Baby gates and pet gates both serve almost common purposes. But still, there are a few differences between these two types of gates. While considering the battle between Baby Gate VS Pet Gate, you must compare these two gates based on a few features.
The main differences between Pet or baby gates are the gate’s design and material, height, mounting of gates, construction, latches etc. Usually, the baby gate is far different from the pet gate from all these points of view. So if you use a pet gate to keep your baby within it, it won’t fulfill your purpose.
Different baby gates and dog safety gates are available in the market. So considering your need and all points of difference, you must choose the gate wisely that will keep your baby and dog safe.
We developed this article to shed some light on the baby gate VS pet gate battle. So, keep going through it till the end!
What Is Baby Gate Or Pet Gate?
As the name suggests, the baby or pet gates are meant for babies or pets, especially when they are too small. If you have a child of 6 months to 2 years of age or an innocent Pet in your home, then you must use these gates.
This gate prevents your child from reaching potential danger like hurting themselves with the home’s fixture or climbing the stairs. So the use of this gate will keep your child or pet safe and make your life easier. But, once your child or Pet learns to open or climb the gate, it is no longer of use.
Baby Gate VS Pet Gate – We’ve Covered All Differences
The purpose of baby and pet gates is common. Therefore the users often hesitate and think about which option to choose, pet or baby gate. Well, we are here to clear up your confusion.
There are subtle differences between these two gates. Both are appropriate for keeping your babies or pets outside or within your home. Usually, you need this gate within your house because some rooms have electrical fixtures that can harm your baby or Pet.
Also, your Pet or baby can break or chew up something while playing in the room without a gate. All these cause physical risks to your pets or children. To reduce all these risks, the use of baby gates is a must who have babies or pets in their homes.
However, there are several differences between baby gates and pet gates, and those are:
| Baby Gate Features | Pet Gate Features |
| Lightweight plastic & metal materials | Heavier duty metal, plastic and wooden materials |
| Less than 3 inches of bar spaces | More than 3 inches of bar spaces |
| 22 – 62 inches width | 22 – 72 inches width |
| 25 – 30 pound weight resistance | 40 pound or greater weight resistance |
| 22 – 39 inches height | 19 -72 inches height |
| Smart latches | Pet proof latches or locks |
| Child alarms are available with some gates | Some gates have electronic feature with remote control |
Now we will discuss all these differences in detail. So let’s start:
1. Gate’s Design & Material
Baby and pet gates are made of a variety of materials. Metal and wood are the most common materials for these types of gates. Aluminum, steel and wrought iron are the common metals. Anyway, baby and pet gates are not made of the same materials.
The materials used to construct the baby gate are more durable than the pet gate. The gate’s design is also essential. However, the design of dog or child gates may seem the same. But there is a difference between these two gate designs.
The gate’s design is different as it determines the use of pet or baby gates. Also, the design determines where you should use the gate, like top or below the stairs, indoors or outdoors. Now, the question is, how will the design differentiate between pet and baby gates?
The answer is simple.
Usually, the baby gate has a unique design that prevents your child from opening the gate. Only the adults can close or open the gates.
2. Height Of Gates
Another point of difference between baby gates VS pet gates is their height. Usually, the size of the baby gate is 22 – 39 inches. And the width of the baby gate is 22 – 62 inches. On the contrary, the pet gate’s height is relatively more extensive than the baby gate.
The size of the pet gate is generally 22 – 72 inches. And the width of this gate is 22 – 72 inches. If you install a baby gate in your home, it should have a minimum of 22 inches of height. That means the gate’s height should be approximately your child’s height three-quarters.
If your baby is taller than his age group, then you must choose a gate with a higher height to prevent your child’s climbing over. The baby gate with 39 inches is no longer safe or reliable if your child attains 36 inches in height and weight around 30 pounds.
On the contrary, the pet safe gate’s height can vary depending on your pet’s type. Therefore compared to a child’s need, the pet gate won’t fulfill your need.
3. Mounting Of Gates
Baby gates VS pet gates, another vital consideration in this battle is the mounting of gates. The freestanding baby and pet gates have different applications in your home.
The freestanding pet gates are best for little puppies and dogs. But for your babies, the freestanding baby gates are not ideal unless you are always ready to supervise your child to prevent the falling risk.
Again, you must install the pressure-mounted gates by pressing them against the opposing walls. These types of gates prevent the drilling of walls. Considering the safety issue, the pressure-mounted gate for a puppy is not ideal for installing at the top or below a stairway.
Your babies or pets can push away the gate. And it can cause severe injuries or risk of falling for your babies and pets.
However, the best option is hardware-mounted pet baby gates for the protection and safety of your pet and baby. Moving or climbing these gates is impossible since they are affixed to your home’s nearby hardware or walls.
The hardware-mounted baby gates are fixed to the wall framing or door frame. And these gates are installed using brackets and screws.
4. Sturdy Construction
While choosing the baby or pet gates, select one with smooth finishes and sturdy construction. For example, wooden gates don’t have splinters and should have rounded edges. Squared edges in your baby or pet gate are unsafe because if the baby falls on them, they can cause cuts.
Slat spacing is one specific characteristic differentiating between pet gates and baby gates. Your baby gate’s slat should not be more than 3 inches, and it should be vertical. Less than 3 inches of slat spacing is essential to prevent the entrapment of the head of the baby between them.
Choose baby gates from reputable manufacturers who build baby or pet gates by meeting safety standards.
5. Latch Indicators & Latches
Adults should only open the latches in your baby gate. Ensure the young child or baby can’t open the latches.
Different types of latches are available like foot pedal latches, squeezing mechanisms, dual-action latches etc. Before purchasing a baby or pet gate, we recommend you research the latches and try them.
Easy DIY Modern Baby Gate or Pet Gate | How To Build?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Baby Gates the Same As Pet Gates?
Baby gates and pet gates are far different from each other, even though they both fulfill the same purpose.
Can You Use A Pet Gate for Babies?
You can use a pet gate for your babies. But it’s not advisable unless you are ready to keep your baby under constant supervision.
When Should You Stop Using Baby Gates?
If your baby turns two and can climb the baby gate, you should stop using it.
End Note
So, we are at the end of this Baby Gate VS Pet Gate battle. Hopefully, now you understand all the points of difference between these two gates. Baby and pet gates serve the same purpose. But using the pet gate for your baby is not recommended, and vice versa.
Baby gate fulfills specific needs to keep your baby safe from any damage. In the same way, a pet gate is helpful to keep your dog safe inside or outside of your home. So, it’s wise to use a baby gate for keeping your baby and a pet gate for keeping the animal.
