It is inevitable that once your baby becomes more mobile and uses his independence to explore the confines of his home, he will have more than his share of tumbles and "ouches." As soon as a baby can crawl, pull herself up and then eventually walk, her natural curiosities will have her navigating your home like an expert in no time at all. With these new skills, it brings about a need to set clear boundaries for your toddler. Setting up boundaries means childproofing your home, which is essential to keeping your child safe and minimizing injury potentials. A good way to set up clear boundaries is by using stair gates.
Stair gates are gates that block off access to the stairs in your home. To cover all access points, one can be placed at the top of the stairs and another at the bottom. Ideally, parents want to implement the use of stair gates just prior to their baby learning how to crawl, and definitely prior to them walking. Babies are fast, and in a split second can tumble down stairs that are not guarded and childproofed. Having a stair gate is one step parents can take to minimize unnecessary accidents.
What to Look for
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, stair gates that are used to block a baby's or toddler's access at the top of a staircase must be mounted to the wall or handrail with screws. This will prevent the gate from giving way should the child lean on it. It is suggested that parents can use a "pressure mounted" stair gate at the bottom of a staircase. These types of gates are adjustable and slide snugly in the specific size of the stairway; however, you can also use a gate that mounts to the wall at the bottom of the stairs as you have at the top.
Some stair gates are made with mesh panels, some are made with wooden or metal bars, and still others are made of durable plastic. There are some gates that work with a slide mechanism, while others fasten in place and incorporate a gate-like door with a locking mechanism. There are many different styles and brands on the market and each have a different fit, which makes it important to measure the space of the stairway you plan to use it in.
To ensure quality safety, make sure the gate that is chosen is taught and will not allow the child to slip underneath. Also, for gates with bars, make sure the child cannot fit their heads through the bars, which can lead to a dangerous situation. Check for sturdiness by looking to see how much weight impact the gate can withstand. The stair gate should open easily for the parent, but not easily for the child. Most stair gates come with the screws and mounts you will need to assemble it properly in your home, but double check. The newer gates on the market should carry the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification label, whereas a used gate may not meet current safety standards or may have been on a product recall list.
Common Pitfalls
While stair gates do help create a safer home, it does not replace the watchful eye of a parent. Babies and toddlers are quick, and if your child learns the fine art of climbing, a gate may not solve your problems. Used stair gates might seem like a good way to save money, but they do not always come with the appropriate screws and mounts, instructions and the level of durability that comes with a new stair gate. So, before opting for a used versus new, check baby product recall lists and look at the sturdiness of the gate, especially the area where it mounts to the wall.
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