Baby gates are a critical safety tool to have in your house. But a baby gate is only as safe as it is strong. This is why it is so important to install them properly and test them comprehensively before depending on them for the safety of your baby. If you have a space in your home that makes it tough to mount a baby gate, look for specialty kits and instructions for safe installation. This article will talk in particular about the safe options for attaching a baby gate onto a railing.
The safest to install a baby gate onto a railing will depend upon the type of gate you are using.
Tension Gates
Tension gates are the most popular style of baby gate on the market. They’re straightforward to install, remove and reinstall around your house as needed. Tension gates can be installed between the banister and the wall using a spring-loaded tension bar. Be cautious with a tension gate. They aren’t safe to be used at the very top of stairs as the weight of your kid could make them come loose and falls can occur. Always use screw-fitted gates for the tops of steps or anywhere with a change in height that would bring about a fall. Tension gates are alright to use at the base of stairs or on flat surfaces.
Preserving your Railing
Railing kits are an excellent option to use to avoid ruining your railing by drilling into the woodwork. The kits include hardware that wraps around rounded banisters, or mounts onto brackets on a square railing or between railing supports.
Select the Correct Size
For the gate to be a safe obstacle for your little one it must fit correctly in the space between banisters. To measure the width of the area you want blocked, start at the wall to the opposite side of the banister. For the height measure from the head of the banister to the floor and keep in mind you will need to select a gate that your baby can’t climb or reach over. Consider your child’s rate of growth and they will need a gate tall enough to accommodate their size 6 months from now. If you utilize a banister kit, measure the posts on your railing too. Some baby gates come with extensions for extra-wide spaces.
Mounting to the Wall
In your mounting kit you’ll have mounting screws that’ll be used to secure the baby gate to the wall. Look for a stud to ensure it’s going to be a stable place to mount. If you are unable to use a stud, use drywall screws that can deal with weight up to at least 50 lbs.
Pamela Noble enjoys writing about useful household topics for BabyandPetGates.com. You can go there for additional information about the different styles of baby and pet gates available.
