With so many choices and things to consider when it comes time to buying a safety gate for your child, we understand everyone needs a few pointers. To take some of the guesswork out of the process, we've answered key questions you should always consider when evaluating safety gates.

Why do I need a safety gate?

Your home is filled with countless potential hazards to your child and safety gates are an important part of childproofing your home. While no safety gate can ever fully replace adult supervision, it can help give you the peace of mind you need by keeping your child away from areas of the home that are not child proofed. Safety gates are a great way to keep a home more risk-free, as they can eliminate access to stairways, busy kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces and other potentially dangerous areas of the home.

When do I need to purchase a gate?

Install infant safety gates early - before your child is mobile. It is best to allow time to properly install gates before curious crawlers are able to explore the home.

What safety gate options exist?

While safety gates come in many different shapes, finishes, and sizes, there are two primary types of gates – pressure gates that rely on tension to secure the gate in the opening, and hardware mounted gates that require drilling into surrounding walls.

A common rule of thumb has been to only use a hardware mounted gate at top of stairs because it's considered sturdier. However, Munchkin's line of pressure gates is approved for use virtually EveryPlace™ around the home, including top-of-stairs when installed with the included hardware kit.

The Munchkin Safety Gates are available in both mounting options:

Pressure-Mounted: These ready-to-assemble safety gates feature a U-shaped pressure fit powerframe that provides added strength and stability when in position. These models can be lengthened through extensions, which vary in size and quantity depending upon the gate purchased. (Hardware mount kits are also included for added safety and versatility.)

Hardware-Mounted: These gates must be drilled to the wall, but offer a wide walkthrough space and quick release fittings that allow the gate to be removed and replaced quickly to fit your lifestyle needs. Hardware mounted gates are versatile and are recommended for use at top-of-stairs.

What should I look for in a gate?

Safety gates nowadays come with so many different features it can be hard to distinguish what's most important to consider when purchasing a safety gate for your home. Here are some key things to consider as you evaluate what safety gate best suits your needs:

Is the gate design safe and up to code? Be especially vigilant for older gate designs (pre-1985) such as expanding accordion style gates that can pinch limbs or trap a child's head. If the gate employs slats, make sure the spacing between slats does not exceed 2 3/8 inches to prevent any chance of strangulation. Safety gate standards have been revised and improved upon in recent years, so it's important to not use the older or hand-me-down gates that may not follow latest safety standards.

To walk through or step over? Gates will either require you to step over or enable you open the gate to walk through. Step over gates can be used in areas with little to no traffic, but if you expect normal to heavy foot traffic through the opening, it's important to find a gate with a door or swing-open feature that allows you to walk through. Step over gates can often result in stubbed toes or even more serious injuries. Furthermore, stepping over your gate can set a bad example and encourage your child to emulate your behavior.

How wide is the walk through area? Unless you expect to walk through the gate empty-handed at all times, it's a good idea to look for a gate that has a wide walk through. When you're carrying your child, groceries, or bags, the extra couple of inches will go a long way toward making your life a little easier. All Munchkin gates feature an extra-wide walk through area.

How does it open and close? On an average day, you can expect to walk through some areas of the home more than 50 times, so it's important to find a gate that balances ease of use with safety. Look for a gate that is easy for adults to open or close with just one hand, but difficult for your child to use. A double-locking mechanism on the handle means it requires more than one motion (e.g., squeeze and push down) to open the gate. For taller gates, it's especially important to see if the gate comes with a triple-locking mechanism to secure the base of the gate.

Is it certified? Check that the gate has an ASTM/JPMA certification seal on the package. This seal means the gate has been certified by an independent testing agency as complying with industry safety standards for infant gates. Make sure that the gate that you're purchasing has the safety features and quality construction needed to keep your child safe.

How do I properly measure?

Measure the width of the opening where the gate will be placed, then round down to the nearest half inch. If your walls have molding at the base, make sure to measure between the base boards to ensure the gate will fit in between the narrowest part of the opening.

At this time, you also need to decide what height you will require. To discourage climbing, a gate must stand a minimum of three-quarters of the child's height. If your child is tall for his or her age, choose a higher gate. Munchkin Safety Gates range in height from 29" to 36".