Your child is all about exploring! While you love to see your little one’s adventurous side shine through, you also want to protect them — especially around the stairs. According to Stanford Medicine Children’s Hospitalemergency rooms treat more than 2.2 million children each year for fall-related injuries. Unlike older children, who are more likely to fall from playground equipment, infant injuries most often occur on stairs, furniture, or pedestrians.
Child gates are not a substitute for your supervision. But they can help reduce the risk of falls. If you’re not sure which gate is the safest choice for your child, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to make the best possible choice.
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What safety standards must a child stair gate meet to ensure it is safe for my child?
THE US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has standards for baby and children’s products, such as baby gates. These standards require all gates or enclosures for children six months to 24 months of age to comply with specific federally guided criteria. This includes fixed size gates, enclosures, expansion gates and non-expandable gates.
CPSC standards require baby gates to have fully-bounded openings, meet side height requirements, pass vertical strength tests, have a safe bottom clearance design, and pass an outward push force strength test. Gates and enclosures must also have an automatic closing system, a suitable locking/latching hinge mechanism, pass elbow strength tests and include tags that require solvents or tools to loosen.
Pressure mounted gates that cannot pass the 30 pound push force test must have a visual side pressure indicator and wall warning label.
Along with these standards, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) requires all baby gates and enclosures to meet lead surface coating safety standards (less than 0.009 percent lead paint) and total lead content limits. lead (less than 0.01 percent);
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Are there specific features I should look for in a baby stair gate to ensure maximum safety?
All baby gates sold in stores or online must meet current CPSC standards. Never use a gate that is old, worn, worn, or that does not follow CPSC requirements. Along with a gateway that meets all applicable standards, you should also look for specific security features.
Avoid accordion-style gates
This style portal has potential risks that you cannot ignore. The design includes v-shaped gaps that could trap your child’s head, neck or hand.
Choose a gate with no gaps
Accordion-style V’s aren’t the only danger to watch out for. Gates with gaps on the sides or bottom could also be a trap hazard. CPSC recommends choosing a model with fully capped openings that eliminates or reduces this risk.
Look for JPMA Certification
THE Association of Manufacturers of Youth Products (JPMA) Certification is voluntary. Although manufacturers of baby products do not need to receive the JPMA seal of approval, the certification shows that a gate meets strict safety guidelines.
Avoid gates with holes, horizontal slats or heavily textured mesh
Gaps or holes in the gate give your little one a base. This means they could climb over the gate and possibly fall down the stairs. Look for solid gates, gates with fine weave heavy duty mesh or vertical slats.
Choose a gate with a secure latch
Your child should not be able to release the latch on their own. A double-action latch or a latch that requires you to press and release the mechanism could make it difficult to open. While this may seem inconvenient, it could potentially prevent a fall.
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Are hardware or pressure mounted baby gates better?
THE American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests installing baby gates that are attached with hardware to studs in the walls of your home. Information from Panhellenic Children’s Hospital echoes this recommendation, noting that pressure-fitted gates are not as secure. Never use a gate that is placed under pressure at the top of the ladder. Babies and small children could easily push the gate down. This could lead to a serious fall.
Are there special locking mechanisms or latches I should consider for added security?
The locking mechanism for your baby gate must meet all CPSC standards. THE CPSC requires gates to meet a conditioning test that addresses potential latch, hinge and hardware failures. Single action latches must have a minimum force of 10 pounds to open the lock. Gates that do not meet this standard must have a double action mechanism.
All baby gates must have an automatic closing system. This means the gate should close completely and automatically lock into place. The specific type of lock may vary by manufacturer. But you should only choose a gate with a child safety lock that your child cannot open on their own.
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How do I properly install and secure a baby gate for stairs to ensure it remains stable and secure?
While pressure mounted gates are convenient and easy to install, they are not the safest option. Wall gates that screw into studs are stronger and safer. To safely install your baby gate, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Some suggestions for baby safety
Not sure which portal to choose? Here are some of our favorite products to get you started!
Cardinal Gates Stairway Special
$85 $90 Save $5
Advantages- Wall mounting with a 30 degree angle
- Scalable design
- Optional one-way door stop
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Cumbor Baby Gate for stairs
$90 $110 Save $20
Advantages- Higher height
- Scalable design
- Two different mounting options
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Toddleroo by North States Light the Way Baby Gate
Advantages- Light sensitive LED feature
- Smaller gaps between slats
- One-handed adult operation
Disadvantages- Extension piece sold separately
