My son has become a terror and I need to contain him! Last night, I couldn't find him (imagine the panic), only to hear his little voice coming out of my kitchen cabinet...
The problem is I have an opening of 97 inches and I need a really sturdy gate. I have eldery grandparents that spend a significant amount of time in my house and can't do the "leg over gate" move, and we also have 2 small dogs that need to be in the middle of everything.
Any suggestions? There seem to be some many gates out there and I always end up picking the wrong one!
Hi, J.,
We have the same situation in the kitchen - there are gates that are made with a pass-through little "door" so you don't have to climb over. If you're interested, I can find out the brand. We're going to be getting one, too.
Goodmorning!
We have a 6 foot wide doorway, and got the extra wide/extra tall one from Babies R Us. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=257410...
We really like it. And I'm pretty sure that you can buy additional extensions to make it wider. It's only $69 for the main unit that extends to 6 feet. We did have the same problem that some other buyers mention, that the door is so heavy and sturdy that the screws pulled out of the doorway. The fix was to buy bigger anchors and screws. It's been up for about a year now, and no problems.
The other options, if you or your husband like to build things, would be to make your own-custom sized. I did that for our dogs with a bunch of 2x2's a couple hinges and a hook and eye, and we've had that up for a couple years and no problems (except that our son has now learned how to open it).
Good luck!
--J.
Check out www.onestepahead.com They have lots of specialized baby gates, many with doors, so I think you'll find what you are looking for there.
D.
I bought a gate to keep my dog contained on the front porch and it swings open when I want to get in and out, but it is high enough to keep her from jumping over. I am sure it would stop a 9 month old! I actually got it at Target, in the baby department, white metal, but it comes in wood, too. Good luck!
Hi J.,
I have tried gates galore before children (for puppy) and after children. I, too, have an area that is 96" wide and found these two gates that work.
from Target.com:
http://www.target.com/North-States-Industries-Extra-Wide-...
and this one from Summer Gates. One their web site, scroll down to the "Custom Fit Gate".
http://www.summerinfant.com/gates.htm
I actually found the Summer gate at Babies R Us, so you might be able find it without paying shipping.
Good luck!
I have two wide openings in my house and use the summer gate. They can extend to 12 feet wide. They are great, and fairly easy to install. They are pricey but I found all the larger gates were expensive. I ordered mine on line at bye bye baby (they had the cheapest price and shipping).
kidco makes gates for wide openings and even those for angled doorways. they hardware mount and they are great. they cost more, but worth it. babies r us sells them too.
Good morning J.....there are large, long and tall gates in the pet catalog that I get. You can request a catalog or shop on line at drs foster and smith. and alot of the gates have the doors on them so grandma and grandpa(and everyone else)can just squeeze the handle and walk through the opening. Not sure of the price, but just like everything else in the world you have to pay for what you want. Good luck and have a great weekend!
We have a configure gate - which gives you the option of various configurations (our problem is the top of the stairs in our colonial). One Step Ahead catalog and/or Leaps and Bounds have them available, plus super wide configurable gates.
Hi J.,
We used a hearth gate (for around the fireplace) for our extra wide opening. It is great and has a swing gate to get in and out.
Check out www.onestepahead.com
They have tons of options and configurations for you to choose from.
Just go on line and search "Baby Gates for Wide Opening"
There are many out there. Just ordered two for my dogs.
However, these are not for children. However, I did see
lots for babies (approved). Since the open plan in houses,
wide gates are readily available. Some come in a standard
size, but you can add on just search and you will find one.
Good luck.
Thats why they invented play pens. Not to leave the baby in there all the time, but during times when you have to do something that can distract you. Play pens are not evil, they can teach a child limits and keep him safe. I also am a firm believer in leashes for toddlers. I have seen too many little ones headed for escalators or climbing out of grocery carts.
Personally, I don't believe in gates....it just makes me feel like I'm treating my kids like animals.
Take the time to teach your kids to stay away from certain things or teach them how to use it...like the stairs...I teach them how to go up and down rather than keeping them out...it only makes them MORE interested in the area you want them to avoid....and if that's the case, they'll find a way to get to it!!!
Just relax, teach and be aware!
