Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I don’t often write reviews, but I have a lot of emotion about this product today, and I want to share it. We have 2 of these gates, and we’ve had them for about 6 months. Both of the gates are at the top of a set of stairs. I particularly like these because I was able to purchase a banister adapter piece from retract-a-gate, and that made it connect better than any other gate to our banister setup. Another thing I like about this gate is that is can easily be opened and closed with one hand while holding a baby. So anyway, as much as I love this gate, I think it could be improved. When you close the gate, you also have to turn the lock mechanism. It’s a 2 step process... close the gate, lock the mechanism. Because it is a 2 step process, it allows a chance to forget step 2 if I’m distracted, or if the baby is crying, and I’m in a hurry. So today was one of those days... I forgot step 2, the gate was closed, but not locked. And my 18 month old leaned against the gate, and came VERY close to falling through and down the steps. I’m still pretty shaken up about it. I’ll be more careful to lock the gate. This story leads to my suggestion to improve the product. I think that the gate should have a battery operated mechanism in the lock that will blink a red light, or sound an alarm if the gate is closed, but not locked. I think the user should have the option of having this safety warning to Light only, beep & light, or off. That way everyone can customize to their situation. I think this reminder would help busy parents lock the gate, and keep babies safer. All in all, we will be careful, and try our best to focus on locking the gate.