Installing a child safety gate at the top of the stairs is one of the most important “baby-proofing” tasks yet it can also be the most challenging. Succeed at this task and you are well on your way to creating a safe environment for your little one(s).
The first step is to identify the appropriate location for the gate. In many cases, placing the gate directly across the opening at the top of the stairs is not the best option. Depending upon how your upper story is configured, it may make better sense to rotate the gate ninety degrees such that it cuts across the hallway, or better still, move it further down the hallway. The key is to situate the gate such that it prevents your child’s access to the stairs while still allowing free flow between the master bedroom and the nursery. When it is possible to do so, installing the gate across the hallway may have the added benefits of
- preventing access to an off-limits office or guest room or balcony railing,
- being easier to operate since it is away from the stairs, and
- being easier to install.
Wherever you decide to install the it, the next step is to select an appropriate gate. It is imperative to use a hardware mounted gate that is securely anchored on either side as opposed to a pressure mounted gate. Note, even the manufacturers of pressure mounted gates advise against using their gates at the top of the stairs. Within the hardware mounted gate category there are dozens of viable options. The most versatile of these is the Angle Mount Safety (Model G22) made by KidCo. It is safe, parent friendly and conducive to mounting in multiple situations.
Now that you know the location and the gate you will use, it is time to get to work. If you have flat wall surfaces on either side, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions, make sure your mounts are secured through the wall surface and into the wood studs, and you will be in business.
If, however, you have a banister post or base board molding, some additional materials will be required to create a flat vertical surface. For banister posts, excellent kits are now available to simplify this process. The Gate Installation Kit (Model K12) by Kidco or the EZ-Fit Safety Gate Adapter by 'Bout Kids will enable you to achieve a secure installation without having to drill into your beautiful banister post. Base board moldings may or may not be an issue depending upon their height and design. Some 1 ½ " x 1" strips of maple or poplar will enable you to achieve that flat vertical surface by cutting them to size and screwing them through the wall surface into the wood studs.
Again, be sure to follow the sequence I described above:
- identify the proper location,
- select the proper gate, and
- install it securely.
Using the process and tips described above should minimize the frustration associated with this important task. If all else fails, contact the International Association for Child Safety (www.iafcs.org) for a referral to a child safety professional in your area.