Buying a safety gate
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There are all sorts of safety gates available with different features, so think about what you really need and what you'll just find plain annoying!
What to look for
- Two-way opening. Not essential but can be handy.
- Fittings. Check how the gate fits onto the wall or stair post. Many are pressure-fitted so you won't need to know how to wield a drill. Others have fixing cups or hinges that are more tricky.
- Catches. You need to be able to easily open the gate yourself (preferably with one hand) but it must be too hard for an enterprising toddler!
- Size Make sure you measure the width it needs to cover. You can buy extensions for some models. If your stair posts are round, you'll need to find suitable fixings.
- Openings Some gates have quite narrow openings in the middle.
- Crossbars on the floor These stabilise the gate but can be a trip hazard.
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