April 2007
Safety gates
With an active baby on the loose, it can seem that every time you turn around, you're opening or closing a gate. But a gate
or two can actually make your life a little easier and your child a lot safer by keeping her contained and away from hazards,
such as stairs. You can also use a gate to keep a pet away from a child (and vice versa). Child safety gates are intended
for children between 6 months and 24 months of age, not for older children.
All the gates Consumer Reports tested (see our safety gate Ratings, available to ) can be opened and closed by an adult, but have various designs to prevent children from opening them. Child safety gates come in two basic types, based on the method of installation.
HARDWARE-MOUNTED OR PERMANENT GATE
This type of gate requires screws for installation in a doorway. You drill holes in a door frame or stud behind the wall and attach the gate with brackets and screws. If properly secured to the doorjamb or between two walls, hardware-mounted gates are the most secure choice, although no gate can be guaranteed to keep a child in or out. Many hardware-mounted gates are made with vertical wood, enamel-coated steel, or aluminum tubing slats and top and bottom rails.
Where you'll need it: At the top of the stairs. Hardware-mounted gates are intended for stair locations. Most will swing open only one way--such as away from the stairs--for maximum safety. Some brands allow you to choose in which direction it swings (for example, if you decide to install the gate at the bottom of stairs).
Installation: You must drill holes into the door frame or, if the opening doesn't have a wood door frame, you must drill through the drywall or plaster into the wood framing behind. (You can fill in the holes later with wood putty or wall-patching compound when you no longer use the gate.) You can remove many of these gates from the mounting hardware when you want the doorway or opening free.
PRESSURE-MOUNTED GATE
A pressure-mounted gate is held in an opening by pressure against the door frame or walls. Pressure-mounted gates can have two sliding panels that adjust to make the gate fit the opening. (You remove the panels or slide them to the side to walk through.) A pressure bar or some other locking mechanism then wedges the gate into place without hardware. A swing-style pressure-mounted gate, which has a gate door that swings open, is also an option. Pressure keeps it in place and installation doesn't require drilling. Like hardware-mounted gates, pressure-mounted gates are often made with vertical wood, enamel-coated steel, or aluminum tubing slats and top and bottom rails. They may also be made of plastic, wire, or nylon mesh or plastic-coated wire, which may be framed with end tubes and top rails of either wood or coated metal. A few are made with transparent plastic center panels.
Where you'll need it: Pressure-mounted gates are suitable for less hazardous locations, such as between rooms. They're useful in areas where falling isn't a major concern, such as in a doorway separating two areas with same-level flooring; you might use one, for example, to cordon off your kitchen so you can make dinner without a crawling baby underfoot, or at the bottom of a stairway to discourage your little climber from venturing upstairs. We recommend that you not use a pressure-mounted gate at the top of stairs. Take that recommendation seriously.
Installation: To set one up, you adjust it to fit the opening by squeezing it in place. A pressure bar or other locking mechanism wedges the gate in place, leaving no permanent holes, although it may mar the door frame or wall. Basic pressure gates fit openings between 26 and 38 inches, give or take a few inches, depending on the model. Many houses and apartments have wider door openings, so manufacturers offer wider models--some as wide as 62 inches. Some models have optional extensions you purchase separately.
SHOPPING SECRETS
Decide where you'll use it. A hardware-mounted gate is harder to dislodge than a pressure-mounted gate. That's why it is the only choice anywhere security is paramount, such as the top of a stairway. For less hazardous areas such as between rooms, a portable pressure-mounted gate may do the trick.
Size up the slats. Avoid gates with horizontal slats; they're an invitation for a child to climb. Luckily, there don't seem to be many on the market. Some gates have enough space between their vertical slats to let adventurous toddlers get a foothold on the gate's horizontal bottom rail. They won't be able to climb up the gate, but they may be able to hop onto the bottom rail and go for a ride, which could be unsafe, perhaps even dislodging a pressure gate, or strain the gate's integrity. So look for narrow spaces between the vertical slats. Vertical slats or bars should be less than 3 inches apart to prevent head entrapment, but try to find slats even closer together.
Check construction. Look for sturdy construction and an even finish. Wood surfaces should be smooth, splinter-free, and fashioned with rounded rather than sharply squared edges. Metal is more durable than wood. Some metal gates have a support bar that crosses the floor beneath the gate, which could cause tripping when the gate is open.
