This may seem a bit early, but it’s better to be over prepared: most babies progress from small movements to fast crawling fairly quickly. [2] X Research source Some babies skip the crawling stage and go directly to walking. If this happens with your child, you may be able to wait until they are 8-12 months old before you need to install gates. [3] X Research source
Larger or stronger children may outgrow their baby gates sooner. [5] X Research source If you still need to use a baby gate for a younger sibling, try to teach your older children how to open and close the gate themselves. Any adults in the house should go through the gates properly (rather than stepping over them) to help teach by example. [6] X Research source
Falls from stairs are the leading cause of emergency department visits for children under the age of 2, so it’s very important to place hardware-mounted gates at the top of any staircase in your home. [8] X Research source
For example, you may want to use a pressure-mounted gate to block off the pantry or kitchen, keeping your child away from hazardous foods or choking hazards. [10] X Research source You can also use pressure-mounted gates to separate your baby from any pets in your home until they’re more comfortable together. [11] X Research source Do not place pressure-mounted gates at the top of the stairs. They can become dislodged, allowing your child to fall down the stairs. The bar at the bottom of these gates can also serve as a tripping hazard for adults. [12] X Research source
Avoid using older accordion-style gates with diamond or V-shaped openings wider than 1. 5 inches (3. 8 cm). These are not considered to be safe because a baby’s arms or neck could become trapped in the open spaces. [14] X Research source Use a gate meant specifically for children. Do not reuse gates intended for pets. [15] X Research source
If you’re installing your gate at the top of a staircase, make sure to measure at least 6 inches (15 cm) back from the edge of the top stair. This is where you’ll want to place the gate. [16] X Research source
Do not install hardware onto round or uneven banister posts. This can cause your gate to be unstable or difficult to open and close. [18] X Research source If there is no wall stud located where you want to place the gate, build a frame by mounting a piece of wood vertically on each side of the gate. Attach the frame to the drywall using a toggle bolt (also known as a butterfly anchor) or a wooden stairwell post. [19] X Research source
Use screws that are long enough to extend through the hardware, drywall, and into the wall stud for maximum stability. Sometimes the screws that come with gates are not long enough, so you may need to replace them with your own supplies. [21] X Research source The bottom wall mount or hinge should be no more than 3 inches (7. 6 cm) from the floor. Installing it any higher will create a risk for your baby to become trapped it if they try to crawl underneath. [22] X Research source Install the mounts so that the gate will swing open over the floor, not over the steps. [23] X Research source
Watch the wall mounts as you test the gate: if they seem like they’re pulling out, you may need to get longer screws that can drill deeper into the studs. [27] X Research source
If you have a particularly long area to gate off, look for models with optional extensions or panels that you can purchase separately. [29] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
Some pressure-mounted baby gates have two sliding panels that you can adjust to make the gate fit the opening (you’ll remove the panels or slide them to the side to walk through). Pull the panels away from one another until they extend to fill the entire doorway or wall space. The pressure of the panels against the walls or door frame should hold the gate upright. [31] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Other gates may extend in different ways. Make sure to follow the manufacturers’ instructions and call the manufacturer directly if you have any questions or concerns. [32] X Research source The bottom of the gate should be no more than 3 inches (7. 6 cm) from the floor to prevent trapping hazards. [33] X Research source
When you install the gate, make sure that the pressure bar is located on the side of the gate away from the child so that your child can’t use it to climb up and over the gate. [35] X Research source Not all pressure-mounted baby gates will have an additional bar or locking mechanism to secure them into the space. Those that attach using wall cups will be secure without one thanks to the nut and bolt extensions. [36] X Research source
Once the gate is installed, check it regularly to make sure it remains stable.
