Do you live in a home with stairs? Got an active baby on the loose? Well, whatever the case may be, you should know that the staircase is not your child's best friend! Babies are cute, lovely, cuddly, charming, sweet and more; words cannot express how much everyone adores babies. However, at the same time, babies are delicate and are unable to protect themselves or do much when they fall a victim of domestic accidents. In fact, a scary study from Centers of Disease Control & Prevention reveals that about 8000 children are treated in emergency rooms across the United States for fall-related injuries. Now, this count happens on a daily basis, which implies that there are over 2.8 million injuries a year.
Speaking of domestic accidents, the stairs is one part of the home that happens to be very dangerous to babies. Stairs can be very dangerous to infants due to their undeveloped balance. Since crawling babies lack proper balance, they are likely to fall a victim of falls which can cause heartbreaking injury. Let's face it, a baby falling from the stairs is a potential disaster; they're not just falling a few inches to the ground but all the way to the bottom of the stairs. Now that's one terrifying thought!
Baby Stair Gates to the Rescue!
Well, the only way to keep your cute baby safe is to restrict his or her movement, and the most trusted solution is to install the best baby gate for stairs. Safety gates for stairs are an absolute necessity in every home with active crawling babies.
As parents, you have to be proactive to take preventive measures to ensure the maximum safety for your babies. In fact, you only have to turn your back for a second on an infant for them to crawl away. But the good news is that stair gates are sure to provide a sense of security to you in the sense that your toddler will be unable to climb up or down the stairs. For the most part, child gate for stairs are intended for toddlers between six to twenty-four months.
Tips for Choosing a Baby Gate for Stairs
So here we are, I guess you've decided to join the club of awesome parents who care about their children's safety. However, it's very crucial for you to know the basics of stairway gates before taking the plunge so you can get the best value for money. The truth is that many factors go into finding the perfect stair gate for your home and child, as such; you will find that some styles and types don't add up.
Here are some important things to consider:
Where to Put the Baby Stair Gate?
You have to consider where you're going to install the baby gate, this is crucial. For the most part, you can place them at both the top and bottom of the stairs. Baby gate for the top of stairs is meant to protect your child from falling down the stairs. Putting a stairway baby gate at the top simply implies that your toddler can't get downstairs on their own. This is sure to come in handy once they can independently get out of their cot. It's also imperative to inspect your child safety gate to ensure that it's still fitted securely. Also, be sure to discourage your child from climbing over the gate. Just explain to them that it's there to keep them safe and that they should avoid playing on the staircase.
Which Material Do You Prefer? Metal, Wood or Plastic?
There are basically three types of baby gate materials. The most durable type is the steel. Steel or metal gates are the most popular in today's market. They also offer more protection and security for your child. For the most part, a metal baby stair gate is sure to be perfect for the top of stairs as they tend to minimize the risk of tripping or falling.
Another popular choice among parents is the wooden child safety gate. Parents tend to swear by this option thanks to their look and appeal. In essence, the wooden option is Ideal for people who are more conscious about their home decor. These gates may not be an ideal choice for top of stairs due to the limited support they provide.
The last type is the plastic baby gate. This is an ideal choice both budget-wise and design-wise. One thing you should know is that these gates are not as strong as metal or wooden baby stair gates, but they sure add to the aesthetic appeal of your home. But hey! We’re talking about the safety of your babies, right?
What Type of Mounting System?
When it comes to choosing the best baby gate for stairs, you get to pick from mainly two installation types;
* Hardware Mounting System
For starters, the hardware mounting system is sure to be the safest choice, and it's also ideal for dangerous areas like staircases. This system can also be referred to as wall-mounted because it requires drilling in your wall or banister. You should go for this installation type if you're planning to use the baby gate for the top of the stairs. The biggest benefit is that the hardware mounting system is very sturdy and impossible to fall over. However, you might not like the drilling marks it leaves after removing the gate.
* Pressure Mounting System
As the name suggests, this type of system is secured through pressure and makes use of rubber bumpers to hold the baby gate up. You do not have to worry about drilling your walls or banisters if you go with the pressure mounting system. Moreover, you don't have to buy multiple infant gates for your home as the pressure mounted gate can fit most spaces in the home. This kind of mounting system shouldn't be placed at the top of stairs.
Check Safety Requirements
It's not advisable to purchase a safety baby gate that doesn't meet the American Society for Testing and Materials/JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certification. Only gates that meet this certification are guaranteed to provide you with voluntary safety standards. How do you know the gate passes JPMA test? It's pretty simple, just look for the sticker located on the gate's packaging or frame.
Always Go for The Best Brands
When it comes to choosing baby stairway gates, it's imperative to go with the best brands on the market. Remember, your child's safety is at stake, so it's only normal to give your best.
Here are some of the most trusted brands in the market of the best baby gate for stairs:
* Regalo
* Munchkin
* Kidco
* Summer Infant
Parting Words
Well, there you have it, folks! With all that has been said it's glaringly clear that baby gates are absolute necessities in your home. Always remember to choose the hardware mounted gates at the top of the stairs, that's crucial. Lastly, be sure to measure each space in your home before you shop. Just give a few minutes upfront and save yourself from stress later. To read more about baby gates check out babygatereviews.net.
Happy baby proofing!
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