The bottom bar of the frame can pose a trip hazard, so pressure-fit gates are generally not suitable for use at the top of a staircase. But, all pressure-fit gates can be used at the bottom of a staircase, or in a doorway or other narrow opening. Convenient: One-handed opening. ”True” auto-closing whatever the opening amplitude. Extra-wide walk through section. Easy installation with no drilling necessary. The U-shaped frame provides extreme strength when in position. Firstly, pressure-fit gates can shift and move around over time. If a child was to push on a gate at the top of a staircase and the gate moved, then they could fall down the stairs. Assembly: How easy was the gate to install? Were the instructions clear? Were any additional tools or fixings required?

Safety 1st Auto-Close, Extendable Safety Gate, Pressure Fit

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? However, they are generally not safe for use at the top of a staircase. This is for two main reasons. Ours is a Lindam branded one. The gates are really sturdy and secure, but they do have a bar at the bottom on the floor, which some people don't like in case it's a trip hazard - but we've had no problems." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user muddaofsuburbia) Our verdict 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. There’s also no ground bar to cause a trip hazard.

Are pressure-fit stair gates safe?

While most stair gates average around 75cm in height, the YOOFOR retractable mesh gate reaches 85cm, making it more suitable for dogs or adventurous children who might try to jump over. Plus, this gate is made from sturdy, yet soft mesh making it a little more forgiving for little ones who may accidently trip or bump into the gate. The BabyDan Guard Me is the best stair gate to buy overall, but the retractable screen does have a bit of give to it, and it needs to be installed at least 9cm from the top of the staircase. Gates at the top of a staircase should always open towards the landing, not out across the staircase If you’re only planning to have a stair gate in position for a short time, or if you're unable to drill into your walls or bannister, a pressure-fit gate will be the better option. Is it better to put a stair gate at the top or the bottom of the stairs?

Safety 1st 7 cm Gate Extension, Compatible with Safety 1st Safety 1st 7 cm Gate Extension, Compatible with Safety 1st

Our recommendations are always made entirely by our journalists without input from our commercial team, and our writers are never made aware of any business relationships. Our retailers will be happy to share their knowledge and expertise with you about our full range of products and services. The Safety 1st Wall Fix Extending Metal Gate is easy to adjust to fit securely at the top of any staircase, and because you don’t need to use any additional extenders, the full width of the gate will open, leaving no obstruction that could cause you to trip. Which is the best safety gate to buy? Stair gates are a must in any home with a baby or toddler. We rigorously tested the best stair gates currently on the market to reveal the nine top stair gates to suit most families. When your baby starts exploring the world by himself, it's the right time to get a few safety gates. You'll need them for the top and the bottom of the stairs, and to stop him from getting into other risky places.The Safety 1st SecurTech Auto Close Metal Gate offers a smart and easy-to-use automatic closing mechanism. Simply squeeze the buttons on the handle to open it and let it close automatically when shutting. You can see that the gate is safely closed by looking at the Secure Tech indicator. An opening mechanism that can be operated with one hand, so that you can safely use the gate while carrying a baby or toddler We have a Cuggl extending one as we have a larger than usual gap between the wall and last banister of the stairs (the only place to attach it). It's also an unequal shape (think like a vase) and it's worked perfectly." (Vetted by Mumsnetter SnowdropFox) Our verdict The most popular recommendations were pulled together to include in a longlist of approximately 30 stair gates, then whittled down to form our final shortlist. How we tested the stair gates

Safety 1st Auto-Close Pressure-Mounted Magnetic Latch Gate Safety 1st Auto-Close Pressure-Mounted Magnetic Latch Gate

Day-to-day use: Does the gate do the job it’s supposed to? Does it withstand a toddler’s weight? Is it easy to open and close with one hand? The Fred Clear-View is made from an acrylic panel, which creates the see-through window. This means that you could use the gate to segment off your child’s play area in your home and still be able to see them playing through the gate. As soon as babies start crawling and/or walking, a handy stair gate is a must to help prevent calamity. But when it comes to something as important as your child’s safety, how do you know which is the best stair gate to buy? We also collated expert opinions and scoured the Mumsnet forums - the biggest online network of parents in the UK - to find the best stair gates UK according to the families who use them every day. You can read more about how we selected and tested the best stair gates below. How we chose which stair gates to test Opening mechanism can take a bit of getting used to – our tester often needed to use two hands despite the claim of a one-handed opening

The flat step makes this pressure-fit stair gate a good alternative to screw-fit stair gates if you're not able to drill into walls.

Pressure fit Safety gates | Argos

Although the BabyDan Guard Me is safe for use anywhere in your home, the best stair gate for use at the top of the stairs is the Safety 1st Wall Fix Extending Metal Gate, which is also the best screw-fit stair gate we tested.We have a pressure fit gate at the top of the stairs with the minimum bottom bar, think it's called the flat step. We also bought rubber cups for the wall and the gate is totally solid, you could never shake it loose. The flat step is great too, not totally flat but flat enough you wouldn't trip on it." (Recommended by Mumsnet user GD12) Our verdict