Safety gate recommendations

[bina]

Anyone have any recommendations on a safety gate (to put at the top of the stairs in a townhome)? I need to buy one ASAP! Thanks!

[Momof3Labs]

We got a Kidco gate from BRU; Baby Depot also carries it. They have special installation kits if you have to mount it to a round bannister or something other than drywall; those are sold separately.

Here's our gate:

http://baby-safety-products.babycatalog.com/safety-gates-and-rails-banisters/wood-safeway-gate-07310

And here's the installation kit:

http://baby-safety-products.babycatalog.com/safety-gates-and-rails-banisters/gate-installation-kit-01010

[bina]

Has anyone used the safety first gate (Safe Keeper Security Gate)? Thanks.

[kaitlinsmommy]

I like TFY step-n-lock gate. It works great and is pressure mounted.

[Momof3Labs]

Yep, the First Years hands-free gate is great, but I would NOT put a pressure mounted gate at the top of the stairs - not secure enough IMO for when baby climbs on the gate. And, you won't find a company or safety consultant who will recommend a pressure mounted gate at the top of stairs.

[bina]

Yes, I've been looking for a gate which I can mount at the top of the stairs using hardware, but here's the problem: We have wooden posts which are square at the top and bottom but round in between (does this make sense?). Plus, the gate would have to be crooked to fit across--the posts are a few inches away from being parallel. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[kaitlinsmommy]

I just wanted to say that we use ours at the top of the stairs and it is fine. It is mounted very tightly and dd would not be able to move it. Heck, dh and I have a hard time getting it open.

Have you heard of instances where babies were able to bypass it somehow?

[Momof3Labs]

Check out my second link above - that's what we used!

[Momof3Labs]

Well, the CPSC recommends against using pressure mounted gates at the tops of stairs because children have been able to push through the gates (so the pressure mounts slide). Here's a link to an article:

http://health.discovery.com/convergence/momsguide/gear/gate.html

Note the last two sentences in point #3. Alan and Denise also recommend against pressure mounted gates at the tops of stairs, and I suspect that if you check the instructions that came with your gate, they say the same thing.

You obviously need to make your own decision, but those are the sources of my information. But if you continue to use this gate, tighten it often - the one we use in our hallway frequently starts to slip along the wall.

[kaitlinsmommy]

Thanks for the information, Lori. I will be sure to continue checking the pressure on the gate. I would be horrified if dd tumbled down the stairs.