Making sure toddlers’ stay safe around the house is no easy task. Toddlers are naturally curious and even if they still have a wobbly walk, this does not stop them from exploring their environment. The kitchen, stairs, garden, balcony and swimming pool all pose threats to a toddler’s security around the house. Because it is almost impossible to keep them away from these areas, using a child safety gate is the best solution.

Child safety gates allow you to work around the house without having to constantly worry which area of the house your toddler has wandered off. It is an essential tool to help protect your most precious gift – your child.

Types of Child Safety Gates

There are different types of child safety gates. To help you determine which safety gate is perfect for your little one, refer to this guide:

1.) Mounted Gates

Hardware Mounted Safety Gates

Hardware mounted gates or permanent safety gates are most often used at the top of staircases. It is intended to stay within the house to close off all areas of the house that may risk your little one’s safety. Also called as a stairway gate, they are permanent fixtures around the house since these are not movable. Hardware mounted safety gates are more reliable to use since installing them requires proper tools. These gates are fastened using bolts and screws mounted to the wall or to the wall posts. But, they can also be easily removed when a hardware mounted gate becomes inconvenient. It can be installed in wider openings or at an angle since these gates have an extension and special mounting feature. They come in different designs, colors and sizes that can blend in with your home decors.

Pressure Mounted Gates

Pressure mounted gates or temporary safety gates are very convenient to use as the gates can be removed and re-installed in the different areas of the house. Or, you can also bring these gates when traveling. These safety gates have a two-sliding panel that is very easy to install and are made from different materials such as aluminum, steel, hard plastic and wood. You only have to adjust the tension between two walls or the doorway. However, since these gates are not permanently fastened to the wall, you have to constantly re-adjust the tension. Hence, pressure mounted gates are best situated in less dangerous areas of the house (e.g. bottom of the staircase).

2.) Playpens

A playpen is a lighter and more child-friendly alternative for child safety gates. Generally, playpens are best used if your toddler is between 10 to 15 months old or until such time he learns how to unlatch the lock. This type of child safety gate is best used for only a short span of time, approximately not more than 20 minutes. There are playpens that have an extension feature that are made from tubular steel that provides 100% security and durability.

3.) Pool Safety Gates

If your house has a pool, it is best to safeguard your toddler from getting near the pool and prevent drowning by attaching pool safety gates.

Standard Pool Gate

A pool fence is made from polyester mesh materials that are installed using aluminum support poles. The pool fence is situated into your pool’s exterior and the bottom part is used to flush your pool’s surface to stop your toddler from pushing under the fence. This type of safety gate can be easily removed whenever there are occasions.

Self-closing and Self-latching Pool Gate

This pool safety gate has an automatic closing and latching feature which is more recommended for families with a swimming pool. This gate is taller than most child safety gates so your toddler cannot easily access the lock especially if there is no adult supervision around. Opting for this automatic safety gate is perfect for people who always forget to close the gate behind them.

4.) Walk-through Safety Gates

This tool allows adults to walk through it, but not your child since it is a solid gate with a hinged barrier built into one of its ends. However, you must always make sure you keep the gate locked or otherwise your toddler can still get through it.

5.) Child Safety Gates For Irregular Areas

Wide and irregular areas of the house are tricky to secure. You need to use special child safety gates with extensions that can adjust with the area. In this way, you only have to open the entryway inside the gate to pass through instead of swinging the entire gate.