Babies are truly great. They can be a joy that lights up any mother or father’s heart. That being said, once those babies reach the walking and crawling ages, they like to explore, wander, and get into things they are not supposed to. This can be a major hassle when you are trying to cook, clean, or get some work done at home. You can’t just leave your baby in a crib all the time and you simply can’t keep a watchful eye on them 24 hours a day. And, this is the exact situations where a baby gate can come in extremely handy, but how do you choose the best one for you and your baby?
Consider Safety First
When it comes to your child safety should always be your number one concern. And, this is why you only want to invest in baby gates that are certified and approved by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). This will be easy enough to discover, as if you are shopping online the website will more than likely brag about their products being certified. If you are shopping in a brick and mortar store check on the frame of the packaging, as there should be a certification sticker. This will ensure that the gate meets the latest standards and has been field tested for 100 percent safety.
Choosing The Right Style
You have to consider the fact that the baby gate will probably become a permanent part of your home for years to come. Sure, your child will outgrow it eventually, but you are going to be utilizing it for quite some time. This is why it is important to know that there are a variety of styles and colors available. You have everything from the retractable baby gate to the pressure mounted baby gate. In addition to this, they come available in a variety of colors. You can find white models, beige models, black models, or even wood and aluminum. Just choose something that meshes well with your décor, because you are going to be stuck with the gate for several years.
Usability And Function
You also need to carefully consider the location where you are going to be installing the gate. Are you installing it in a high traffic area, at the top of the stairs, or in your study? It is safe to assume that you might have your hands full or laundry one day and approach the gate. This is where the hands-free, auto-close gates come in extremely handy, as you can open the gate with ease and pass by. Whatever the situation is, you just don’t want to just something so simple that your child can outsmart it.
Slat Spacing
Slat spacing is another important consideration that you need to make. You don’t want to choose anything that is wider than two inches apart, because it is highly that your little child might get his or her hands stuck. Along with this, if you are looking at horizontal slats, you want to make sure that it doesn’t make a ladder, as your child might attempt to climb it.
