Gates & Barriers · Guide
How to babyproof stairs
Stairs are a major fall hazard. The top of a staircase must have a hardware-mounted gate — this is the one place you should never use a pressure gate.
Hardware-mount at the top
Anchor a hardware-mounted gate into studs at the top of the stairs so it can't be pushed loose.
Mind the swing
At the top, the gate should open away from the stairs, not out over them.
Close the gaps
Seal any gap beside the gate or in the railing that a child could slip through.
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Last updated 2026-07-02.