Stair gates for children: Why they are needed and which one to choose

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: March 24, 2023

Stair gates come in all shapes and sizes. A stair gate is a safety barrier intended to prevent children from climbing the stairs.

In this article you can read everything about stair gates and what you should pay attention to when purchasing.

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What is a stair gate and why is it important for your child's safety?

A stair gate (the best reviewed here) is a safety barrier intended to prevent children of a certain age from going up or down stairs. It is a simple and inexpensive tool that parents can use to protect their children from falls and injuries. A stair gate is especially important for parents with small children who are just starting to walk and want to explore the world around them.

Why is a stair gate important?

A stair gate provides a safe environment for your child and prevents them from falling down the stairs. It is one of the most important safety measures parents can take to protect their children from injury. A fall down the stairs can have serious consequences, especially if the child is still very young. A stair gate can also prevent children from going up or down without adult supervision.

When should you install a stair gate?

A stair gate should be installed as soon as your child starts to to crawl or to walk. This can be as early as 6 months. It is important to install a stair gate before your child starts walking so that they can get used to the gate's presence and learn how to open and close it.

What types of stair gates are there?

There are several types of stair gates available, including:

• Screw gates: these are fixed to the wall and are the most secure and sturdy.
• Clamp gates: these are clamped between the walls and are easy to install and remove.
• Roll up stair gates: These are easy to store and take up less space than other types of stair gates.
• Wide stair gates: These are designed for wider openings and provide extra space for parents to walk through.

What should you pay attention to when buying and installing a stair gate?

• Pay attention to the dimensions of the stair gate and the opening for which it is intended.
• Make sure the stair gate is high enough to prevent your child from climbing over it.
• Check whether the stair gate meets European safety standards.
• Place the stair gate at a low height to prevent your child from falling when they climb over it.
• Make sure the stair gate is securely fastened and cannot move.
• Practice opening and closing the stair gate before showing it to your child.
• Make sure that your child does not get any fingers between the gate.
• Install the stair gate correctly and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Advice for parents

• Place a stair gate at the top and bottom of the stairs.
• Never leave your child unattended near the stair gate.
• Make sure the stair gate is always closed.
• Teach your child how to open and close the stair gate.
• Use the stair gate until your child is old enough to safely walk up and down the stairs.
• Regularly check that the stair gate is still firmly attached and cannot move.
• Be patient and give your child time to learn how to use the stair gate.
• Think about your child's safety and install a stair gate when it is needed, even if it means opening and closing the stair gate often.

Is a stair gate really necessary?

As a parent you naturally want your child safe and is in the house. A stair gate can help with this. It is intended to prevent your child from falling down the stairs. A fall from the stairs can have serious consequences, especially if your child is still small. That is why it is important to consider a stair gate.

Which stair gate do you choose?

There are different types of stair gates, such as a screw gate, clamp gate or roll-up stair gate. It is important to choose a stair gate that suits your situation. Please note the following:

• Is the gate sturdy enough?
• Is the gate easy to open and close?
• Is the gate equipped with a good lock?
• Does the gate fit where you want to place it?

In addition, it is important to look at the safety of the stair gate. For example, check that no parts are loose and that the gate is working properly. It is also wise to look at the serial number and any quality marks.

Rules for buying and installing a stair gate

Before you buy a stair gate, it is important to measure the width of your stairs. Most stair gates are available in different widths, but make sure you buy the right size. The minimum width of a stair gate is usually around 60 cm, while the maximum width can be up to 140 cm. If you have a staircase that is wider than 140 cm, you can consider placing two stair gates next to each other.

Safety requirements for a stair gate

A stair gate must meet certain safety requirements to ensure that it is really safe for your child. Make sure that the gate is strong enough and cannot fall over. The material of which the gate is made must also be safe for your child. For example, choose a fence with bars that are not too far apart, so that your child cannot crawl in between. In addition, the gate must be easy to open and close, but not by your child.

Placement of the stair gate

It is important to install the stair gate correctly. Make sure the gate is at the correct height so that your child cannot climb over it. Most stair gates are placed at a height of 75 cm, but this may depend on the type of gate you buy. Always place the gate on the side where the stairs go up. If you have an open staircase, you must also place a gate at the bottom of the staircase.

Brands and designs of stair gates

There are many different brands and designs of stair gates available. It is important to choose a gate that suits your home and your wishes. Make sure that the gate meets European safety requirements and that it is of good quality. Popular stair gate brands include BabyDan and Safety 1st. You can opt for a standard white gate, but gates are also available in other colors and materials, such as wood or black.

Folding gates as an alternative

If you have little space at home or if you want to be able to remove the gate quickly, you can consider buying a folding gate. A folding gate is easy to store and takes up little space. Please note that folding gates are often less sturdy than regular stair gates and that they are not suitable for wide stairs.

Which type of stair gate is best for your situation?

A roll-up stair gate is a smart option if you don't have much space in your home. This type of gate rolls up in a compact cassette, so it takes up little space. It is also very easy to use: you simply pull the gate down to open it and roll it up again to close it. A roll-up stair gate is suitable for almost any place in the house, as long as the width of the opening is between 55 and 140 cm. It offers extra safety for your baby or child, because the gate closes completely and there is no space between the bars. Please note that you do not place this type of stair gate too high, because the gate will then no longer close completely.

Screw gate: sturdy and suitable for higher places

A screw gate is a sturdy option that is screwed to the frame of the door or stairway opening. This type of gate is suitable for higher places, because it offers strength and cannot fall over. It is also suitable for wider openings, because the gate is often adjustable. A screw gate is a good choice if you have an active baby or child who moves a lot and can push against the gate. Make sure that you mount the gate correctly and that it is securely fastened.

