If my kids are anything like yours, they’ll be climbing over their baby gate before you know it. My oldest son was a climber from day one, and we were constantly on the lookout for ways to keep him safe as he learned how to walk.
It’s important to keep in mind that your child won’t always be small enough for a baby gate:
It’s only temporary! But if you’re looking to buy one anyway because it makes life easier while the baby is still small (and before little ones learn how cool it is to climb), here are some tips for choosing the right one.
How To Keep A 2 Year Old From Climbing Over Baby Gate
1. Go for the non-climbable designs
Baby gates come in two main types: the ones that can be climbed over and those that aren’t climbable. The latter is much more secure and easier to install. They’re also great for pets.
When choosing a baby gate to keep your toddler from climbing over, consider buying one with a design that makes it difficult or impossible for them to reach the top of it.
This includes bars spaced far apart, so they don’t have enough room between them to fit their fingers through and slats that are too slim or closely spaced together (or both).
Make sure any stairway posts are covered by an extension at the bottom of your gate—if you don’t do this, toddlers will often find ways around them anyway.
2. Choose sturdy baby gates
You can choose a sturdy baby gate to keep your 2-year-old from climbing over. Choose a baby gate that is heavy and has a wider base, so it can’t be moved easily by the little one.
You should also look for a wide top rail and no pinch points since these will make it harder for your child to climb over the gate.
3. Block all possible footholds
Remove all items that could be used as footholds. Put away toys, books, and shoes, so they’re not within reach of your child. Make sure any object on top of the gate can’t be used to climb up the gate.
If necessary, consider blocking off any area near or above where your toddler will be playing with furniture or other heavy objects that could fall on them if they were to slip through the opening in between them and cause injury.
4. Don’t forget the hardware
The hardware is the part that attaches the gate to the wall or door frame. You should check that this is installed correctly, as it can be a safety hazard if not installed properly.
Make sure the hardware is at least 2 feet above your child’s reach so they cannot climb over.
5. Play hide-and-seek
You can also play hide and seek. This is an excellent game for children of all ages, but it’s especially fun for your 2-year-old, who is likely to love the thrill of being chased.
Hide and seek is a great way to get your child up and moving around, which helps them burn off some energy (and frustration). It will also keep them busy so you can enjoy some peace and quiet!
6. Find a taller gate
A safety gate is designed to be taller than your child. So if you have a 2-year-old, you should choose a baby gate that is at least 32 inches in height (so the bar sits roughly around knee level).
That way, they’ll just slide right down onto their bum if they try to climb over it.
It sounds silly, but it’s true! When choosing your baby gate height, consider where it will be placed. If possible, get one that opens from either direction—this way, you can keep an eye on both ends of the room without having to move around constantly.
7. Buy a baby gate with an alarm
If you already have a baby gate, consider buying one with an alarm. A good number of the top-rated gates on Amazon come with alarms that alert you when your little one has been climbing over.
This is particularly useful for those who have toddlers or older children since they’ll likely be able to get around the gate without setting it off by using their hands instead of climbing over it.
When shopping for a baby gate on Amazon, look for ones with “alarm” in their product title. You’ll also want to check out the customer reviews page because many people mention how their child’s attempts at getting through them were thwarted by hearing an alarm sound while attempting to climb over.
8. Consider a video monitor
A video monitor is a great way to keep an eye on your child when you’re not with them. It can also be used to let you know if he or she is trying to climb over the baby gate and needs help getting down.
The best part of using a video monitor is that it allows you to see what’s going on without having to walk all the way into the other room.
9. Choose a pressure-mounted baby gate that requires more strength to open
This is important because it means the toddler will be less likely to push it open and climb over the gate. Pressure-mounted gates are very easy to install and remove, so you can move them around your home as needed.
They have a more secure fit than other baby gates, making it harder for children to move out of place or climb over.
You should also look for pressure-mounted gates that have extra height options so they’ll last longer as your child grows taller.
What Do You Do When a Toddler Climbs Over a Baby Gate?
So you’ve got a gate in your home, and your toddler is trying to climb over it. What do you do? There are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with this situation:
- Don’t panic! Your child is likely just exploring the world around them. Young children are constantly learning about their environment, so it’s important for parents to stay calm during these situations.
- Don’t yell at them! Yelling will only add fuel to the fire of their curiosity and encourage them to try harder next time. Instead, explain calmly why they shouldn’t climb over the gate—for example: “If you fall down while climbing up there, I won’t be able to catch you!”
Conclusion
Remember, you’re in this parenting thing for the long haul. There will be days when your 2-year-old is too busy to play and other days when she just can’t stop herself from trying to climb over her baby gate. But with a little patience and creativity on your part, you can make sure it’s not an everyday occurrence.
Hi, This is Emma Baster; As a mom, I spend my free time caring for my kids. I’ve read a lot on the Internet to improve my childcare skill and bring the best to my kids. Eruditemommy shares my knowledge and experience through helpful posts. I hope you enjoy them!
