4 Guilt-Free Reasons to Use a Baby Gate

February 17, 2021

I know, I know, you might feel like you’re putting your infant in baby jail, but there are several very valid reasons to use a baby gate – without guilt!

As moms, we hear all the clammer from the internet about letting baby explore. But we have found that a yes space (area that is baby proofed that baby CAN explore), is far more rewarding for baby and parents than following them around taking every little thing out of their mouth.

1. Safety

Let’s be honest – it does NOT take long for a mobile infant to get into something he’s not supposed to. Babies are deceptively fast, and constantly growing and learning new things. Your baby might be able to figure out how to do something new before you even know about it! Similarly, even the best moms turn away for a split second – to answer a phone call, take a burning pan off the stove, or tend to another child. And that’s all it takes for your baby to be in a dangerous spot.

Using baby gates to keep your child in a safe place or out of a dangerous one does more than just give you peace of mind – it keeps your baby safe! Baby gates can be effectively used in doorways, around a fireplace, and on staircases!

plastic play yard for kids

Photo Credit: @jemarqueshogue

2. Pets

If you have pets, you definitely want to use a baby gate in your home. Even the gentlest animals can unintentionally injure a small child. Not only is it not a good idea to leave pets and infants together unattended, but you also want to keep your child out of your pets’ food bowls, water bowls, and/or litter boxes! Baby gates let you do both: two birds, one stone.

3. Peace of Mind – both for you and your infant

Peace of mind is no small thing. Knowing your baby is contained in a safe place allows you to not constantly panic over where your infant is or what they are touching. Also, keeping your child contained allows him a smaller space to focus on, too! It’s easy to forget how big the world looks to young children - having a smaller space offers them some psychological peace too.

gated play space for kids

Photo Credit: @alexon.i

4. Creation of a Play Space

Whether you use a super wide gate to cordon off part of your living space, or use a gate to make a freestanding play area it’s easy to create a safe space for your baby to play! With the right toys inside the gate, and rotated often, your baby can be safely entertained for quite some time. Added bonus: toys stay contained too! No more tripping over them as you pass through the room.

You’re not going to need baby gates forever, but when your little one is young and growing rapidly, they really are the best way to protect your child. Accidents happen – no matter how closely you’re watching – so it’s important to do everything in your power to avoid them.

About the Author:

Stacy Gentling

Stacy grew up in Minnesota but spent the next several years of her life traversing the globe, temporarily setting down roots anywhere and everywhere. Stacy is extremely passionate about the world of adoption and foster care, having spent a year in Uganda adopting her oldest daughter in 2008. Stacy married her husband Jesse in 2011, and they moved to Oklahoma City to grow their family. They currently have three children; a 12-year-old girl, a 6-year-old boy, and a 1-year-old boy. Though she will be parenting for the rest of her natural days, she deeply appreciates the age differences between her kids. Stacy obtained a Master’s degree in child psychology in 2007, but currently uses it only on her own children! A stay-at-home mama since Baby #3 was born, Stacy has stayed busy keeping her children alive and relatively entertained. She loves her little crazy crew fiercely and uses writing as her creative outlet. When she’s not chasing her kiddos, Stacy is likely traveling or daydreaming about traveling. She also enjoys coffee shops, copious amounts of “cop drama” shows, and perusing Pinterest for ideas that have little chance of ever getting done. But they’re good to have. Just in case.