Clamp gate: easy to install and move

A clamp gate is a useful option if you want to move the stair gate regularly or if you do not want to drill holes in your walls or doorposts. This type of gate clamps itself between the walls or doorposts, so that it remains firmly in place. A clamp gate is suitable for openings between 75 and 85 cm wide and offers extra safety for your baby or child. Make sure that you place the gate in the right way and that it is firmly attached, so that it cannot fall over.

The differences between the mentioned stair gates

It is important to pay attention to the differences between the stair gates mentioned, so that you make the right choice for your situation. Below you will find an overview of the most important points:

• Roll-up stair gate: easy to use, space-saving, suitable for almost any place in the house, not suitable for higher places.
• Screw gate: sturdy and suitable for higher places, adjustable for wider openings, must be screwed down, not suitable if you do not want to drill holes.
• Clamping gate: easy to install and move, suitable for openings between 75 and 85 cm wide, clamps itself between the walls or doorposts, not suitable for higher places.

Wondering which type of stair gate best suits your situation? Then try out different products and see which works best in your home. Also make sure that the stair gate is suitable for the age of your child and that it is made of safe material. A stair gate provides extra security and creates peace of mind, so you can spend quality time without worrying about your child's safety.

From what age is it important to install a stair gate?

It is generally advised to install a stair gate from the moment your child starts to crawl, usually around six months. At this age, babies are starting to explore and learn to walk, which means they are gaining more and more independence. It is therefore important to ensure that your home is baby-proof and that your child can crawl and walk around safely without creating dangerous situations.

But it also depends on the situation

While six months is a good guideline, it's important to remember that every child is different. Some babies start to crawl and walk earlier than others, so you may need to install a stair gate sooner. In addition, it also depends on the situation at home. For example, if you have an open staircase or a landing that your child can easily fall off, it is wise to install a stair gate earlier.

Stair gates come in different options

There are different types of stair gates, such as roll-up, screw and clamp gates. Which option you choose depends on your personal preference and the situation at home. It is important to choose a safe option with a good lock, so that your child cannot accidentally open the gate.

Stair gates provide a safe learning environment

A stair gate ensures that your child can safely learn to walk and climb stairs without the risk of falling or getting hurt. It also gives parents peace of mind that their children are safe as they explore their surroundings. In addition, installing a stair gate makes it easier to baby-proof your home, so that your child can play and explore safely without creating dangerous situations.

Are you in doubt? Install a stair gate

If you are unsure whether you should install a stair gate, it is always better to err on the side of caution and install one. It is better to protect your child from possible dangers than to risk something happening. You can always remove a stair gate when your child gets older and stronger and has mastered climbing stairs better.

When are stair gates no longer necessary?

Stair gates are designed to prevent small children from climbing up or down stairs and hurting themselves. In general, it is recommended to install a stair gate from the moment your child starts to crawl or learn to walk. This can be as early as six months old. It is important to install a stair gate before your child starts climbing stairs, so that he cannot climb up or down the stairs and hurt himself.

Which situations still make a stair gate important?

Even as your child gets older and gains more independence, a stair gate can still be useful to avoid certain situations. For example, if your child goes to the toilet at night and is not fully awake yet, or if there are young children around who have not yet learned to safely go up and down the stairs. In addition, placing a stair gate on the landing or between two floors can ensure that your home remains baby-proof, even if your child starts to climb.

How do you choose to remove the stair gate?

If you're unsure whether it's time to remove the stair gate, it's best to look at your child's skills. Can it climb stairs without help and is it able to open and close the door of the stair gate independently? In addition, it is important to look at the situations in which danger can arise, such as at night or when young children are around. If you are still in doubt, it is always better to leave the stair gate for the safety of your child.

When can you remove the stair gate?

Removing a stair gate depends on the situation and your child. There are several factors that you need to take into account before removing the stair gate.

Age and development of the child

From what age you can remove the stair gate depends on the development of your child. In general, you can remove the stair gate when your child is about 2 years old and can climb stairs well. But it is also possible that your child is ready to remove the stair gate earlier or later. It is important to look at your child's development and determine whether he or she can safely walk up and down stairs without assistance.

Security and space

If you decide to remove the stair gate, it is important to consider the safety of the space your child is in. For example, are there any other dangers you should be aware of, such as pets or sharp objects? In addition, you should also look at the room in which your child is located. Is there enough space to play and move around without your child getting into trouble?

Type of stair gate

The type of stair gate you have can also affect when you can remove the stair gate. Some stair gates offer more security than others. For example, a stair gate with a lock or a frame that is firmly attached to the wall can offer more security than a stair gate that is loose in the opening of the stairs.

Other situations

There are also certain situations in which it can be useful to leave the stair gate in place for a while. For example, if you have a baby who cannot yet crawl or if your child is not potty trained yet and needs to go to the toilet at night. Even if you regularly travel with your child, it can be useful to take the stair gate with you so that you always have a safe place to sleep for your child.

Which stair gate is the first way up or down?

It is advisable to place a stair gate at the bottom of the stairs first. This is because your child probably spends more time on the ground floor than upstairs. In addition, the risk of danger is greater if your child can fall down.

Conclusion

A stair gate is a safety barrier intended to protect children who are not yet able to climb the stairs on their own. It is an inexpensive way for parents to protect their children from falls and injury risks.

If you want to buy a stair gate, look at the safety requirements and check whether it fits the opening of the stairs. Place it on a low level so that the child cannot climb over it and let the child learn how to open and close the gate.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.