We test gates according to the EU safety standard for safety gates (BS EN 1930:2011) at an accredited laboratory. Our advice for stair gate users If you own a screw-fit stair gate that has failed our testing, we'd also suggest that you stop using it.

Hayley Jones, mum of three and blogger at Devon Mama Opens a new window, explains "A stairgate is a safety device that acts as a barrier to stop babies and young children (and pets!) from getting through. A baby gate for stairs usually goes at the top or bottom of a set of stairs, and creates a gated barrier between the two sides of the stairwell, stopping anyone from going up or down. The gate mechanism is designed so that it's not easy to open for young children or babies, but it can be easily undone by an adult to allow them through. It prevents accidental access, reducing the chance of your little one injuring themselves by being unattended on the stairs and falling down them." What type of baby stair gate should you buy?

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With our range of baby and child childproofing equipment and essentials you can prevent injury and accidents with ease and peace of mind. Retractable stair gates: formed from a flexible material like mesh that rolls or folds up when not in use. Munchkin, the company that owns Lindam, told us that consumer safety is paramount to its values as a company and it is dedicated to providing safe, top-quality products. It says that the Lindam Sure Shut Orto complies with all applicable standards including EN1930. However, they are generally not safe for use at the top of a staircase. This is for two main reasons.

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? 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. Choose from our wide range of safety gates to suit your requirements. Whether you require a wall mounted baby gate or a pressure fit safety gate, you will find the right equipment to make your home a safe environment. Discover our Advice HubGates at the top of a staircase should always open towards the landing, not out across the staircase

Keep scrolling to see the top five stair gates we recommend. If you're keen to learn more before investing in a stair gate, we also weigh up the pros and cons of different types, and answer common queries such as where and when to buy a stair gate, how tall it should be, and how to dispose of an old one. Once baby is on the move and ready to explore, they tend to be pretty much unstoppable! Whether newly crawling or walking, it’s essential that your home is made safe with the right pressure-fit stair gate, or wall-mounted child safety gate. Find the perfect baby gate for your stairs to ensure your little one can explore safely and you can have peace of mind! Both, if possible. Stair gates should be used to close off dangerous spaces. It’s best to use screw-fit stair gates at the top of the stairs where possible. Are pressure-fit stair gates safe? This handle is squeeze and lift, which is different to the one above but just as easy. The gate also benefits from opening either side. What will happen is you will find their are scuff marks where the pads have been in situ for however many months or years your baby gate has been installed. Why You Should Use A Stair Gate In Your HomeIt comes in 3rd place mainly because it is not recommended to be used at the top of the stairs, but otherwise this an excellent stair gate which boasts quality, cost, ease of installation, excellent entry/exit system and the availability of extra accessories that allow you to protect walls and skirting boards even further, and to attach to columns or pilasters that are common on stairs. To bring you our list of the best stair gates you can buy today, we first tapped into the wealth of knowledge in the Mumsnet forums, seeking tried and tested recommendations on the stair gates they’ve used and would happily recommend to others. Where possible, our parent-test Katja and her three children then put each stair gate through its paces, learning more about the key features and benefits of each product via everyday use. Best stair gates: at a glance This baby stair gate is suitable for both top and bottom of the stairs, as well as doorways. It comes in 3 size options, of 75cm-80cm, 84cm-89cm and 96cm-101cm, which will suit most stairs in an average home with an average staircase. It stands at 77cm tall, which is great for all babies and most toddlers up to the age of around 3 years old. This pressure fit safety gate fits openings of 76 cm to 82 cm. There are no extensions compatible with this safety gate. It is important that you measure the opening of where you want to install your safety gate correctly. Always measure from the narrowest point, typically skirting to skirting.