Buying a stair gate: what do you pay attention to?

Stair gates are available in all shapes and sizes. However, not every model is equally safe to use.

Many stair gates have a safety certificate, so you can quickly assume that it is a good gate. However, the Consumers’ Association discovered that such a certificate does not guarantee that the stair gate is actually safe. So always check the safety before you buy a gate by testing it yourself in the store.

You can do that with this handy checklist:

The lock

The most important part of the stair gate, so pay close attention to this. Does the gate open and close comfortably? Can you open it with one hand (which is handy, with a baby on your arm) and does it lock properly? You can check the latter by shaking it. You will also often hear a loud click.

There are stair gates with an automatic lock, which close automatically. Sounds handy – and it is – but always check that this also happens when the gate is slightly ajar.

The height

Take that tape measure to the store, because it will be measured: between the point where your child can stand with his foot on the gate and the highest point of the stair gate, there must be at least 65 cm. Otherwise there is a risk that your child could pull himself over it. Even a 75 cm fence is recommended.

Also read:
Handy stair gate for a child-proof house >

The width

Immediately check the space between the bars, and those under and next to the gate: it should not be larger than 6.5 cm there. Otherwise, your child can squeeze through with his hip. You can also check with your clenched fist: it must not fit between the bars.

Are there no sharp edges, splinters or other points on the gate that could hurt your child?

Types

In addition to gates with bars, you can also opt for a roller gate. This is a stair gate with flexible material that you can roll in and out. This is especially useful for yourself, but not always safe for your child. The Consumers’ Association investigated that the textiles of some stair gates can be pulled up or down quite easily – even if they have received the safety certificate.

So always test this roller system in the store.

Became wiser? Then check this list with fine stair gates.

Source: Consumers’ Association