Do your homework. Bring width measurements of doors or openings with you when you shop, and try to avoid gates that will need to be at their maximum width to fit; they may wobble.
Try it before you buy. Most tested models have a dual-action latch that can be opened with one adult hand. Try to test models in the store to make sure they're easy for you to use.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
The major brands of child safety gates are, in alphabetical order: Cardinal Gates (www.cardinalgates.com), Evenflo (www.evenflo.com), GMI (www.gmigates.com), KidCo (www.kidco.com), Lascal (www.regallager.com), Mommy's Helper (www.mommyshelperinc.com), North States Industries (www.northstatesind.com), Regalo (available at www.walmart.com), Safety 1st (www.safety1st.com), Simplicity (www.simplicityforchildren.com), Summer Infant (www.summerinfant.com), and The First Years (www.thefirstyears.com). Prices range from $12.56 to $134.99.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Whether you choose a hardware- or pressure-mounted gate, look for one that's JPMA-certified and install it according to the manufacturer's directions. Never use a pressure gate or the pressure-mount option on a gate that can be installed either way at the top of stairs--no matter how much you want to avoid drilling holes into your woodwork. Choose a gate with a straight top edge and closely spaced, rigid vertical slats or a mesh screen. Avoid accordion-style gates without a top filler bar (with open spokes at the top) and gates with horizontal slats or similarly tempting footholds. If you choose a model with mesh panels, look for a fine weave--wide-holed mesh may provide a foothold for climbing or could trap fingers.
Follow mounting instructions carefully. Allow yourself a good hour for installing hardware-mounted gates. If you suspect your gate-installation skills aren't up to snuff or you don't have an electric drill, which is usually required, recruit a handy friend or relative. After you've installed a gate, frequently check hardware where it attaches to the gate and wall. Loose hardware not only makes a gate less effective but may be a choking risk if it falls off, or your baby pulls it off. Pressure-mounted gates can also be surprisingly easy to dislodge. Even the most stable pressure-mounted gate will work loose over time, so inspect it often. Keep large toys, such as stuffed animals or riding toys, away from the gate so they can't be used as a step stool for climbing over the gate.
Always close the gate when you leave the room or use the stairs. Finally, remember that a gate is only a deterrent, not a replacement for adult supervision. You'll still have to keep a close eye on your child.
All the gates Consumer Reports tested (see our safety gate Ratings, available to ) can be opened and closed by an adult, but have various designs to prevent children from opening them. Child safety gates come in two basic types, based on the method of installation.
HARDWARE-MOUNTED OR PERMANENT GATE
This type of gate requires screws for installation in a doorway. You drill holes in a door frame or stud behind the wall and attach the gate with brackets and screws. If properly secured to the doorjamb or between two walls, hardware-mounted gates are the most secure choice, although no gate can be guaranteed to keep a child in or out. Many hardware-mounted gates are made with vertical wood, enamel-coated steel, or aluminum tubing slats and top and bottom rails.
Where you'll need it: At the top of the stairs. Hardware-mounted gates are intended for stair locations. Most will swing open only one way--such as away from the stairs--for maximum safety. Some brands allow you to choose in which direction it swings (for example, if you decide to install the gate at the bottom of stairs).
Installation: You must drill holes into the door frame or, if the opening doesn't have a wood door frame, you must drill through the drywall or plaster into the wood framing behind. (You can fill in the holes later with wood putty or wall-patching compound when you no longer use the gate.) You can remove many of these gates from the mounting hardware when you want the doorway or opening free.
PRESSURE-MOUNTED GATE
A pressure-mounted gate is held in an opening by pressure against the door frame or walls. Pressure-mounted gates can have two sliding panels that adjust to make the gate fit the opening. (You remove the panels or slide them to the side to walk through.) A pressure bar or some other locking mechanism then wedges the gate into place without hardware. A swing-style pressure-mounted gate, which has a gate door that swings open, is also an option. Pressure keeps it in place and installation doesn't require drilling. Like hardware-mounted gates, pressure-mounted gates are often made with vertical wood, enamel-coated steel, or aluminum tubing slats and top and bottom rails. They may also be made of plastic, wire, or nylon mesh or plastic-coated wire, which may be framed with end tubes and top rails of either wood or coated metal. A few are made with transparent plastic center panels.
