We are looking to move into a place all our own. We've been house hunting for a while and one common thought has come up. That would be of stairs. We have a 2 and a half year old (and plan to have one more sooner then later) and still really need to be able to keep her confined. She is a tiny tott and would be very easy for her to fall down stairs. Plus she's incredibly curious like 2 year olds, and brave. Sometimes we think she should have been a boy she's so tough!
The place we have a contract on now (wish us luck) has solid walls around the stairs in the house. So we are set there! Definately was a plus in making this decision! Our consern with this particular location (and SEVERAL others on the inside) was how to get a gate for an iron bannister. Outside the front door, are two staircases. We have our own little private landing by the front door but that easily leads to two different stair cases. Both have just the outdoor iron dowels. How would we connect a gate to it?
My daughter has definately been able to get out of my mother in laws house therefore we don't want to take any chances at our new place... We don't want curiosity to get the better of our little angel.
Thanks for any advice and thoughts!!!
~T.~
T.,
We have dark wooden bannisters that we don't want to screw holes in. We used a spare piece of wood that we zip tied to the posts. We then attached the safety gate to the wooden posts with the screws. It has worked great.
Good luck!
D.
When we moved into our brand new home a few years ago we were faced with the same dilmna regarding the wrought iron staircase dowels. My husband (being the techy-analytical thinker that he is) secured a wood board to each side of the bottom of the stairs with heavy duty velcro. The wood planks were large enough to anchor between 2 of the dowels. We were then able to use one of the exapndable gates that are typically used in a doorway. The boards stayed up, but the gate could be put up or taken down as needed. It isn't beautiful, but at least it serves the purpose and can be easily removed. It was perfect for our situation and we will be putting it up again soon for our new baby. Good luck with the house!
We used zip ties to secure our baby gate to our iron post stairs. It worked well for us; no children ever fell down our stairs.
I was an escape artist as a little kid -- I loved my neighbors! My father ended up putting those little slide latches at the top of all the outer doors. That might give you some extra peace of mind; make sure to put them up high enough that she can't reach, and make it a habit to lock them when you're inside.
Here is an option:
http://www.kidsurplus.com/kcok10.html
You can get the installation kit at BRU. For the iron railing you'll need two kits for side of the gate.
I was also going to suggest the "permanent" gate. They are expensive, but worth it, and they automatically close, so no one can ever forget to put the gate up or close it - whatever.
I had a spot at my old house that we could find a gate for, and only needed it occasionally. I ended up using our pack and play to block the area. It's a good idea for a temporary solution or to use when you are visiting others.
Looks like you have already gotten this suggestion a couple times, but will go ahead and tell you that I agree with the previous ladies who suggested InfantHouse. Their number is 1-866-infant5 or you can request someone call you through their website at www.infanthouse.com. They have lots of experience with gates and are very professional. Good luck and a big Congratulations on the new home!
I second the referral for Infanthouse. Jack Smith installed two gates at our house and had another contractor thta works with him do most of our cabinets downstairs with the magnetic locks. I'd highly recommend him.
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T.,
it might be a good idea to have Jack from www.infanthouse.com
come out and give you a good evaluation of what you need. He does a wonderful job of installation on safety gates and railing protection that looks like it came with the house.
give him a call.
K. @ The Nestingplace
They make them...try onestepahead.com.
I used safety netting on our staircase and balcony - I have a 3 yr old and 21 month old - both go up and down the steps wonderfully - youngest has been since he was 12 mon and it's a narrow spiral - steep staircase.
