All parents want to protect their children, regardless of what they are protecting them from. It is a built in mechanism that parents have. Luckily, there are many items in the world that can help with this task. One such item is the pressure mounted baby gate, which is great for hallways, doorways, and even when used as room dividers. They lend a hand to keep baby from going where you don’t want him or her to go.
They are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, each with their own individual features. However, pressure mounted gates are great for parents who do not want to drill into their walls. Moreover, it means once a baby is old enough not to require a gate, there is no need to repair any holes from the gate installation. Keep reading for more information on this type of gate, as well as some of the top items available for you to consider.
What is a pressure mounted baby gate?
A pressure mounted baby gate is a gate that you won’t have to use screws and bolts to secure. It can be placed in a doorway or other area that needs to be cordoned off. Instead, they are installed in a way where there is the right amount of pressure exerted on the walls to keep it in place. This is a great idea for areas that are not necessarily doorways, and are just places where you don’t want to make marks on the wall.
On the other hand, most people will not use a pressure-mounted gate in a stairway, since there is a chance it can be moved or fail if a baby leans on it.
Are pressure mounted baby gates safe?
This type of gate is perfectly safe granted that it is installed properly. You need to read the directions and make sure that it is adequately supported on all sides. Otherwise, it may be able to move too much and can fall over and hurt babies or pets.
When should I install baby gates?
The best time to install a baby gate is when your little one starts to walk and explore. This happens at around 6 months of age, although it may be sooner or later, depending on the child. This is when they begin trying to master how to get around the house and seeing everything that is inside.
You will want to install them in places that you are not comfortable letting your baby walking around in. This includes places like the kitchen, the top of the stairs, or even at the bottom of the stairs.
How high does a baby gate have to be?
Babies come in different shapes and sizes, so it is important that you get one that your child won’t outgrow for quite a while. Most gates are at least 22 inches tall, but they may be taller.
As a general rule, you need to be sure that it is a bit taller than your little one, since they will no doubt grow over time. This is important, as you don’t want them to be able to manipulate it or climb it.
What age do you stop using a baby gate?
You should stop using a baby gate once your child is around 2 years old, although again, this is just a rough estimate as to when it will be time to put your gate back in the closet.
However, you’ll know that you can discontinue use when your toddler has figured out how to open it, crawl over it, or if they are just too tall for it to be effective. When any of these things happen, you will have to find another way to teach your child where they are allowed to be inside your house.
Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate
The Regalo comes in white, and is perfect for doorways and wide openings. It is great for both children and pets, especially if you have both and don’t want them in the same room together while you are not in there. This gate also includes wall cups for protection for your walls, and in order to secure the gate more firmly to the wall.
The Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate is a sleek metal walk-through gate that expands from 29″to 34″ wide, and includes an extension kit for an extra 6″, which extends it up to 40″. It can accommodate spaces up to 60 inches wide. It is easy to set-up, regardless of where you need it in the house, and is portable enough to take with you on trips. It features an easy lock handle, to facilitate its walk-through design, and is made from durable steel.
Pros
- Made of steel
- Accommodates wide spaces
- Has safety lock
- Good for pets too
Cons
- May mark up walls
North States Easy-Close Metal Gate
The North States gate is available in white or bronze, and is perfect for various rooms or hallways. If you are looking for a hard to climb barrier for your child, this is the gate for your household. It’s lightweight at 14.2 pounds, so it can be moved all over the house without much trouble.
This gate has unique features too. It comes with 2 extensions and a dual-locking feature to help ensure baby stays where you want him or her to. Another cool feature is the hold-open option, which is designed to prevent the gate from closing when it’s needed. Furthermore, there is easy installation, with pressure mount tension knobs to help firmly secure the gate in place.
Pros
- Has a stay-open feature
- Can open with one hand
- Features dual-locking
- Closes itself
Cons
- Some children may figure out how to open
Summer Infant Decorative Wood & Metal 5 Foot Pressure Mounted Gate
The Summer Infant gate is made from wood and metal, but gives you style and protection as well. It comes in black steel with an oak wood gate opening. It fits in openings of 36-60” widths. When you are looking for an extra large gate that is easy to set up, this is a gate to think about. It will provide a decorative look in your home.
The Summer Infant Gate has the unique features of an extra wide swinging door that swings in both directions, and one-handed operations for opening and closing it. This product is best for use between rooms, since it looks fancier than others out there. The wood may becomes chipped though, so take care when handling it.
Pros
- Wood and metal design
- Gate swings both ways
- Is almost 3 feet in height
- Fits a wide variety of spaces
Cons
- Wood may become chipped
Munchkin Easy Close XL Metal Baby Gate
This baby gate is something that is made well, so you won’t have to be concerned that your little one is leaning on it and it falling over. When installed properly, there is little chance of that occurring.
The device itself comes with a 1-year warranty and has some handy locking features. The door locks when it closes, and can be double locked. Moreover, you can lock it on one side, so you can decide which direction it opens. This is something that isn’t in all options out there.
The one thing that may be a bit difficult to understand is the directions. There are only pictures, so you might need to look up videos to get all the pieces together just right.
Pros
- Comes with 1 year warranty
- Triple locking protection
- Door locks when it closes
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Directions are confusing
Dreambaby Chelsea Extra Wide Security Gate
This model is sturdy enough to be used at the top of the stairs if you have to. This is because there are a couple of extra safety features to help you know when the lock is closed correctly. A red mark will show when the gate isn’t closed and will disappear when it is.
Another thing that is really distinctive about this item is that you can purchase expanders to make it fit a space up to 198 inches wide. This is a huge area, meaning you can place it pretty much anywhere in the whole house. Pair this with the fact that it’s easy to install and you have something worth trying.
You will have to watch to make sure your kids and pets don’t mess it up though, or cause it to become loose. This shouldn’t be much of an issue, as long as it is securely on the walls.
Pros
- Shows if gate is closed correctly
- May be used at top of stairs
- Can purchase expanders
- Easy to install
Cons
- Must be careful with it
Summer Infant Anywhere Decorative Walk-Thru Gate
You can decide whether you want to install this one with the pressure mounting hardware or traditionally, using screws in the wall. It is able to be secured either way, so you can choose which is perfect for your space.
The product has a specific look to it, with its charcoal metal and walnut wood design. It makes the gate look classy and not cheap. Other pluses are a comfort handle that is large and straightforward to use and one hand operation. The entire gate is easy to utilize and operate, no matter where you place it.
One thing to look out for is that there is a loud noise whenever the gate shuts, so it may be too loud at times. However, this is also a good thing, since you’ll know that the gate is secured correctly.
Pros
- Has unique look
- Comfort handle
- Can pressure mount or hardware mount
- Easy to use
Cons
- Makes noise when closing