For some reason stairs have a fascination for toddlers which is probably why the A&E Departments have a continuous stream of under 4s through their doors with stair-fall related injuries.
Prevention is simple; fit a stair gate. But the question for the new parent is “Which one”? This Guide discusses the options available to enable you to make an informed choice.
Gates are usually constructed from metal tubing or wood and come in 3 main types.
- Full-width opening gate. This is the most common type which can be either metal or wood.
- Centre opening gate. This gate has a fixed metal section against either wall with a centre-section opening.
- Fixed gates. This type of gate should really be called barriers since they are for use where there is infrequent access and it is consequently acceptable to detach and reattach the barrier for that occasional access.
It should be noted that there is a published EU Directive (EN 1930) regarding the safety of stair gates. Unfortunately manufacturers do not have to comply with this EU directive and those who cite it do not necessarily comply with all the requirements.
Full width gate.
These gates have a single opening section which can usually swing in either direction or be constrained. Usually the gate may be assembled to be left or right hand opening. The gate is attached to the wall or stair balustrade by screwing on a bracket to form either the gate latch or the hinge. The opening gate may then be adjusted to size and all fixings fully tightened. This type of gate has the advantage of no bottom rail which could be a trip hazard but it does require a level of DIY skill to secure the brackets to the wall. Assembly and operational instructions need to be followed precisely.
Some gates are supplied with adhesive attachment pads to be used in place of screws. To make these work the walls would need to be very sound, without wall paper or loose paint. I would not feel comfortable recommending adhesive fixings to anyone.
Centre open gate
These gates are easy to fit and are widely used. The gate has a bottom rail which has screw pressure pads which are adjusted to grip securely to the opposite sides of the opening. On each side there is a narrow frame attached to the bottom rail which has a further 2 pressure pads at the top. Some designs have coloured indicators to show that the correct pressure has been reached. Although easy to fix, these gates are not as secure as those with screwed brackets but they are probably better than those using adhesive pad attachment. Assembly and operational instructions need to be followed precisely.
Barrier Gates
These are basic barrier gates which do not have convenient opening systems and are for occasional use.
Locking latch
Most gates may be opened with one hand and the locking mechanisms have positive latches. They are also designed to be child proof. Some latches have coloured indicators and others have sound alarms to indicate that the gate is open; the sound is initially quiet and only gets loud after a few 10s of seconds.
Finally
Stair gates prevent toddler falls and any type is better than none; just remember to ensure that the gates are kept shut.
