Baby Gate for Stairway

Updated on September 27, 2010
K.J. asks from Olathe, KS
14 answers

We have a 6month old and it is time for babyproofing. We live in a front to back split and one of our stairwells is 55-60" (each stairwell has 6 stairs). Any suggestions? Also, any opinions on putting up mesh or clear plastic along the railing of the stairs?
Thanks!

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G.N.

answers from St. Louis on

Go to onestepahead.com its all about babyproofing.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.J.

answers from Kansas City on

They have really good baby gates at PetSmart and Petco (of course they're actually pet gates- but you can't tell the differnce). We got one there that was 72". I think it was around $80.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.B.

answers from Wichita on

Good Morning K., what we used for our Bi-level stairs is one that can be opened like a swing door or gate opening, and locked into place when you are on each level of your home. If your baby goes to both levels have one at each, top & very bottom. They can't crawl up or fall down them.

Our Son & Daugher in law only have one at the living room - kitchen door to keep little one out of the kitchen and from playing in the bathroom. Both just wedge and tighten on the frame.

God Bless K.,
K. Nana of 5

1 mom found this helpful
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P.C.

answers from St. Louis on

Here is a link to the one we have.
http://www.learningcurve.com/product/detail/Y3600D1?local...
We love it because you can open the gate even if your hands are full and you don't have to take it down every time you want to pass through. I highly recommend this gate.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.K.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi K.,
I would start at BabiesRUs, they have so many new products out for babyproofing, I'm sure they'll have you covered.
S.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.W.

answers from Kansas City on

Here's a link to the type we used in our split level: http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Sure-Secure-Custom/dp...

It's not cheap, but they work great because they can block both sets of stairs at the same time. We had the mesh part in front on the stairs leading down attached straight on the wall, the gate part in front of the stairs leading up, and a 90 degree angle to attach it to the wall on one side (I hope that make sense). We used 2 and just stepped over the mesh part leading up to the master bedroom - a minor inconvenience. We looked a lot and this was all we found that would work. Hope it helps.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.H.

answers from Kansas City on

We have a front to back split too and NONE of our bannisters are parrallel, so we went with one of those octagon play-yard gates. We put it up in a straight line rather than connecting it around in the octagon & then tie it to our railing in a few places to secure it. It's also great when you take the kids outside in the spring...keeps them in one spot in the yard.

1 mom found this helpful
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H.S.

answers from St. Louis on

We got the Supergate V. It was long enough for the split ranch we originally lived in and it has survived 3 moves. I can't rave enough about this product.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from St. Louis on

we made our own gate out of plastic lattice & wall trim. Each side is attached securely to the wall/upright post, with the opening in the center & latched with a very nice brass latch. It's very stylish & sturdy...& best of all was inexpensive to make & opens flat against the wall so it doesn't impede regular traffic flow.

I provide childcare, & the older kids open/close it on their own (usually by age 3 they can work the latch). & we have 2 dogs....so it works great for them too!

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K.B.

answers from Kansas City on

I second the motion on the gates from Petsmart. They're great and look fine too.

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M.B.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I agree with the first post, One Step Ahead. I was able to get a top of the stair gate with a battery operated motion detector on the top. It comes in handy in the middle of the night. Also able to find some great inventions for baby proofing our spindles. Worth a shot. They have a catalog and easy to navigate website. Hoe this helps!

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D.L.

answers from St. Louis on

Babyproofing stairs is a serious matter. NEVER use a pressure gate for stairs. Only use gates that screw into the wall or are secured to the ballisters with special mounts that are made for stair gates. As far as mesh or plastic along the spindles, if you have a gate at the top and bottom of the stairs, then you shouldn't need the mesh or plastic. However, if you feel that you do want to cover the spindles then definitely use the kid shield plexiglas instead of the mesh. Kids can get a foothold through the mesh and climb up and over the railing. If you would like more information regarding stair safety, contact me directly at www.childproofers.com or call us at 314-962-BABY. We are St. Louis' leader in child safety.

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L.F.

answers from Kansas City on

Love our "Kiddy Guard Gate" sold by Babies R Us, One Step Ahead and Amazon.com in the past. Don't know if they're still available but we have two. They are indestructable and I love that they are retractable! I would definately recommend this product and they are worth the money! They also have a bannister installation kit that you can buy seperate depending on your needs. And, even though you definately want to get a gate to avoid him playing on the stairs...it can help him when he gets older to teach him how to go down on his tummy. Definately, it's safety first when it comes to stairs but this too shall pass and then before you know it he'll be onto other things. :)

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A.B.

answers from Fayetteville on

I had a friend who had the regular mesh/plastic ones and her kid fell through it once.....now she has an actual gate that had to be screwed into the wall and has a secure latch. I would totally recommend that instead of the tension gates. I know your son is still a baby and isn't that physically rowdy (yet!) but he will be sooner than you think so might as well do it all the way the first time-get ahead on the baby proofing. There are several stages of baby proofing-you'll figure it out by trial and error and just be aware...no gadget they have out there is better than plain old supervision!

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