Pressure fit gates: These stay in place by pushing up against the walls, need to be fitted with adhesives but are less damaging to the surfaces and are, arguably, easier to install. They are less secure than screw-fit gates, however, and aren’t recommended for, say, the top of the stairs where you may want a slightly sturdier barrier. 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. While her baby-proofing days are now behind her, Lucy used (and reviewed) several stair gates with her two children when they were young, including both metal and retractable designs.

Space A retracting or concertina stair gate is ideal for areas with restricted space or if you want the gate out of sight when it’s not in use. You can buy wide gates or extensions if the opening you want to cover is particularly big. Ways to keep your family living costs down, and kids of all ages happy Get our Family newsletter – it's free monthly. Meets safety standards - Complies or exceeds the requirements of EN1930, the safety standard for safety barriers including stair gates as well as all the relevant clauses of the toy standard EN71Series. 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 testWhile there's no statutory requirement to comply, most commercially sold stair gates will have been tested to meet safety standards BS EN1930:2011. We've split our recommendations into the different types of stair gate you can buy, so you can find one that's best suited for your house and needs. Within these two categories, there are a few other features that can form part of the identity of a stair gate. For example: That's why we're so pleased to see manufacturers take the time to investigate how or why the samples we test might be failing the EU safety standard. Extending stair gates: These can be adjusted to fit a range of doorway widths without the need for any additional extension pieces

To pass our testing, the stair gates we review must meet the requirements of the relevant safety standard. This ensures that they're sturdy, and can withstand the shakes and rattles of a determined child. Keep space around windows clear: Prevent your child from being able to climb up and onto windowsills. No compromising! As there is no trip bar, the gate can be fitted anywhere in the house – ideal for use at the top of your staircase. In November 2019, Argos recalled all but one of the stair gates from its Cuggl range after carrying out product testing that was triggered by our May 2019 stair gate testing, which uncovered two Don't Buys. They come in a number of heights and widths; can fit across stairs, in doorways, or even across entire rooms; and are easy for adults to open one handed (useful when you have a baby on your hip!) while also being secure enough to withstand small, curious hands.

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Firstly, pressure-fit gates can shift and move around over time. If a child were to push on a gate at the top of a staircase and the gate moved or gave way, they could potentially fall down the stairs. Gates at the top of a staircase should always open towards the landing, not out across the staircase If you have narrow spindles that you wish to fit this stairgate tosimply use our Y Spindle accessory.

Stairs can be dangerous: Until you are able to install a safety gate, keep the door shut so your baby stays in the room with you – even in the loo! It’s recommended that you invest in a high-quality stair gate as soon as your baby starts crawling and/or walking, 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? Meets safety standards - Complies or exceeds requirements of EN1930, the safety standard for safety barriers including stair gates as well all the relevant clauses of the toy standard EN71Series.Pressure-fit and retractable stair gates are not a good option for the top of stairs because their design incurs a trip hazard and they are not as sturdy. 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?