How To Choose And Fit The Correct Type Of Stairgate
One of the main baby security products new parents buy is a stair gate, but unfortunately there are often a number of problems with these, stemming either from choosing the wrong type of stairgate, or fitting it incorrectly.
In this article I'm going to look at some of the more common problems and issues relating to stairgates and their use, and offering advice on how to make sure your little one is suitably protected.
One of the more common problems I have come across is when people either have a staircase that is particularly wide or particularly narrow.
It can be a problem finding a stairgate that fits, and this applies too in cases where the stairs have an open or shaped banister on one side.
The risk is that a gate will be fitted which doesn't actually fit correctly.
I have seen cases where the gate is simply too narrow to fit the gap, and has been installed by inserting wooden batons and even books between the gate and the wall or banister.
Clearly this is terribly risky, especially where the stairgate is fitted using pressure rather than screws and brackets.
If the gate is fitted using pressure against a foreign object like a lump of wood or a book, then there is a much greater chance that a child pushing on, swinging on or simply leaning against the gate will cause it to slip and move out of position.
It might not come fully away, but each tiny shift in position, each knock and shove, will gradually reduce its effectiveness until eventually it simply pops out completely.
Always make sure that a stairgate is fitted properly, and if you have a very wide or particularly narrow staircase then take the time to look online where you'll find a wide range of gates specially designed for these types of situation.
Make sure a gate is fitted as per the instructions, otherwise your child could be in severe jeopardy.
Another common problem is when the banisters are shaped or sculptured, and don't offer a smooth flat surface to fix the gate to.
This is surprisingly common.
Don't be tempted to fit a gate against such a patterned or shaped banister as it won't hold its position for long.
I have come across gates fitted to cylindrical banister posts, which effectively offers very little impact resistance.
Instead it's usually best to look at fitting the gate elsewhere.
If you can't fit a stairgate to the stairs, look at fitting gates in the doorways of rooms nearby, or buying a room divider gate instead which can fit across the entire hallway in some cases.
Just because a gate doesn't fit perfectly in the usual position doesn't meanyou have to fit it there no matter how flimsy - look at other ways of keeping your child away from the stairs.
Another common problem is where a gate is used to keep a child and pet separate, or even just to keep a pet out of a particular room.
Safety gates designed for children don't need to be very high, but if a pet is involved you need to have a gate which is much taller in many cases.
Dogs can jump a surprising height, and if it is your aim to keep a dog away from a child then make sure you buy a pet gate not a child safety gate - they're much taller and designed for that specific purpose.
In this article I'm going to look at some of the more common problems and issues relating to stairgates and their use, and offering advice on how to make sure your little one is suitably protected.
One of the more common problems I have come across is when people either have a staircase that is particularly wide or particularly narrow.
It can be a problem finding a stairgate that fits, and this applies too in cases where the stairs have an open or shaped banister on one side.
The risk is that a gate will be fitted which doesn't actually fit correctly.
I have seen cases where the gate is simply too narrow to fit the gap, and has been installed by inserting wooden batons and even books between the gate and the wall or banister.
Clearly this is terribly risky, especially where the stairgate is fitted using pressure rather than screws and brackets.
If the gate is fitted using pressure against a foreign object like a lump of wood or a book, then there is a much greater chance that a child pushing on, swinging on or simply leaning against the gate will cause it to slip and move out of position.
It might not come fully away, but each tiny shift in position, each knock and shove, will gradually reduce its effectiveness until eventually it simply pops out completely.
Always make sure that a stairgate is fitted properly, and if you have a very wide or particularly narrow staircase then take the time to look online where you'll find a wide range of gates specially designed for these types of situation.
Make sure a gate is fitted as per the instructions, otherwise your child could be in severe jeopardy.
Another common problem is when the banisters are shaped or sculptured, and don't offer a smooth flat surface to fix the gate to.
This is surprisingly common.
Don't be tempted to fit a gate against such a patterned or shaped banister as it won't hold its position for long.
I have come across gates fitted to cylindrical banister posts, which effectively offers very little impact resistance.
Instead it's usually best to look at fitting the gate elsewhere.
If you can't fit a stairgate to the stairs, look at fitting gates in the doorways of rooms nearby, or buying a room divider gate instead which can fit across the entire hallway in some cases.
Just because a gate doesn't fit perfectly in the usual position doesn't meanyou have to fit it there no matter how flimsy - look at other ways of keeping your child away from the stairs.
Another common problem is where a gate is used to keep a child and pet separate, or even just to keep a pet out of a particular room.
Safety gates designed for children don't need to be very high, but if a pet is involved you need to have a gate which is much taller in many cases.
Dogs can jump a surprising height, and if it is your aim to keep a dog away from a child then make sure you buy a pet gate not a child safety gate - they're much taller and designed for that specific purpose.
