Here are some of the frequently asked questions we receive about baby gates:

When should baby gates be installed?
We typically recommend that baby gates be installed before your child begins to crawl.

Where should baby gates be installed?
Our previous blog indicates some of the areas many people forget to add baby gates (Top 4 Places to Use Baby Gates), but baby gates should be installed in all doorways that lead to areas that are not best suited for children to play.

What are the best types of gates to purchase?
The best type of baby gate to purchase is one that can be mounted to a wall or a door facing. Avoid purchasing pressurized gates because they are typically mounted with suction cups and when children begin to pull themselves up to walk or put pressure on the top of the gate, it is very easy for the gate to collapse.

Also, standard gates will not always fit entryways, depending on the style of your home. In some cases, we have seen parents propping gates up with folding chairs or dining room chairs on each side. This is very dangerous. We can custom fit a gate for any home and professionally install it to give you piece of mind.

Do I really need a baby gate? I’m pretty careful about keeping doors closed around the house.

You may be careful about keeping your child out of unsafe rooms, but what about your guests? It only takes one time for a guest to leave a door open or an entryway unblocked, and your child will dash off to unexplored territory. Don’t take the risk, call us for a free consultation at 312-480-0500!

Bottom of the stairs – Most parents will remember to add a gate to the top of the stairs to prevent children from rolling down, but they forget that children also like to climb up stairs. When children crawl up stairs, there is always a risk that they may fall back to the base of the stairs, so don’t forget to block the bottom of the stairs.

Doorways – To keep children out of rooms with potential hazards, don’t forget to place gates over the doorways. This can also prevent children from running into the molding on the door and injuring their heads or hands.

Play areas – Of course, don’t forget to childproof play areas for children. Sometimes, children like to pick up dangerous items and bring them back to their play areas, so blocking off the rest of the room from them will allow children to play with only the items you have deemed safe for them.

Fireplaces – Fire is a dangerous hazard for anyone, especially children. Even though there may be guards over your fireplace, be sure to place a baby gate around your fireplace. Children have a way of fiddling with levers, buttons and switches, and will eventually find a way to gain access to the fireplace, if left unsupervised.

Let us make your life a little easier and safer! Call us today at 312-480-0500 for a FREE, no-obligation consultation!

Linen closets/medicine cabinets – Many parents think to lock away household cleaning products but neglect potential poisons in their bathroom cabinets and linen closets. Hairsprays and hair gels, mouth washes, toothpaste and perfume can all be harmful if ingested. Be sure that these items are stored in a locked cabinet preferably on the top shelf. Rearrange linen closets to place safe items such as towels on the shelves that are within children’s reach.

Armoires and cabinets – Closed cabinets are a great place to store DVD’s, CD’s and electronic equipment including TV’s. But make sure that heavy items such as stereo systems and TV’s are secured into the cabinet. Heavy duty Velcro, available at most hardware stores, is a handy way of accomplishing this. Additionally, secure the unit into the wall to prevent a tip over accident. There has been an increase in deaths due to heavy furniture and TVs toppling over onto children.

Pantries – Many potential choking hazards and poisons reside in our food pantries. Items such as nuts, hard candy and popcorn as well as spices including cayenne pepper, chili powder and other hazardous items need to be stored on the top shelves of the pantry. Keep pantry doors locked as added precaution.

Toy Chests/Linen Chests – While this is a great space to store blankets and toys, it also could be extremely hazardous. Install a slow-closing hinge so the top won’t fall on little fingers. Additionally, drill holes in the back of the chest so that in the event a child does get trapped inside they can get oxygen.

Garage and basement storage areas – Toxic chemicals such as bug repellant, lawn fertilizer and paint thinner should always be stores in their original containers so that in the event of ingestion you’re able to provide all of the information to poison control. Keep all items in a locked cabinet and place a lock on the door leading to the garage or basement as an added precaution. Don’t forget that items such as rakes, shovels, tools and lawn mowers are also dangerous for inquisitive kids!

Check all toys and furniture – Now is a great time to be sure that all of your child’s toys and games are in good working order – no broken or loose parts that could become a choking hazard. Check that bolts and screws on cribs, high chairs and strollers are still tight and secure all blind cord to avoid a strangulation hazard.