Question ?
Understanding what makes up a staircase is important in baby proofing . The large post that the handrail attaches to , is called a "newl post" . Baby gates usually attach to them .
The smaller ones people usually refer to as spindles are called "ballast" . These need to be inspected regularly for any breaks or cracks . The width as well as the height , needs to be checked when baby-proofing . in my experience , I have found that the acrylic ballast on most stairs , will pop out of the bannister , if you squeeze them together .
The part you step on is called a tread , and the verticle board between the treads is called a "riser" . Risers average about 7 1/2 inches in height . Some stairs don't have risers , and are open . This creates a air space of approximately 5 to 5 1/2 inches , when you include the thickness of the tread . That large of a space is unacceptable .
The sides the treads are attached to , are called "stringers" . A lot of times stringers are helpfull in mounting baby gates . Other times they can cause a problem .
The top rail or handrail , and the ballast , and the newl post , make up what is known as a bannister . If there is a turn at the ends of the bannister , it is called a "return" . Returns and handrails frequently block the mounting of a gate , and cause problems .
It is not unusual to find decorative bannisters that create a situation where toddlers can climb them .
Question ?
About Child safety Gates or Toddler Gates
There are two basic baby gates we should concern ourselves with , they are "pressure gates , and fixed gates . Pressure gates mount by pressure being exerted on both sides holding them in place . This makes the pressure gate apealling to people . Pressure gates in appropriate places are a good choice , In the wrong place they can create a lot of damage , serious injury , or even be fatal . On a wall that is either dry walled , or plastered , the pressure gate must be directly over a wooden or steel stud , otherwise the pressure gate could put a hole through the wall . If not placed perpendicular , or tight enough , it could slip and create marks in your walls or gouges in your walls .
Fixed child safey gates are physically mounted to your wall or bannister , in some manner . The hardware that comes with the gate , is used to mount it . Some fixed child safety gates will slide together , but are not a good choice , and I will explain why , later . Other fixed child safety gates remain the size they were set for at the opening . This is a good choice because , unlike the gates that slide together , these gates are usually fit with a stop which prevents the gate from swinging forward towards the stair , if someone forgets to latch it . Even though screws are used for mounting , it is easy to fix a 1/8 inch hole , if you hit a stud , or a 1/2 inch hole , if you have to use an anchor . I have found that most people when finished with gate , paint their walls again , and most painters are kind enough to patch the holes for them .
Remember , when choosing baby gates , always look for straight slated gates (the ones with the verticle bars) . The others with " diamonds " or " holes " etc. , give the toddler the opportunity to climb over them .
There are a number of specialty gates on the market today , for use with toddlers . Such as , elong gates , corral gates , hearth gates , etc. In one manner or another , the same principles I explained for compression and fixed gates , apply.
I am often asked, " how long should safety gates be kept up ? " My advice is , as long as possible , especially the top one , because even after children master the stairs , they can have sleep walking episodes .
Tell me about Child Safety Locks and Latches
As far as drawer or cabinet latches go , there are three main types ; push button , double catch , and Magnetic.
Push button latches are probably the easiest to work . As they require only one action to open . You simply push down on them. I wouldn't recommend this type , unless there is no other solution , because one action locks are easy for toddlers to work as well .
Double catch locks are much safer. They require two actions to open and they stop the door from shutting so far that toddlers can't smash their fingers . Toddlers don't know enough to take their weight of the door . The draw back is that smaller objects have to be kept at the back of the cabinet or drawer . The remainder of the opening , is just big enough for a small hand and arm to reach in .
Magnetic Locks are my favorite . Once the drawer or cabinet door is closed , small hands and arms can't reach in. They operate with a magnetic key , which you simply place over the lock's location . Also , they can be deactivated , which is very handy for grandparents who only need them locked , when their loved ones are visiting . The only way to open this lock is with the key . It was originally designed for Gun cabinets . There are 2 magnetic locks on the market . The one I prefer is the Tot-Lock . The drawback to this one is it's very difficult to install . It is easy to make the mistake of drilling though the cabinet door or drawer face. Unless you are truely confident , I would suggest paying a professional cabinet installer or a professional baby-proofer.
Have questions ?
Question ?
The other type can be installed with screws or sticky tape . This requires a special kind of magnet . I personally do not recommend this one , because it is not reliable . Aside from the fact that this type of lock is not very versatile , should your cabinet door or drawer ever require even a small adjustment , it could possibly come unlocked all on its own .
Some compression gates , utilize a bar at the bottom , to stabilize them when open . This creates a tripping hazard . Others , you take the gate completely out and then place it back in . For example , the one with the bar , must be mounted securely , or it can come loose , a fall down the stair could result .
Think about how easy it would be , after taking the gate down , and then putting it back up again , how human error could become a factor , and the end result would be an improperly installed gate .
For this reason they are labeled , not to be used at the top of a stair .
Maintenance of baby safety products . Learn to adjust your cabinets , etc.
FAQ for baby proofing your home
This was a problem because I had nothing at the end to brace the plexiglass barrier .My solution was to reinforce the end of the plexiglass . As allway's I bent the corner rather than butting it up .