Stairs cause more injuries to young children than almost anything else in your home. We're talking about roughly 93,000 ER visits per year for kids under 5 in the US alone. Most of those are from falls down stairs.
That stat should get your attention.
Top of Stairs vs Bottom
Not all baby gates are created equal, and this matters most at the top of the stairs. Pressure-mounted gates — the ones that wedge between two walls with spring tension — should never go at the top of a staircase. A determined baby pushing against one can pop it loose. At the bottom of the stairs? Pressure-mounted is fine.
At the top, you want hardware-mounted gates. These screw into the wall studs or use mounting hardware that's physically bolted in place. Yes, they leave holes when you eventually remove them. That's a fair trade for your kid not tumbling down 14 steps.
What to Look for in a Gate
Look for gates that meet ASTM F1004 standards. This isn't just a sticker — it means the gate has been tested for things like latch strength, spacing between bars, and resistance to being pushed open.
Avoid gates with horizontal bars or decorative cutouts that create toeholds. Kids are climbers. If they can get a foot on something, they will. Vertical bars or mesh panels are your best bet.
The gate should be at least 22 inches tall, though taller is better for kids who start climbing early. And it should open away from the stairs at the top — if it opens toward the stairs, a kid pushing on it falls forward and down.
Banister Gaps and Railings
Here's one people miss: the gaps between banister spindles. Building codes say they should be less than 4 inches apart, but older homes often have wider spacing. If you can fit a soda can through the gap, a baby's head can potentially get stuck.
Banister guards — clear plastic or mesh shields — fix this cheaply. They zip-tie or velcro onto your existing railing and block the gaps without any permanent modification.
Also check horizontal railings. Some modern homes have gorgeous horizontal cable or bar railings. They look amazing. They're also ladders for toddlers. If you have these, mesh netting on the inside is your best option until your kid is old enough to understand "don't climb."
Teaching Stairs
Once your baby is old enough (usually around 12-15 months), start teaching them how to go down stairs safely. Backward, on their belly, feet first. It's a skill they need to learn, and supervised practice is way safer than them figuring it out alone.
Some parents leave the bottom gate open intentionally to let their toddler practice the first two or three steps with supervision. That's a judgment call, but controlled exposure builds confidence and coordination.
Runner Carpets and Treads
Bare wood stairs are slippery, especially in socks. Carpet runners or non-slip stair treads reduce the severity of falls even when they happen. They won't prevent a fall, but they can be the difference between a bump and a broken bone.
Don't leave toys, shoes, or clutter on the stairs. This seems obvious, but it's the most common cause of stair falls for adults and kids alike. Make it a household rule: stairs stay clear. Always.