Is it very easy to open? I want to buy it for my 5 year old son so when I am not close to him and cannot supervise if he is holding the rail and walking instead of running downstairs, the gate will stop him. Is it very easy to open? I want to buy it for my 5 year old son so when I am not close to him and cannot supervise if he is holding the rail and walking instead of running downstairs, the gate will... » Read More Is it very easy to open? I want to buy it for my 5 year old son so when I am not close to him and cannot supervise if he is holding the rail and walking instead of running downstairs, the gate will stop him. « Show Less
34976
The lever to release the tension requires pressure downward and lift out of the "catch" to release. I cannot picture a five year old releasing the tension to open the gate. The "locking" of the tension is the opposite - pressure downward and pushing in the "catch". The first few times I felt I might break the lever but it seems much easier now.
1546007
I'm finding mine kinda tough to open, but it depends on the size of the doorway, I think. If you can get it so the handle is locked in to one of the holes I think it'll be tricky. I have mine in a larger entrance and it's fine, but the smaller entrance the lock handle was sticking straight up and was easier to open.
1546008
It wouldn't be easy for a 5 year old to open it up, however I wouldn't recommend this gate for a kid that age, the gate isn't that strong, if he tries to climb it it may colapse. I honestly wouldn't trust this for my kid. I bought it for my chihuahua and it works great for her, however, it is too weak for a child.
1546009
Your five year old will probably be able to open this gate so it won't stop him at all
1546010
It is rather easy, there is a lever on the front of the gate that you pull out about 1/2 inch and then pull up to relieve the tension on the wall and the gate can be moved or pushed open
512600
If she can't operate a lock and you want her to operate this, I doubt she will be able to. My 5 year old can do just about every baby gate out there but this one. It is harder to attach to the other side than I thought it would be. You really need 2 hands to get it to latch around the plastic lip on it. I also doubt my elderly grandmother could turn the mechanism. Again my 5 year old can make it turn, but it is hard for him to do. I know it sounds silly to compare her to a 5 year old, but depending on how elderly your mother is it might be a decent comparison. Please take no offense, none is intended, just trying to help. If she can't operate a lock and you want her to operate this, I doubt she will be able to. My 5 year old can do just about every baby gate out there but this one. It is harder to attach to the other side than I thought it would be. You really need 2 hands to get it to latch around the plastic lip on it. I also doubt my elderly grandmother could turn the mechanism. Again my 5 year old can make it turn, but it is hard for him to do. I know it sounds silly to compare her to a 5 year old, but depending on how elderly your mother is it might be a decent comparison. Please take no offense, none... » Read More If she can't operate a lock and you want her to operate this, I doubt she will be able to. My 5 year old can do just about every baby gate out there but this one. It is harder to attach to the other side than I thought it would be. You really need 2 hands to get it to latch around the plastic lip on it. I also doubt my elderly grandmother could turn the mechanism. Again my 5 year old can make it turn, but it is hard for him to do. I know it sounds silly to compare her to a 5 year old, but depending on how elderly your mother is it might be a decent comparison. Please take no offense, none is intended, just trying to help. « Show Less
1797195
kids are smart! The way the gate functions to open is by pulling the gate upwards(this happens via the hinge mechanism) and then opening by swinging in either direction(inward or outward). There is a "latch" that also works well to keep shut provided it is set up properly between the door frame
1279747
My 3 year old is just starting to figure it out. He has opened it once, but I wouldn't say it was easy for him. He can close it better than he can open it.
403675
no it deos not open easy you have to pull the think part open, the only way it could open is if the put something iside of it it would open then so to answer your ? its no its not
416401
My son runs this on Windows 8 without issues. To just drive a train using the routes first loaded with the software should be no problem for a 12 year old. My son is 8 and did better than I. The software is much more complicated when attempting to create new routes. It also requires an initial interface with the Steam website (but you can turn this off afterwards and only use it for software upgrades). This provides the ability to swap or buy new routes with other users plus purchase more routes or games. For obvious reasons I do not want my son having free reign chatting or "sharing" with strangers on the web. My son runs this on Windows 8 without issues. To just drive a train using the routes first loaded with the software should be no problem for a 12 year old. My son is 8 and did better than I. The software is much more complicated when attempting to create new routes. It also requires an initial interface with the Steam website (but you can turn this off afterwards and only use it for software upgrades). This provides the ability to swap or buy new routes with other users plus purchase more routes or games. For obvious reasons I do not want my son having free reign chatting or... » Read More My son runs this on Windows 8 without issues. To just drive a train using the routes first loaded with the software should be no problem for a 12 year old. My son is 8 and did better than I. The software is much more complicated when attempting to create new routes. It also requires an initial interface with the Steam website (but you can turn this off afterwards and only use it for software upgrades). This provides the ability to swap or buy new routes with other users plus purchase more routes or games. For obvious reasons I do not want my son having free reign chatting or "sharing" with strangers on the web. « Show Less
1910970
I can't say for sure if a 4-year old can open it. I can tell you that my almost 3-year old cannot, and that it is hard for me to open. In fact, it is the hardest gate to open of the 3 we have. It is also quite noisy.
677430
Our 1.5 year old son figured it out unfortunately. There is two locks and he was able to get past the first easily and the other took him a little bit longer. I still recommend this because if the toddler can get past it then he can probably go somewhat safely up the stairs.
1893360
Opening requires no strength. Being able to "feel" how to engage or disengage the latch is a bit subtle. For most people, this is an easy open and shut once understood. Depending on Grandpa's functioning ...
1252545
I dont know about easily, but my 6 yr old has no problem. Also, my almost 3 yrs old figured out how to open it today. It takes a fair amount of strength to lift and open.
764545
If you hit the top of the safe while turning the handle at the right moment, it opens pretty easily. This safe is more of a toy... Here is a youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcYB9ceiAiY
1226166
My 6 year old can, I'll try it out on my 3 year old tomorrow and update. I believe I have seen him open it before though.
1401691
It should open vary easily by grasping crossways with your fingers, pulling one section down and one section up. It comes apart when my two year old grabs it so maybe your has a defect and it is stuck, if you can't get it apart.
792492
Very easy to open. There's a latch button you squeeze with your finger while you slightly lift the gate using the same hand. Very easy to operate. It's a very good gate. Very satisfied.
1569727
My son is 2 1/2 years old and has no issues with pushing the button to release the cars or with knowing how the cars go down the tracks. I would say any child 2 y/o and beyond will be able to enjoy it. the product is surely safe for the recommended 18 months and beyond. Just keep in mind that those that are younger then 18 months will more then likely have vertical stability issues as they are still learning how to keep upright while performing other tasks that require many adjustments to their positions.
1115610
Not really, although it might be possible. I really need to lift it slightly and make sure the top catches. It is a safe gate though- I can't imagine small children figuring out how to open it. I use it outside to keep my dogs out of the side part of my yard. I hope that helps.
1422252
It would take a bit of coordination to hold the release button and lift at the same time for a 4 year old, but I guess it is possible. My 2 year old granddaughter cannot open the gate. I have been quite pleased with the gate overall.