A pressure baby gate is a safety feature that creates a barrier in any open door frame through pressurized resistance mounting brackets. This type of gate is easy to install and take down, and does not damage the structure of the walls or doorways where it is placed. Most design systems are also sold with accompanying extender kits for extra wide openings or stabilizing brackets so that the gate can be attached to a stair post.
This type of gate is commonly used to protect small children from leaving safe rooms or falling down stairs. They are also sold in pet stores for owners who routinely confine their pet to one portion of the house. They are generally made from wood, composite plastic, or metal. A travel pressure baby gate may be made from fabric and can collapse easily for storage.
The term pressure baby gate refers to the way in which this safety feature is mounted to the wall. Stationary gates generally feature two panels that slide on one central moving arm hinge. The panels are moved away from one another until they push against either side of a door frame as the hinged arm slides into a closed position. Doorway gates utilize a "U" shaped framework that uses resistance mounting pads to press against the doorway framework. The main portion of the gate may be opened and closed like a half door by way of a latching mechanism located along the top.
There are benefits to the home associated with using a pressure baby gate instead of one which requires the installation of additional hardware. The gate is held in place using resistance and does not require drilling holes into the framework of a doorway or opening. It can be put in place in a few minutes without a lengthy assembly process. The gate may be easily removed and installed in a new location by releasing the resistance latches.
Most pressure baby gate kits are designed to fit standard door sizing, which is usually 28 to 36 inches (71 to 91 centimeters) in width. Some designs work in conjunction with extender kits which may be used to accommodate wider openings. The pressurized nature of the mounting system requires that the gate be placed between two solid structures, such as a framed door, or the structural studs located behind drywall panels. Homeowners who wish to place such a gate at the top of a stair and use a banister post are generally advised to purchase an additional stabilizing kit.
