Child Safety Gates Advice

Child Safety Gates Advice for your Twins!

Using child safety gates is not a fool proof way to keep your twins safe. You must keep in mind some very important key points when using them to ensure that you are not exposing your children to more dangers. These bullet points are the easiest way to figure out which gate is the best for you and your individual circumstances at home!



Don’t purchase any safety gates until you have read this childproofing checklist!

1. * Barrier gates do not open, so they are permanent fix at a site that is extremely danger to all children. Before installing them make sure that they are appropriate for where you will place them. Spring tension safety gates should be used as a less than permanent method of barrier and cannot be relied upon fully. Swing safety gates offer the convenience of being sturdy and they are installed yet can be opened for normal pass way through an entrance!



2. * Measure your interior dimension of the door way you want the gate to fit into before you buy a safety gate and make sure that it comes included with the proper hardware for the installation.



3. * Read over the safety guidelines provided to ensure that the gate placement is in cohesion with the gate you are purchasing. Some will specifically state they cannot be installed in certain areas.



4. * When installing safety gates, never use alternate methods to fasten to the wall. Follow the instructions and use the enclosed hardware. When installing spring tension safety gates use them accordingly as well. Many come with cups or suctions to help them stick to the wall.



5. * Check the ease of opening and closing the gate with one hand. Remember your hands will be full and you want to be able to pass through easily. Some have operational foot opening options that make them easy to do while carrying a baby.



6. * When installing and purchasing the gate, make sure that there are no foot holds or horizontal slats that a toddler could use as an aid for climbing. The hardware should also not be able to be used as leverage. The height of the safety gate should be at least 65 cm tall to ensure safety!

While childproofing your home for your twins, keep in mind that barriers are a solid way to confine your children but can’t be trusted on wholly. Children are generally curious and will try very hard to circumvent any measures that you have in place. Twins will team up on you to try and outsmart your efforts to contain them.

Bring this checklist with you to the store to ensure you are purchasing an appropriate safety gate for the intended use. There are lots of different places in your home where you may find their use to be helpful. The tops of staircases, entrances to parent's rooms or 'off-limits' spaces, as well as when visiting others. Safety gates can offer some peace of mind when your twins have you running in two directions. You'll want to choose the best fit for your home.

More on Raising Twins in the early years