Baby Gates & Barriers - General - How do I pick the right gate?

Modified on Thu, 3 Jul at 7:10 AM

How do I pick the right baby gate?

Choosing the right baby gate can make a big difference in both safety and convenience at home. Here’s a practical guide to help you select the most suitable gate for your needs - and avoid some of the common pitfalls that lead to returns.

Note: All of our baby gates are designed for use with children under 24 months. For safety, we strongly advise that gates are operated only by adults, and not used to contain or be operated by children older than this age range.

1. Measure Your Space Accurately

Width:

Always measure the opening where you plan to install the gate. Don’t guess - even “standard” doorways can vary. Many gates are adjustable, but **always check the minimum and maximum width range before purchasing**.

Height:
Check for obstructions above the opening, such as stair railings, kitchen countertops, or window ledges. These can prevent tall gates from being installed properly.

2. Know the Gate Types & Their Best Uses

Pressure-Mounted Gates: Great for hallways and doorways, especially in rentals or spaces where you don’t want to drill. Not typically recommended for the top of stairs unless securely installed with the included wall cap screw for added safety.
Hardware-Mounted Gates: The most secure option, ideal for stairs or high-traffic areas.
Retractable Gates: Best for wide or awkward openings and spaces where you need a low-profile, out-of-the-way solution when not in use.
Playpens & Barriers: Ideal for creating freestanding play areas or sectioning off larger, open spaces.

For more details, see: Baby Gates & Barriers - General - What different type of gates are there?

3. Think About Safety Features That Suit Your Home

Trip-Free Designs: Ideal for high-traffic areas or when adults may be carrying children or items.
Auto-Close or Stay-Open Modes: Great for busy households.
Double Locking Systems: Added security for clever toddlers.
One-Hand Operation: Useful for parents who often have their hands full.

4. Plan for Installation

Decide whether you’re okay with drilling into walls or prefer a no-hardware option. All Perma Child Safety gates come with step-by-step instructions - many include wall templates to make positioning easy.

If you’re installing between unusual surfaces (e.g., uneven walls, skirting boards, or banisters), you may need additional accessories. Always review what's included in the box and what's available separately.

5. Consider Pets Too

If your gate will also be used for a pet, choose one that suits their behaviour:

Jumpers or climbers? Go for an extra-tall option.
Chewers? Avoid mesh retractable gates.
Small breeds? Make sure bar spacing prevents squeezing through.

6. Lifestyle & Usage

Will it be moved frequently? Look for lightweight, easy-to-remove designs.
Using outdoors? Choose weather-resistant materials like aluminium or UV-stabilised mesh.
Need to open it often? Prioritise gates with smooth opening mechanisms or stay-open features.

By considering these details ahead of time, you’ll be more likely to choose a gate that truly fits your space, lifestyle, and safety needs – and avoid the hassle of returns or re-installs down the line.

Baby Gates & Barriers - General - How do I pick the right gate?

How do I pick the right baby gate?

Choosing the right baby gate can make a big difference in both safety and convenience at home. Here’s a practical guide to help you select the most suitable gate for your needs - and avoid some of the common pitfalls that lead to returns.

Note: All of our baby gates are designed for use with children under 24 months. For safety, we strongly advise that gates are operated only by adults, and not used to contain or be operated by children older than this age range.

1. Measure Your Space Accurately

Width:

Always measure the opening where you plan to install the gate. Don’t guess - even “standard” doorways can vary. Many gates are adjustable, but **always check the minimum and maximum width range before purchasing**.

Height:
Check for obstructions above the opening, such as stair railings, kitchen countertops, or window ledges. These can prevent tall gates from being installed properly.

2. Know the Gate Types & Their Best Uses

Pressure-Mounted Gates: Great for hallways and doorways, especially in rentals or spaces where you don’t want to drill. Not typically recommended for the top of stairs unless securely installed with the included wall cap screw for added safety.

Hardware-Mounted Gates: The most secure option, ideal for stairs or high-traffic areas.

Retractable Gates: Best for wide or awkward openings and spaces where you need a low-profile, out-of-the-way solution when not in use.

Playpens & Barriers: Ideal for creating freestanding play areas or sectioning off larger, open spaces.

For more details, see: Baby Gates & Barriers - General - What different type of gates are there?

3. Think About Safety Features That Suit Your Home

Trip-Free Designs: Ideal for high-traffic areas or when adults may be carrying children or items.

Auto-Close or Stay-Open Modes: Great for busy households.

