Could older children open this easily? I have a 7, 6 and 3 yr old that have their bedrooms in the basement but we have another baby on the way and want to know if you think older children would manage opening this gate on thier own. Could older children open this easily? I have a 7, 6 and 3 yr old that have their bedrooms in the basement but we have another baby on the way and want to know if you think older children would... » Read More Could older children open this easily? I have a 7, 6 and 3 yr old that have their bedrooms in the basement but we have another baby on the way and want to know if you think older children would manage opening this gate on thier own. « Show Less
1085027
7 & 6 year old, yes; probably not the three year old. I could be wrong, because I have the four-legged variety of kids, not the two-legged!
1085028
It's a great gate. We've had it for a year. My six year old has no problem with it. Plus you can hear it lock when someone closes it, so you don't have to walk over and check the gate was locked.
1085029
The three year old might be able to do it with some instruction. It requires lifting and twisting the catch in the direction you want to go. It's a great gate though and works very smoothly
246950
I don't know about 3year old but two older kids would have no problem. It doesn't take much strength. More that you have to be tall enough to pull the latch up and twist. We have two gates that get constant use and they are holding up well.
1085030
Maybe the 2 older kids. It would depend on their height. You need to be able to pull the handle up and turn simultaneously. This isn't easy to do if your reaching over shoulder height. I really like the gate. Its sturdy and is actually bolted to the wall (not pressure mounted)
1085031
Most likely not. We have to explain how to open it to most adults. It takes a little coordination to open them at first, but they are not cumbersome. I have 4 of them and am very satisfied
1085032
My husband put this gate up because we have a dog, and I liked the design. Also because I wusnted something that would swing open. The easy lach is a big plus. But we have it installed at the top of the stairs. We have a new grand baby, and my concern, is when she gets old enought to crawl/ walk. Is the latch going to be strong enought to keep the gate from breaking open ? I don't want it to be something I have to worry about, her falling doun the stairs. It's screwed into the studs of the doorway on both sides. But I need answeres. Thanks Tammy
213940
My kids are 2-1/2 and 4-1/2 they are my biggest one is able to buckle herself but not the little one. No they aren't able to get out on their own. I haven't teach them how. But if your daughter is 7 i am sure she could.
1447320
Yes, they would I think. My boys are 6 and 7 and they can DEFINITELY work the snaps...I guess it would depend on the age you are thinking of. They are tight and work well, but not TOO hard that it's a challenge to open.
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.
1231783
The game if played as is, would be appropriate for young children through maybe 7 or 8. Older, depending on the developmental age and ability of of the child. I have modified it by making my own cards for the doors (a simple word template and import your own pictures, numbers, categories, etc.) so it works for older kids.
1422249
I don't think so, personally. It has a double lock, so they have to twist the locking mechanism and then push it over and lift up the actual gate part to open it. A smart 4 year old would figure it out but, i don't think would be strong enough.
1237165
Drawers do open easily after they've passed a "locked" position. Both don't actually lock, they simple are tight which makes it harder for children to open ( this is by design). Only 1 drawer will open at a time as a safety feature. Drawers do glide easily. However, I do not have a ton if weight in the drawers.
1252543
With practice they should be able to open it. It is harder to close in my opinion since you have to line up the bottom and top of the gate. Even if they only close the top and the bottom is sticking out and not in its proper spot the gate still holds shut very well. I have a 2 1/2 & 4 year old and both can open & close it (however our gate is almost 3 years old and the top closure [triangle thing] is worn). We use our gate mainly to keep the dog out of our downstairs so we haven't kept up with keeping the gate maintained.
443213
Hard to say, I would say it's beyond the abilities of an average 7yo BUT some are pretty advanced, and perhaps with assistance from an older sibbling (or parent) with the building it would be possible... they won't have a problem operating it - it's a simple remote control
1201841
I think 7 is a good age for this...my 3 year old is a bit small but figured it out in short order.
749613
No. My granddaughter and grandson were 4 yrs old and able to open the door.
1410815
I would say 6 yrs old but with supervision. My great nephew is 6 and can handle it pretty well but he is advanced for his age. By themselves I would say at least 8 yrs old. You need a place that is wide open and no drafts or it will crash. We do it in the basement where it is wide open but not near vents. Any air movement will cause you to lose control.
639658
Easy as far as them put it together? My 3 yr. old plays with this granted i helped him put it together but I think a 8 yr.old shouldnt have issues.
1053563
The gate works well for us and even my 48 year old husband has a bit of difficulty opening it. Honestly, it would probably be quite difficult for either child to open but not impossible. The latch is a basic lever type latch. You push the lever down and a claw latch opens. You still have to maneuver it out of the eye hook that it is in. So, it would be difficult, but a determined four year old may eventually get it. I have to say that it's worth the try. It is a great gate and you can remove it from the eye hooks if you want to take it down for a bit.
1587807
3-4 year olds can easily do it if they watch an adult show them how to put a closed end over the open end and visa versa. That is what makes this toy so incredible. It teaches the child to think and plan. I used it 25 years in a special needs preschool.
170108
Just the two pieces would easily be knocked over. We had six sections and could block off a whole big opening between living room and dining room. If you want a pen then the six sides make a decent size pen and you can have a gate that is child proof. We fastened the long one open at both ends to the doorway frame.
2037684
I believe so. There is picture step by step process on the ladder. I have a 5 and 8 year old The 8 year old has no problem with it. My 5 year old can do it, just is a little awkward for her. Just like every safety device in your house, walk through it with your kids and have them practice putting it out. This device can be deployed and then put back together for storage.