If you live in a home with stairs, a baby gate for the stairs is almost indispensable, as it ensures that baby does not suddenly fall down the stairs and get hurt.
On this page, we've taken a look at the baby gates on the market and what else you can consider in terms of baby proofing your home.
A baby gate for stairs also prevents baby from starting to walk or crawl up the stairs unsupervised, which most parents don't want. A baby gate is a very practical way to baby-proof your home. You can buy cheap baby gates here.
Table of contents
Choosing a baby gate
When choosing which baby gate to use, the first thing to check is that the gate is approved. Fortunately, the vast majority on the Danish market are approved, but it is still a good idea to be aware of this, especially if you are buying second-hand. Approval means that there must be a certain distance between the bars so that the child cannot be injured by, for example, getting an arm or, in the worst case, its head caught in them. Secondly, the lock on the baby gate should be so secure that the child cannot open it by himself. It will typically be the case that two hands are needed to open the lock, something that children under three cannot learn, especially if the lock is good so that a little force is needed.
Next, of course, you need to consider the look of the baby crib so that it fits in well with your home and, last but not least, the price needs to be affordable. When buying a baby gate, it's a good idea to go through the rest of your home at the same time and assess whether there is a need for additional baby-proofing, for example in the form of a baby-proofing for cupboards or drawers that your baby won't open and rummage through or get their fingers caught in.
According to the Danish Health Authority, a stair rail should be at least 65 cm high and 4.5 - 6 cm between the bars. In addition, the bars should be vertical so that the child cannot climb on them.
Classic Babydan baby gate
The grid from Babydan is very popular, as it is both practical and available at a very low price, only 600 kr. at Pixizoo. The baby gate has a secure lock that children cannot open. It is attached by four strong screws in each corner. The gate makes it easy to keep an eye on baby, but also easy to get through the gate when it's open, as it doesn't take up much space.
Babydan baby gate: opens with one hand
This grid from Babydan is slightly different from the aforementioned, as it can be opened with one hand. It is ideal for stairs where you walk a lot and therefore need to open and close the door regularly. It can be opened from both sides. Be aware that big children of 2-3 years can learn to open the lid, but for babies who crawl, it is safe enough. The lid costs DKK 500 at Pixizoo.
Grille for door opening: baby safety
If you don't like traditional doors with bars, this grille is a great solution. You can't see through it, which gives the cupboard a more streamlined look. Plus, you're beyond the risk of baby's little fingers getting through the bars on a door. The grille can be easily opened with one hand, so you can pull it to the side if you need to keep it open. The gate is available at Pixizoo to 600 kr. It comply with the latest safety requirements.
Large safety grid for e.g. securing a fireplace
If there is a large area in the home that needs to be cordoned off, this grille is the way to go. It is an XL grille that can be used to block off areas in front of a fireplace where you don't want baby to go. This grate is quite large and prevents babies from entering the entire area around the fireplace. A fireplace is cosy, but it is necessary to secure it so that the baby does not risk getting burned. This grate is available from Pixizoo and is from the brand Babydan, which makes many good products for child safety.
The grid is available in several sizes, so it can be adapted to the needs of your home. Here are sizes. XL, while size. XXL can be used to cordon off larger areas. See all sizes here.
TV anchoring - So the TV doesn't fall down
The beautiful display attracts many babies. Unfortunately, it's a very common accident in the home for babies to be injured by something falling on them and hitting either their head or toes. With these TV anchors, the TV is clamped to the wall so it can't tip or fall over. They can be purchased from Babygear to 78 kr.
Fuse for socket outlet
Little fingers don't belong in sockets, which is why many parents are happy to use a fuse like this, which you can plug into the socket. A baby or child can't get the fuse out themselves, so it's a great way to baby-proof your home's sockets. It's a good idea to buy a few so that all the sockets in the house can be baby-proofed. They can be bought cheaply from Babygear.
Corner protector for sharp corners
Sharp corners on tables are dangerous for babies, especially when they are learning and walking, and trip and fall easily. If your child hits their face on a sharp corner, it can hurt a lot and, in the worst case, cause nasty scars or injuries. Corner guards here's an easy way to secure the corners, but the kids are small.
Baby lock for cupboards
If you have something in the cupboard that baby can't reach, or you want to make sure baby doesn't get his fingers caught, a baby lock is the way to go. It's easy to fit and ensures that your baby can't open the cupboard and grab the contents. Many children get their fingers caught in cupboards and doors, which can be painful. A baby lock is therefore a good idea. It can be bought quickly and easily from Babygear with free shipping.
How to baby-proof your home
Baby-proofing your home becomes a necessity when baby starts to roam around the house. He or she will then quickly learn to crawl and to get up from things, and you will soon discover that babies often go for the very things they are not supposed to pick at.
When baby-proofing your home, it's important to focus on what's at baby height. Cups of coffee and tea should be placed on high tables where baby cannot reach them. Wires are also not optimal toys for a baby, so these should also be out of reach. Babies love opening cupboards and drawers, and they can actually spend a lot of time doing this. Here, you can either make sure that all contents of cupboards and drawers are baby-friendly (e.g. plastic bowls and tea towels), or you can buy a baby lock and make sure that baby can't open cupboards. Most people choose a combination of these, as it's not always possible to store everything dangerous away from baby's reach. If you're looking for good baby locks, you can find them cheaply at Pixixoo or Babygear.
Avoid the most common accidents
According to the National Board of Health, the following accidents are the most common in the home. We've put together a few words on how you can avoid these accidents by simply changing your habits. Often this comes naturally when you have a baby at home, but it's still not possible to prepare too much.
Baby-proofing the home - when and how?
Baby-proofing your home only really becomes necessary when your baby starts crawling around and getting up out of things. It's a whole new world for baby and everything needs to be explored. As parents, it can be overwhelming to suddenly have a toddler everywhere, which is why it's a good idea to start baby-proofing before your baby is old enough to crawl.
First, it's a good idea to get down to floor level and from there look at what the baby can get near. When baby-proofing the home, it's a good idea to remove all cords, as the baby may find themselves chewing on them or twisting them around their neck. Check the area around the cot in particular, as baby should not be able to reach cords from his cot.
Tables at baby height should be cleared so that it is not possible for the child to pull things down. For the same reason, it's a good idea to remove loose tablecloths that are tempting for baby to pick up and risk getting things on top of them. Some children can climb up very high, so cords in blinds or slats should not be accessible to the baby, as he or she may end up hanging from them, which can be fatal.
Even when the home is baby-proofed, most parents quickly learn to supervise their children when they play. Usually it's a bad sign when it suddenly gets quiet. However, a baby-proofed home helps to create a much safer home for both child and parent.