Double Locking Systems: Added security for clever toddlers.

One-Hand Operation: Useful for parents who often have their hands full.

4. Plan for Installation

Decide whether you’re okay with drilling into walls or prefer a no-hardware option. All Perma Child Safety gates come with step-by-step instructions - many include wall templates to make positioning easy.

If you’re installing between unusual surfaces (e.g., uneven walls, skirting boards, or banisters), you may need additional accessories. Always review what's included in the box and what's available separately.

5. Consider Pets Too

If your gate will also be used for a pet, choose one that suits their behaviour:

Jumpers or climbers? Go for an extra-tall option.

Chewers? Avoid mesh retractable gates.

Small breeds? Make sure bar spacing prevents squeezing through.

6. Lifestyle & Usage

Will it be moved frequently? Look for lightweight, easy-to-remove designs.

Using outdoors? Choose weather-resistant materials like aluminium or UV-stabilised mesh.

Need to open it often? Prioritise gates with smooth opening mechanisms or stay-open features.

By considering these details ahead of time, you’ll be more likely to choose a gate that truly fits your space, lifestyle, and safety needs – and avoid the hassle of returns or re-installs down the line.

Still unsure? Reach out to our team with your space details and we’ll be happy to help!

.

Baby Gates & Barriers - General - How do I pick the right gate?

How do I pick the right baby gate?

Choosing the right baby gate can make a big difference in both safety and convenience at home. Here’s a practical guide to help you select the most suitable gate for your needs - and avoid some of the common pitfalls that lead to returns.

Note: All of our baby gates are designed for use with children under 24 months. For safety, we strongly advise that gates are operated only by adults, and not used to contain or be operated by children older than this age range.

1. Measure Your Space Accurately

Width:

Always measure the opening where you plan to install the gate. Don’t guess - even “standard” doorways can vary. Many gates are adjustable, but always check the minimum and maximum width range before purchasing.

Height:Check for obstructions above the opening, such as stair railings, kitchen countertops, or window ledges. These can prevent tall gates from being installed properly.

2. Know the Gate Types & Their Best Uses

Pressure-Mounted Gates: Great for hallways and doorways, especially in rentals or spaces where you don’t want to drill. Not typically recommended for the top of stairs unless securely installed with the included wall cap screw for added safety.

Hardware-Mounted Gates: The most secure option, ideal for stairs or high-traffic areas.

Retractable Gates: Best for wide or awkward openings and spaces where you need a low-profile, out-of-the-way solution when not in use.

Playpens & Barriers: Ideal for creating freestanding play areas or sectioning off larger, open spaces.

For more details, see: Baby Gates & Barriers - General - What different type of gates are there?

3. Think About Safety Features That Suit Your Home

Trip-Free Designs: Ideal for high-traffic areas or when adults may be carrying children or items.

Auto-Close or Stay-Open Modes: Great for busy households.

Double Locking Systems: Added security for clever toddlers.

One-Hand Operation: Useful for parents who often have their hands full.

4. Plan for Installation

Decide whether you’re okay with drilling into walls or prefer a no-hardware option. All Perma Child Safety gates come with step-by-step instructions - many include wall templates to make positioning easy.

If you’re installing between unusual surfaces (e.g., uneven walls, skirting boards, or banisters), you may need additional accessories. Always review what's included in the box and what's available separately.

5. Consider Pets Too

If your gate will also be used for a pet, choose one that suits their behaviour:

Jumpers or climbers? Go for an extra-tall option.

Chewers? Avoid mesh retractable gates.

Small breeds? Make sure bar spacing prevents squeezing through.

6. Lifestyle & Usage

Will it be moved frequently? Look for lightweight, easy-to-remove designs.

Using outdoors? Choose weather-resistant materials like aluminium or UV-stabilised mesh.

Need to open it often? Prioritise gates with smooth opening mechanisms or stay-open features.

By considering these details ahead of time, you’ll be more likely to choose a gate that truly fits your space, lifestyle, and safety needs – and avoid the hassle of returns or re-installs down the line.

Still unsure? Reach out to our team with your space details and we’ll be happy to help!

.

Always measure the opening where you plan to install the gate. Don’t guess - even “standard” doorways can vary. Many gates are adjustable, but **always check the minimum and maximum width range before purchasing**.

Height:
Check for obstructions above the opening, such as stair railings, kitchen countertops, or window ledges. These can prevent tall gates from being installed properly.