How to Buy Child Safety Gates

Measure the space where you want to put up a gate. Most gates will fit standard doorway openings. However, you will need to measure your hallway or doorless opening to make sure that the gate you guy will fit it. Interlocking gate systems are available for larger spaces, such as a room that has an open wall.

Check the hardware. Some gates are mounted with hardware, including screws and brackets. Ensure that it will attach to the space where you want to mount the gate in your home. For example, if you are trying to attach the gate to brick, make sure the screws can penetrate brick, or that you can replace the screws with ones that do.

Choose a gate with vertical slats that are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. The vertical slats ensure that your child doesn't get a foothold on the gate to climb it, and the spacing between the slats ensures that he does not get trapped in the gate and become injured. If the gate has mesh, it should be very fine.

Check height and weight limits. The gate should be tall enough that your child can't easily climb over it. The gate should also be strong enough that your child can't push it over. Most mounted gates will be able to withstand any pressure your child puts on it. However, pressure-mounted gates may be easily knocked over by an older toddler.

Look for a seal of approval from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. The group evaluates products and verifies that they have met voluntary safety standards, such as strength of the components and size of the slat openings.

Check for recalls. Safety gates that are sold new in stores should not be at risk since manufacturers remove their products when there is a recall. However, if you are buying a used gate, there is a chance that it has been recalled and is not safe for your child. Investigate the model to make sure there have been no adverse reports.