Baby gates and pet gates need to be designed so that they are safe, secure, and high enough to prevent little people and animals from climbing or pulling themselves over them.
But the question is, how high should they be?
Unless you have your baby gates and pet gates specially made, you will need to choose a gate with a suitable height from what is commercially available. Your choice will be based primarily on the age of your child, or the size – and breed – of your dog.
Another issue to consider is how long you want to be able to use your baby gates and/or pet gates. Even so, you will be well advised to choose gates that you can use as your pets and babies grow. Maybe you don’t even have a baby yet, but you do have a pet, and you want to plan for the future. If so, it’s important to choose a gate that is suitable for humans and animals. While most baby gates can double as pet gates, not all pet gates are suitable for use as child safety gates.
Every circumstance is different, and only you can assess your personal needs accurately.
Optimum Height for Baby Gates and Pet Gates
Ultimately, the vital factor in terms of height is that the gate should be sufficiently high to prevent babies and/or pets from climbing or jumping over it.
Common heights of commercially produced baby gates range from 29 or 29½ inches to 36 inches, regarded as “extra tall”. Pet gates come in similar heights, although some may be as low as 20 inches. There are also top extensions available for some pet gate designs that enable the owner to increase the height of the gate by 16 inches, or with two of these, by 32 inches.
Optimum Bar Spacing for Baby Gates and Pet Gates
Of course, height isn’t the only factor to consider. The spacing of vertical bars in any gate is also important. For instance, a baby should not be able to get its head through the bars of a baby gate. And if you have a very small-breed dog or puppies, you need them to be sufficiently close to prevent the animals from squeezing through the bars.
Typically, bar spacing is 2¼ to 2½ inches wide, but some pet panel gates have much narrower 1 to 1¾ spaces between the bars.
Other Considerations When Buying Baby Gates and Pet Gates
Pet and baby gates are made from a number of different types of material, including wood, and metal that might be wrought iron, steel, and lighter-weight aluminum, all of which are often powder coated for ease of maintenance, to prevent rusting, and for safety reasons. Some are made specifically for outdoor use, and there are designs specifically intended for use at the top or bottom of stairs.
Many designs are adjustable in width, and some have special extension panels that can be used to make them even wider.
Various methods of installation are used for safety gates, depending on design. These include pressure-mounted, wall-mounted, expandable, and freestanding gates.
Baby Gates and Pet Gates From Cardinal Gates
Cardinal Gates manufactures a wide range of safety gate products aimed at both babies, children, and pets. Features include autolock gate latches on some products and stairway special latches on others.
Contact Cardinal Gates for more information, for pricing, or to order your baby or pet gate today visit cardinalgates.com/shop!
