April 2007
Features to consider Safety gates
Gate safety depends on solid construction, reliable hardware, and the absence of entrapment hazards.
Height. To discourage an adventurous child from climbing over, a gate must stand a minimum of three-quarters of the child's height. Most gates measure 22 inches or more from top to bottom. If your child is tall for his age, go with a higher gate. Some stand as high as 32 inches. When a child is taller than 36 inches or weighs more than 30 pounds (usually at about 2 years of age), a gate is no longer adequate or safe.
Installation flexibility. Many gates can be mounted to odd areas, such as stair balusters, angled banisters, and into drywall where there is no wood framing behind. You may, however, need to purchase a specific installation kit for these areas, and adjust to fit openings as wide as 62 inches. Kidco has an installation kit for mounting its gates even to wrought iron. Some hardware-mounted gates can be slid out of their wall mountings, which is a bonus when, say, you're entertaining and don't want the gate in the way.
Latches. Many gates have a dual-action latch that can be opened with one hand by an adult. Try different types of latches in the store to make sure they're easy to use. A gate with a squeezing mechanism opens by compressing parts of the gate, but this type of latch can be uncomfortable to use, so test it in the store. Other options are a pressure-release handle, which can be lifted with one hand to open the gate. Some models have a foot pedal that requires strong pressure to release.
The latest models, such as the Evenflo SimpleEffort and SimpleEffort Plus, both pressure-mounted gates, unlock at the push of a button on a wall console or remote control, though with the SimpleEffort model we tested, we had to wait about 6 seconds to be able to relatch the gate. To open the gate, you won't have to put your baby down. But you still have to push the gate open (your knee can do the job) and close the gate manually. Nine-volt and 4 C batteries are required (not included). The Auto-Close Gate by North States Industries, which can be either pressure- or hardware-mounted, closes and locks automatically with a little shove. Plus, it can be opened by an adult with one hand.
Sound and color. Many gates audibly click when they're shut, signaling that they're doing their
job. Others, such as the Perfect Fit Gate by Safety 1st and the Evenflo SimpleStep Gate, have a color indicator showing when the gate is locked. (See the safety gate Ratings, available to .)
Let there be light--on the stairway. At least one model we know of, the Smart Light Stair Gate by Safety 1st, features a motion sensor night-light that glows when you approach it--an added safety and convenience feature around stairs for when you're parenting on the night shift.
Travel. Some pressure-mounted models are marketed for temporary situations, such as travel, and come with a carrying case, like the Kidco Gateway to Go G14. They can make a hotel room or a relative's home more child-friendly.
Gate safety depends on solid construction, reliable hardware, and the absence of entrapment hazards.
Height. To discourage an adventurous child from climbing over, a gate must stand a minimum of three-quarters of the child's height. Most gates measure 22 inches or more from top to bottom. If your child is tall for his age, go with a higher gate. Some stand as high as 32 inches. When a child is taller than 36 inches or weighs more than 30 pounds (usually at about 2 years of age), a gate is no longer adequate or safe.
Installation flexibility. Many gates can be mounted to odd areas, such as stair balusters, angled banisters, and into drywall where there is no wood framing behind. You may, however, need to purchase a specific installation kit for these areas, and adjust to fit openings as wide as 62 inches. Kidco has an installation kit for mounting its gates even to wrought iron. Some hardware-mounted gates can be slid out of their wall mountings, which is a bonus when, say, you're entertaining and don't want the gate in the way.
Latches. Many gates have a dual-action latch that can be opened with one hand by an adult. Try different types of latches in the store to make sure they're easy to use. A gate with a squeezing mechanism opens by compressing parts of the gate, but this type of latch can be uncomfortable to use, so test it in the store. Other options are a pressure-release handle, which can be lifted with one hand to open the gate. Some models have a foot pedal that requires strong pressure to release.
The latest models, such as the Evenflo SimpleEffort and SimpleEffort Plus, both pressure-mounted gates, unlock at the push of a button on a wall console or remote control, though with the SimpleEffort model we tested, we had to wait about 6 seconds to be able to relatch the gate. To open the gate, you won't have to put your baby down. But you still have to push the gate open (your knee can do the job) and close the gate manually. Nine-volt and 4 C batteries are required (not included). The Auto-Close Gate by North States Industries, which can be either pressure- or hardware-mounted, closes and locks automatically with a little shove. Plus, it can be opened by an adult with one hand.
Sound and color. Many gates audibly click when they're shut, signaling that they're doing their
job. Others, such as the Perfect Fit Gate by Safety 1st and the Evenflo SimpleStep Gate, have a color indicator showing when the gate is locked. (See the safety gate Ratings, available to .)
Let there be light--on the stairway. At least one model we know of, the Smart Light Stair Gate by Safety 1st, features a motion sensor night-light that glows when you approach it--an added safety and convenience feature around stairs for when you're parenting on the night shift.
Travel. Some pressure-mounted models are marketed for temporary situations, such as travel, and come with a carrying case, like the Kidco Gateway to Go G14. They can make a hotel room or a relative's home more child-friendly.
