Install gates at the top and bottom of all stairways and between rooms before the child turns 6 months old.
Do not use older accordion-style baby gates, The v-shaped gaps at the top and sides can trap and strangle children.
Measure the doorway or top of the stairs so you buy a gate that is wide enough to block the space.
Keep large toys and other objects away from the gate to prevent kids from using them to climb over.
Make sure the gate is always closed. Sometimes a gate is left open “just for a second”. Unfortunately, sometimes that is all it takes for an injury or a fall to occur.
If your child can open a gate or climb over it, the gate should be taken down.
