the move!
The time has finally come and your baby has started exploring the world on his or her own. Yes, this new found independence is super exciting for everyone involved, but it can be a little stressful when they wander near the stairs or stumble in that way babies do towards other potential hazards.
A baby gate or a stair gate is a great solution. It means your little one can happily explore while you have the peace of mind of knowing they can’t get anywhere that’s out of bounds. Learning how to install a safety gate properly is an important part of childproofing your home, but how do you choose the right baby gate or stair gate? Here we run through what you need to know.
The different types of baby gates and stair gates
So, which stair gate or baby gate is the best? It all depends on where you’re going to put it. There are two main types to choose from:
Pressure-mounted safety gates
A pressure-mounted gate is simple to install. All you need to do is put it between a door frame or between two walls at the bottom of the stairs (depending on the layout of your stairs). Then you simply rely on the pressure to keep it in place. As well as being easy to install, you can also move this type of baby gate around your home as and when you need to. It’s also a good choice if you’re renting as you won’t need to drill any holes in the walls – although you might need to watch out for any paint peeling off when you move it. But that’s just a simple fix.
The downside to these gates is that they’re not 100% secure and can potentially be knocked over by a child as they’re not permanently fixed to the wall. When properly installed, the best pressure stair gates provide convenient security for non-dangerous areas – such as doors between rooms and anywhere that falls aren’t likely to happen.
Wall-mounted safety gates
Wall-mounted gates are anchored to the walls with screws or brackets, providing extra security and sturdy protection. They’re often considered the best safety gate for stairs – especially at the top where safety matters most.
A wall-mounted gate will require some tools and a little drilling, but they’re super-simple to install.
For more information on how to install a safety gate, take a look at our guide to baby gates.
What to think about before buying a baby gate
Before shopping for the best baby stair gates, consider these four essential factors. If you run through these steps in advance, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle. You can be sure to get the right gate for your needs, and most-importantly one that fits your intended location:
- Measure the width of the opening where you want it to go. When looking for the best safety gate for stairs, measure both the top and bottom of the stairs in case measurements vary. For doorways, measure between the skirting. If you need a larger fit, Munchkin stock plenty of wider options for areas with irregular openings or larger gaps.
- Choose how you want to fix your gate – whether pressure-mounted or screw-mounted. As we’ve already mentioned, the location you want it in can be a deciding factor in this.
- Decide how you want the gate to open and close. You can choose between a variety of opening and closing options – from gates that swing open in both directions to ones you can open and close with one hand. You’ll also need to decide between gates that close automatically and ones you need to shut manually.
- Think about your material and finishes – you need something sturdy like metal or wood. But you’ll also want to consider one that will match your home décor too.
By following these four essential buying steps, you’ll make your shopping experience a dream. And most importantly, you’ll find the best safety gate for your stairs, ensuring your home is safe for a baby on the move!
Looking for more parenting tips and tricks? Why not check out our StrollerCoaster podcast or head to our advice hub?
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