Where you'll need it: Pressure-mounted gates are suitable for less hazardous locations, such as between rooms. They're useful in areas where falling isn't a major concern, such as in a doorway separating two areas with same-level flooring; you might use one, for example, to cordon off your kitchen so you can make dinner without a crawling baby underfoot, or at the bottom of a stairway to discourage your little climber from venturing upstairs. We recommend that you not use a pressure-mounted gate at the top of stairs. Take that recommendation seriously.
Installation: To set one up, you adjust it to fit the opening by squeezing it in place. A pressure bar or other locking mechanism wedges the gate in place, leaving no permanent holes, although it may mar the door frame or wall. Basic pressure gates fit openings between 26 and 38 inches, give or take a few inches, depending on the model. Many houses and apartments have wider door openings, so manufacturers offer wider models--some as wide as 62 inches. Some models have optional extensions you purchase separately.
SHOPPING SECRETS
Decide where you'll use it. A hardware-mounted gate is harder to dislodge than a pressure-mounted gate. That's why it is the only choice anywhere security is paramount, such as the top of a stairway. For less hazardous areas such as between rooms, a portable pressure-mounted gate may do the trick.
Size up the slats. Avoid gates with horizontal slats; they're an invitation for a child to climb. Luckily, there don't seem to be many on the market. Some gates have enough space between their vertical slats to let adventurous toddlers get a foothold on the gate's horizontal bottom rail. They won't be able to climb up the gate, but they may be able to hop onto the bottom rail and go for a ride, which could be unsafe, perhaps even dislodging a pressure gate, or strain the gate's integrity. So look for narrow spaces between the vertical slats. Vertical slats or bars should be less than 3 inches apart to prevent head entrapment, but try to find slats even closer together.
Check construction. Look for sturdy construction and an even finish. Wood surfaces should be smooth, splinter-free, and fashioned with rounded rather than sharply squared edges. Metal is more durable than wood. Some metal gates have a support bar that crosses the floor beneath the gate, which could cause tripping when the gate is open.
Do your homework. Bring width measurements of doors or openings with you when you shop, and try to avoid gates that will need to be at their maximum width to fit; they may wobble.
Try it before you buy. Most tested models have a dual-action latch that can be opened with one adult hand. Try to test models in the store to make sure they're easy for you to use.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
The major brands of child safety gates are, in alphabetical order: Cardinal Gates (www.cardinalgates.com), Evenflo (www.evenflo.com), GMI (www.gmigates.com), KidCo (www.kidco.com), Lascal (www.regallager.com), Mommy's Helper (www.mommyshelperinc.com), North States Industries (www.northstatesind.com), Regalo (available at www.walmart.com), Safety 1st (www.safety1st.com), Simplicity (www.simplicityforchildren.com), Summer Infant (www.summerinfant.com), and The First Years (www.thefirstyears.com). Prices range from $12.56 to $134.99.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Whether you choose a hardware- or pressure-mounted gate, look for one that's JPMA-certified and install it according to the manufacturer's directions. Never use a pressure gate or the pressure-mount option on a gate that can be installed either way at the top of stairs--no matter how much you want to avoid drilling holes into your woodwork. Choose a gate with a straight top edge and closely spaced, rigid vertical slats or a mesh screen. Avoid accordion-style gates without a top filler bar (with open spokes at the top) and gates with horizontal slats or similarly tempting footholds. If you choose a model with mesh panels, look for a fine weave--wide-holed mesh may provide a foothold for climbing or could trap fingers.
Follow mounting instructions carefully. Allow yourself a good hour for installing hardware-mounted gates. If you suspect your gate-installation skills aren't up to snuff or you don't have an electric drill, which is usually required, recruit a handy friend or relative. After you've installed a gate, frequently check hardware where it attaches to the gate and wall. Loose hardware not only makes a gate less effective but may be a choking risk if it falls off, or your baby pulls it off. Pressure-mounted gates can also be surprisingly easy to dislodge. Even the most stable pressure-mounted gate will work loose over time, so inspect it often. Keep large toys, such as stuffed animals or riding toys, away from the gate so they can't be used as a step stool for climbing over the gate.
Always close the gate when you leave the room or use the stairs. Finally, remember that a gate is only a deterrent, not a replacement for adult supervision. You'll still have to keep a close eye on your child.
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CERTIFICATION |
