Kids aren't difficult to keep an eye on when they're too small to crawl; but after those magical first steps, it's a different story all together. Though it is healthy and good for a child to know his or her surroundings, a baby gate can do wonders for peace of mind once your tikes make that one giant leap to mobility.

Stationary Baby Gates
If you are looking to guard one specific area, a stationary baby gate is for you. This type of gate is installed semi-permanently in the home to restrict access of certain areas to those who can unlock (or step over) it.

A stationary baby gate uses a self-locking latch mechanism that children won't be able to unlock, but can be easily opened by adults. They can be installed in both doorways and stairwells, though some are only intended for the bottom of the stairs. Only certain models with stop mechanisms are recommended for the top as others might swing out over the stairs, causing a safety hazard. Stationary baby gates are mounted into hard wall surfaces, but are designed to be removed when the child gets older leaving only a few screw holes.

These hardware mounted child gates are nice because they will blend in with a home's existing design. They can be found in many colors and styles. The aesthetic craftsmanship can be of very high quality; they can look good against almost any backdrop. They can readily be found made of either wood or metal.

Child Gates on the Go
Those who don't need a baby gate to be a permanent fixture should consider a model that uses pressure instead of hardware to stay shut. Pressure gates are placed in a doorway, then are expanded; they basically wedge themselves into the doorway. Pressure gates work very well in doorways made of wood with solid backing. They are not recommended for use between soft or hollow wall constructions. At best, they will be less functional; at worst, they'll put a few holes in the wall (big ones, not tiny screw holes). They shouldn't be used on stairways.

Pressure-based baby gates are great for traveling. They are also very easy to move from one room to another. Opening and closing them requires much more strength than a toddler could ever muster, but might also be difficult for older children or the elderly.

Other Child Gate Info
Even the most expensive baby gates are generally less than $100; many can be found for less than $40. A few used in conjunction can almost be an alternative to a playpen.

Almost all child gates are meant for indoor use only. Models meant for outdoor use are much less common so finding them might be more difficult.

Though they are built for kids, child and baby gates can also be used to corral some pets as well. Puppies, especially, often need to be blocked from certain areas of the home. Larger dogs and cats, on the other hand, will probably be able to leap even the highest and most sturdy baby gates.