Thursday, March 19, 2009

Choosing Stair Gates and Safety Gates


What to Consider When Choosing Stair Gates
Keeping children safe is the prime consideration in every parent’s mind. This is why choosing the right products like safe and trusted stair gates needs to be done with care. Just because something is being marketed for children does not mean that it is safe and dependable. Parents should know that there are some tips to keep in mind to make selections of safety stair gates and other child protection devices an easy and worry free process.

  • Choose stair gates that have a certification from JPMA or CPSC
  • Select stair gates made from sturdy material with secure latch fittings
  • Make certain that the stair gates are appropriate for the area where they are to be used. Some of these safety stair gates are only appropriate for use at the bottom of a staircase.
  • Choose a mounting system that is easy to install and will work on the walls of your home.


Certifications
Having a certification seal from JPMA or CPSC is considered a gold standard for any products designed to be used by children. This certification ensures that parents are choosing an item that has met or exceeded every manufacturing guideline that promotes safety. JPMA is one of the largest groups that monitor whether or not children’s products meet the required safety standards. ASTM is the organization that lists all of the safety features and quality standards for products being prepared for market. JPMA is a separate product authority that works with ASTM and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to develop and maintain the highest level of standards and quality for the juvenile marketplace. When you notice the JPMA certification seal of approval you are assured that the product you purchase has been tested both during and after the manufacturing process. JPMA will only approve juvenile products like child stair gates after these items have met the most stringent criteria standards.

Material Strength and Mounting Systems
When choosing safety stair gates parents should always select those that are made from sturdy, dependable material. Cheaper items are readily available and these are constructed from flimsy plastics or cheap wood. These types of safety gates will not hold up under the weight of a determined small child and can result in a serious accident. The mounting systems must also be made from material that will be secure once installed. Hardware consisting of metal mounts is ideal and this type of setting can hold firm against the push and weight of small children who are trying to get through the safety barrier.

Aesthetic Appeal
It is only reasonable that parents would want safety features that have a certain aesthetic quality. You can find a number of different styles of child safety gates that block access to dangerous areas like open doors, kitchens and stairs. Many of these childproof gates have colors and designs that will let them blend into any type of décor. Parents need to make certain they are not sacrificing any safety features when they select one of the more aesthetically pleasing gates

Our Children Deserve the Best
A child’s safety is not something to jeopardize with an improperly chosen safety item. You want the best for your children and this means selecting safe and trusted stair gates that will prevent an unfortunate accident. Parents should always choose child gates that are made of high quality material, have a certification seal from JPMA or CPSC, and have a strong, durable mounting system. This will give your home the child friendly safety features that you can trust.

Chris Levy writes about child safety for parents and would like to invite you to visit www.stairgatesonline.com for more information on finding safe, affordable stair and safety gates.

Copyright 2009, Chris Levy
stairgatesonline

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