How to keep door shut

[oneontheway]

I need a solution to keep the door to the basement shut yet functionable. We have 2 teenagers and 2 little ones. The big kids go up and down and forget to shut the door so I need some type of spring that forces the door to shut on its own so the baby wont' fall down the stairs.
Anyone have suggestions for us?
Thanks!!

[ellies mom]

I would go to a hardware store and ask them. I'm sure they could lead you right to what you need

[egoldber]

I need some type of spring that forces the door to shut on its own

I really wouldn't do that. That sounds like a recipe for broken or bruised fingers. I think a better solution is to reinforce to the teenagers to close the door/gate behind them. My 6 year old has learned this rule.

[o_mom]

I really wouldn't do that. That sounds like a recipe for broken or bruised fingers. I think a better solution is to reinforce to the teenagers to close the door/gate behind them. My 6 year old has learned this rule.

:yeahthat:

Any kind of 'self-closing' door is immediately considered a toy around here and played with until fingers get pinched.

If they can't keep it closed, I would suggest a gate either at the stairtop or somewhere else that blocks acesss to the stairway. IME, people are more likely to remember to close a gate than a door.

[oneontheway]

I think you all are probably right. A gate is probably the right solution. I just worry about them being lazy and climbing over it and falling down the stairs. But better than the baby. Its funny because I can train my 2 1/2 year old much quicker and easier than the two teenagers... and I'm really not kidding!
Thanks.