Study: Nearly 2,000 Kids Injured From Baby Gates Each Year

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A new study shows the number of children injured by baby gates has nearly quadrupled in the past 20 years.

The new research from Nationwide Children's Hospital finds that nearly 2,000 kids are treated each year after falling through or climbing on gates.

More than 60 percent of the children hurt were under 2.

Injuries included cuts, sprains, strains and traumatic brain injuries.

"Parents are trying to do the right thing, in terms of keeping their child protected, the bad news is that they
may not always be installing the right type of gate in the right area," said Dr. Lara McKenzie, the study's author.

When using a gate at the top of stairs, researchers recommend ones that are screwed in, not pressure-mounted.

You want something that is mounted to the wall that won't easily be pushed through.

Experts say parents should also remove gates when a child turns 2 or when they're able to open the gate or climb over it.