BabyDan MultiDan, Covers Openings Between 62.5-106.8 cm/24.6-42 inches, Extendable Stair Gate/Baby Gate/Safety Gate, Metal, White, Made in Denmark - (Pet Gate/Dog gate)

Product Information

To pass our testing, the stair gates we review must meet the requirements of the relevant safety standard. This ensures that they're sturdy, and can withstand the shakes and rattles of a determined child. Some stair gates boast specific safety features, which can help to ensure your gate is installed and used in the safest possible way. Gates at the top of a staircase should always open towards the landing, not out across the staircase Assembly: How easy was the gate to install? Were the instructions clear? Were any additional tools or fixings required? Firstly, pressure-fit gates can shift and move around over time. If a child were to push on a gate at the top of a staircase and the gate moved or gave way, they could potentially fall down the stairs.

Baby barrier, stair gate, fence, safety gate, baby fence - popular items have many names. No matter what you call it, a safety gate can help immensely once your child begins crawling and walking. After all, little ones are full of energy and we know that your little rascal only needs a split-second of being left unsupervised to get into trouble. A safety gate provides you with peace of mind, and you will not have to worry about leaving your child unattended for a moment and wondering what trouble they might be getting into. Some stair gates also come with a small door inset into the gate, to let a smaller pet through while keeping large people and dogs out.It’s worth bearing in mind that some dog gates are not appropriate for babies, as they have horizontal slats that your baby might use to climb up and over the gate, or small parts that can fall off and be a choking hazard. Although the Safety 1st SecureTech Flat Step Safety Gate is the only pressure-fit gate that claims to be able to be used at the top of a staircase, we still think it’s preferable to use a screw-fit, wall-mounted gate wherever possible. This leaves far less room for error and, once the gate is installed correctly, it won’t shift even if your child pulls on it. There’s also no ground bar to cause a trip hazard. We put all stair gates through an impact test where they are hit three times with a 25kg weight (that's roughly the same weight as a small female labrador or a large springer spaniel), to see if the gate comes loose or breaks. You don't need to break the bank to get a reliable product either - one of our top models was among the cheapest we tested.

Extending stair gates: These can be adjusted to fit a range of doorway widths without the need for any additional extension pieces Pressure-fit stair gates are ideal for use in rented accommodation as installation requires absolutely no drilling. This type of stair gate comprises a U-shaped metal frame, which squeezes against your wall or bannister, holding the gate in place through pressure alone. It often requires a small cup to be applied to your wall with an adhesive, which the bolts of the gate then sit in. There is no way to prevent every little bump and a few bruises along the way is to be expected, but you can avoid any major accidents by using a safety gate. If your child were to fall down a set of stairs, this would constitute a major accident. Fortunately, this scenario is preventable with a safety gate at the top of the stairs. Your child will simply not have access to the staircase. You can stop using a stair gate when you’re confident that your child can go up and down the stairs safely on their own (which includes the middle of the night). This will depend on the individual child, but this usually happens at around two or three years of age. If your child doesn’t pull or push on the gate, which could cause it to shift or break, and doesn’t attempt to climb over it, you can keep it in place until you feel comfortable removing it. What are the different types of stair gate? Safety and stability: Did the gate shift once installed? Were there any sharp corners or edges? Were there any small gaps that might trap a child’s fingers? Is the gate well made?

What are the different types of stair gate?

Retractable stair gates: formed from a flexible material like mesh that rolls or folds up when not in use. Screw-fit gates are the best type to use at the top of the stairs because they are the most secure and don’t cause a trip hazard. Within these two categories, there are a few other features that can form part of the identity of a stair gate. For example: While her baby-proofing days are now behind her, Lucy used (and reviewed) several stair gates with her two children when they were young, including both metal and retractable designs.

An opening mechanism that can be operated with one hand, so that you can safely use the gate while carrying a baby or toddler All stair gates fit one of two main categories: pressure-fit or screw-fit. Screw-fit (wall-mounted) stair gates Space A retracting or concertina stair gate is ideal for areas with restricted space or if you want the gate out of sight when it’s not in use. You can buy wide gates or extensions if the opening you want to cover is particularly big. Ensure that the gate opens towards the landing, not outwards towards the stairs, or you could fall forward while opening it.

How we chose which stair gates to test

Pressure-fit gates are very safe for use at the bottom of a staircase or in a doorway, as long as they’re installed correctly and regularly tightened as necessary.

Stair gates can be used at the top of the stairs (to prevent your baby from falling down) and at the bottom (to stop them from climbing up). They can also be used to close off unsafe rooms and to temporarily add additional barriers to your home, whether that’s across a doorway or another narrow opening. When deciding which stair gate is best for you, it helps to work out what’s important to you before you buy. For example: The key purpose of a stair gate is to keep your curious toddler away from anything that might cause them harm, including flights of stairs and busy kitchens.Ideally, you want your stair gate to be at least 75cm (30 inches) in height. Extra-tall models are available, and range in sizes from 1m (39 inches) and beyond. Where to buy a stair gate