Edition No.2 - Heart & Home Newsletter - Providing professional child-proofing products & services, customized for your home

Welcome to the Heart & Home newsletter! Throughout the 7 years we've been babyproofing homes in eastern Massachusetts we've been lucky enough to keep in touch with many of our (over 600) clients, returning to their homes as new babies arrive or installing additional safety devices as their needs change.

This newsletter is designed to keep our clients, as well as any safety-minded parent, apprised of the latest safety issues and information.

Secrets to choosing the right stairway gate

Finding and installing the right gate for your stairs is one of the most challenging aspects of babyproofing for most parents. You most likely spend most of your time on the main level of your home so the bottom of the stairs often poses a danger first.

Some parents question the need for a gate at the bottom of the stairs but any self-respecting baby will tell you he can reach the 8th step in 2.2 seconds! We've read some "parenting tips" that recommend allowing your child access to the bottom part of the stairs so he can practice crawling up. Naturally, we're in favor of children learning to crawl and walk up steps but we believe it should only be under supervision. So, what type of gate to buy? You have a little more leeway at the bottom than the top because you can use a pressure or screw-mounted gate. For pressure gates we recommend the Centergateway by Kidco. This gate generally works best when you have walls on either side of your stairway. A pressure gate may not be possible (or may pose a tripping hazard) if you have a banister at the bottom of your stairs. In those instances you should go with a screw-mounted gate.

Quick Tip: Avoid using a pressure gate that you can't "walk through". If you have to remove and replace the gate each time you pass through the stairs, you'll likely stop using the gate altogether.

Some parents prefer to use pressure gates because they'd rather not damage their banisters or wood work. If a pressure gate will work in your space, great. Otherwise, fear not the holes. They're smaller than half your pinky nail and can easily be hidden with crayon-like wood filler.

At the top of the stairs you'll need a screw-mounted gate for safety. We recommend the Stairway Special by Cardinal Gates, the Angle-Mount Safeway or the Safeway Gate by Kidco. The first two can be mounted at an angle, which is a common need we encounter in homes when the baluster or banister isn't directly across from a stud. It's nice to have the same gate at the top and the bottom of the stairs for functionality as well as consistency of appearance.

Quick Tip: To solve gate mounting problems involving baseboard molding or banisters, a piece of 1x2 oak will help you create a level surface on which to mount the gate. We like to stain or paint the oak for a clean look.

Overall, when choosing a gate we generally recommend a steel or aluminum gate, rather than plastic, for durability as well as appearance. Wood gates are fine but we've yet to find one we love. Many parents inquire about retractable gates because the idea of a "hidden" gate seems appealing. These types of gates are generally difficult to use and require a two-handed operation (not an easy feat when carrying a baby). Also, the hardware that these gates retract into is rather clunky looking. If the idea of this gate appeals to you use it to gate off a room you rarely use (like a formal dining room) rather than on the stairs.

Quick Tip: The latching mechanism for the gate should be near a baluster or handrail if possible. This small consideration could help you tremendously when you're carrying your baby.

There are locations beyond the stairs where gates can be helpful. Deciding where to install gates depends on which areas of your home you choose to make off-limits to your child, the flow of traffic in your home, and personal preference.   

Childproofing for child #2

Perhaps you've fully childproofed your home for your first child. Perhaps you didn't childproof one darn thing because your first child is such an angel she wouldn't dream of opening the kitchen drawers, much less even think about approaching an electrical outlet.

Either way, or anything in between, when your second child comes along you'll need to rethink safety.

Virtually every parent we work with tells us their second child gets into more, and does it faster, than the first. Most likely the younger sibling is trying to keep up with her older brother or sister. Just as likely, your attention is now cut in half (at least!) so constant supervision becomes increasingly difficult. And as you already know, each child is different so danger zones that your first child ignored may become your second child's obsession.

Safety for the new baby: You'll want to cover the basics in the nursery: electrical outlets, safety nightlight, furniture straps, one-piece door stoppers, and window guards or stoppers, as well as cord wraps for the blinds/shades. If your second child is using a hand-me-down crib check to make sure all the screws are secure and none of the slats are loose.

If there were any areas of your home that you waited to childproof, you may want to readdress them now. It's best to take a proactive approach instead of waiting to see what your newest addition may get into. Assess playrooms and family areas. Any toys or games that have small parts should be out of baby's reach but accessible to your toddler at your discretion. Keeping age-appropriate toys separate can be challenging and you'll need to regularly keep a look-out for choking hazards (any object that can fit into the cardboard tube holding a roll of paper towels).

Have a safe place to put your baby that your toddler/preschooler can't access, such as a play yard. Young children have limited impulse control and can sometimes injure their sibling, intentionally or not.

Safety for your toddler/preschooler: Your child is getting older now and if you haven't already, you'll want to consider furniture and window safety, especially if he or she is now in a bed rather than a crib. Dressers, bookshelves, armoirs should be secured to the wall. If you open your windows often, or even occasionally, consider window guards to prevent falls now that your child is old enough to independently climb up and look out of windows. He or she may also be capable of unlocking windows so an additional lock or window stopper are good alternatives to window guards if you rarely open your windows.

There may be brief periods when your older child is not supervised as diligently as he or she was before #2 came along. Take some time to reevaluate your home. Are there any items or areas you wouldn't want your toddler accessing without your supervision? An item called a Top of Door Lock can be invaluable for keeping your toddler out of closets and rooms when you're indisposed (think baby's feedings and diaper changes). It can be locked and unlocked from the inside or outside the room. It can be left unlocked until you choose to slide the lock over to engage it. It's an easy way to compartmentalize your home as needed. Any items that may have seemed over the top before your second child came along may come in handy for your growing first child. Consider toilet locks and a fridge lock, if for no other reason than to keep your sanity in check!

For more information about preparing your child for a new baby, as well as problems that may arise among young siblings we found ChildCareAware.org very helpful.