Do You Really Need A Baby Gate?

Do You Need A Baby Gate? 

From the moment your little bundle of joy learns to roll over, you may start thinking to yourself about the day when he begins to walk and how you can’t wait to hear the pitter patter of little feet. But how will you keep those little feet safe? How much do you really need to buy to baby-proof your home? Is any of it really necessary?
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Some people will tell you that baby gates are not needed in their home. Their children are receptive to learning what in the house is okay to touch and what is dangerous and should be left alone. For those with children who are not interested in climbing or running out the door or eating everything in sight, whether it be food or not, this option is a good one. After all, for these parents, it is a lot easier to house-proof their child rather than baby-proof their homes.

Yet, this option is not doable for everyone. Some parents have strong-willed children who go about their day fearless of flames and sharp corners and massive staircases. What then, is a parent to do in this case?

Why Baby Gates Are Essential For Some

While it is well known that most accidents happen at home, this is especially true for infants and toddlers. Everything poses a risk for them. From tables and chairs, to loose cords and wires, dangers are everywhere. Small items like paper clips can be swallowed. They could potentially fall down the stairs.

Although you may try to follow them every moment of the day, things happen. The most obvious way to add an extra layer of protection is to add baby gates where you do not want your child to go.

Where Should I Put Baby Gates?

Because the stairs pose the most risk, it is a great idea to have a gate at both the top and bottom of any staircase in your house.

Putting up a baby gate in other areas of your home is a personal choice. You may choose to place one in bathroom doorways to keep little hands away from toilets and sinks, as water play is very tempting. It can also be a good idea to keep baby out of these rooms if this is where you store any medicines, cleaners or other chemicals.

You may also want to put a baby gate at the entrance to your home if you have a baby who loves to explore. This way you can still leave your door open in the nice weather to enjoy the sunshine without worry of any sudden escape.

What Kinds of Baby Gates Are There?

Certain baby gates are specifically designed for use at the top of the stairs. While some of these will need to be mounted to the wall, others are pressure mounted so that screws are not placed inside your walls. Options are available for those who have stairways with odd angles.

In addition, gates exist in a variety of sizes. From extra wide to extra tall and everything in between, many also have the option of adding extensions to increase their width. You should refer best baby gates reviews at KindMommy.com to understand which particular gate is suitable for your needs.

Other Factors

It is important to note that not everywhere you go will be baby proofed to the same extent as your own home. If your child is not used to exploring the stairs they could end up falling down a flight during a playdate at another home, or playing with the toilet at grandma’s.

This leads some to choose not to use gates in their home, while others take on the philosophy that most of your time will be spent in your own home and so you need that area to be safer for your child. However, those who follow that line of thinking tend to need to keep a more vigilant eye on their child when out and about.

Whatever path you choose to take, the most important thing to keep in mind is to keep your little one safe. You are the parent and no one knows your child better than you. In the end, you are the only one who can say whether a baby gate is worth the time and money for your child.

You can also get advice from the professional in childcare from MyKiddy Sitter London.