Safety Gates

[DustyPeach]

Any one with experience on using safety gates would be appreciated. I feel a bit overwhelmed as there are way too many to choose from. All being to australian standards and varying in price from $20 and up. Suggestions on brands would also be great.

Thanks in advance :D

[LucyE]

We have both the BabyDan gates and the cheap wooden ones. The BabyDan's are the only ones to pass the Choice tests but are also the most expensive (a bit over $100 from memory). They are easy to fit (even DH could do it LOL), don't damage your door frames and are really solid. The extra height is also good because DS doesn't even bother trying to climb over it. I have them in high traffic areas where I don't want to be stepping over them all the time.

I also have two cheapy wooden ones for less used rooms (office and bathroom). I found they wouldn't hold in place no matter how tight I tried to adjust them and would just topple over with the slightest shake from DS. I overcame this problem by drilling four holes into the door frame so the end bits were recessed (very technical talk here :p ) I was willing to do this because it's an old house we are demolishing but I won't be doing that in our new place. These are lower in height and DS has learnt to use a stool to climb over the gates now though :confused: On the plus side, they only retail for $20, and even less if you get it at a K-mart or Target sale.

[Nickster]

I have two Lindam easy-fit two-way pressure gates - one at the top and one at the bottom of our staircase. I love them! They also have extensions available for wider spaces.
Just be wary, though, as one of my girlfriends also has them and, while in the process of putting one up, actually pierced her plasterboard wall, so make sure they fit against the stud in the wall if possible.
I had those basic wooden "fence" gates, as I thought they'd be good enough, but one night caught the edge of my foot as I stepped over it and crashed into the wall while holding my baby. :eek: I went out and bought the Lindam gates the next day.
They cost about $120 each (complete with a small extension). Not cheap but definitely worth it for peace of mind.

[poshBecks]

I have a Dreambaby gate.... it's metal & you can open & shut it. I got it from bunnings but i cant remember $$

[Peaceangels]

I have two Lindam easy-fit two-way pressure gates - one at the top and one at the bottom of our staircase. I love them!

ME TOO!! Can highly recommend the Lindam as we looked around for a long time before we bought it and we have had it for two years and it is still going strong! Much easier for adults to go in and out of the gate than climb over and its very strong as it has had our boys pushing on it many times!

[LucyE]

Just wanted to clarify that the BabyDan's are the open and shut type gates. It's a very simple mechanism that I can do one handed (with some practise) yet is very secure that DS can not loosen/undo it no matter how much he tries. The door can also swing both ways which is often handy.

[DustyPeach]

Many thanks ladies. I ended up spending over $100 on a quality gate and am happy as there has been no damage to door frames or walls.

DS has been quite upset with the introduction. I guess it will take her time to ajust.

[wattle]

It's gate day for us today! Now that ds can move faster than Carl Lewis I have to do something - quickly. I'll check out those ones suggested. Has anyone used a foot lever one?