Little ones develop rapidly and start discovering their world before you realize it. Once they begin to crawl, parents need to take action to protect them. Baby safety gates help shield your child from stairs and other unsafe spaces. These will even help corral the newborn or child into a secure space so that you can keep an eye on them. Many baby gates are either installed with hardware or adapted under pressure. Since various models take special setup, the directions on how to attach a baby gate to the wall must be read and followed closely.
Steps on How to Attach a Baby Gate to a Wall
Step 1
Measure the entrance to ensure a fit for your gate. Use a measuring tape to point out the accessible length you are hoping to block with the gate. Most gates can fit into a regular gateway, but you may need to search a little bit deeper to find the best layout for larger or narrower spaces.
When mounting the gate at the top of a staircase, be sure to measure at least 6 inches back from the upper portion of the staircase. This is where you’re going to want to position the gate.
Step 2
Locate a frame with a stud or wooden door to protect the doorway. With optimum protection, the gate’s mounting hardware will be fixed to the strong wood of a door frame. If the gap does not have a concrete door frame, you can attach this device by the drywall and plaster. Manufacturers provide plastic plugs to insert the baby gate into the drywall, but most professionals believe that they are not sturdy enough alone. Use a stud-finder to somehow spot the wood framing behind the drywall.
Do not mount hardware on banister posts that are circular or irregular. It could make the gate brittle or hard to open and close.
Step 3
Screw the hinges or brackets into the board. You can use a screwdriver or hammer to fasten the wall mounts until you’ve found a secure spot to install the doors. The exact shape of the mounts depends on the type of gate you purchase. If the gate is hinged from one side to open with a door in the center, you can install the hinges on one side of the frame. The baby gate might also come with the proper mounting hardware.
To maximize the protection, use screws that are large enough to pass through the metal, drywall, and through the wall stud. The threads that come with fences are not large enough often, and you may need to fix them with your materials.
Step 4
The baby gate frame is mounted. Most baby gates come completely installed, while some can allow you to bring together a couple of parts. Since this design differs greatly based on the form of the gate, make sure to carefully obey the suppliers’ directions.
Step 5
Hang the mounted baby gate onto the struts on the wall. You can slip the baby gate body most versions, the portion that covers the opening, down into the mounts on the wall. Some should need to be clipped or bolted in. To ensure that you correctly connect the gate to the wall mounts or hinges, check the vendor’s directions.
Step 6
Check the gate through constant pressing and pulling on it. Your baby gate will tolerate continuous opening and shutting and your child’s strong pushes or pulls. When the gate wobbles or looks shaky when you check it, consider tightening the screws that connect mounts to the ground.
Watch out for the wall mounts as you check the gate: if they appear to come back, you will need stronger screws to dig further into the studs.
Where to Place a Baby Gate
Knowing where and how to attach a baby gate to the wall can be decided in your home. It’s best to start by making a checklist of hazardous areas within your home.
- The entrance of the kitchen
- At top/bottom of stairs
- To patio or balcony
- Around wood stove or fireplace
- Nursery doorway
- On the porch
Consider purchasing a good childproof locking system instead of a gate in certain places, like a patio or basement door. This will hold down prices while you’re attempting to baby-proof the whole home.
Benefits of a Baby Gate
There are several benefits of installing a baby gate around your home. If your toddler begins to roll, crawl, and discover, learning how to attach a baby gate to the wall will keep your little one safe against bruises and injuries.
Baby’s Safety
First and foremost is the safety of your children. Placed baby gates at the foot or top of steps, or around items such as furnishings, protect them safe from hazards.
Less Worry for You
Children are curious about and trying to explore their environment as they develop and explore. Without continuous monitoring, the peace of mind that comes with realizing your kids can play and experiment in protected areas is invaluable.
Creates Play Area
Baby gates will establish protected play spaces for children by fencing off dangerous places, such as kitchens and toilets, or from parents’ point of view. Parents could use baby playing yards to build a rectangular fence for even more power over the play area.
Separates Children from Pets
Baby gates are the best option if you like pets and kids to be kept apart as they get familiar or wouldn’t want them to interact unsupervised.
Conclusion
Children can be incredibly inventive when it comes to trying to conquer the challenges of a baby safety gate. You can replace the gate if the child can crawl over the fence, or the height of the fence is below the point of the child’s head. If knowing how to attach a baby gate to the wall will give you peace of mind, then why not use one and install them to keep your baby safe. Find out more about childproofing.