BabyDan MultiDan, Covers Openings Between 62.5-106.8 cm/24.6-42 inches, Extendable Stair Gate/Baby Gate/Safety Gate, Metal, White, Made in Denmark - (Pet Gate/Dog gate)

Product Information

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. Pressure-fit stair gates are ideal for use in rented accommodation as installation requires absolutely no drilling. This type of stair gate comprises a U-shaped metal frame, which squeezes against your wall or bannister, holding the gate in place through pressure alone. It often requires a small cup to be applied to your wall with an adhesive, which the bolts of the gate then sit in. 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?

Screw-fit stair gates are mounted onto your walls, screwing into your wall or bannister. The major advantage of this style is that the gate is secure and won’t move around once it’s installed, but the screws will cause minor damage to your walls that will need filling when the gate is removed. Screw-fit gates can be used in a variety of ways: at the top or bottom of a staircase, or in a doorway or other narrow opening. Pressure-fit stair gates Location Stair gates at the top of the stairs should open towards the landing, not towards the flight of stairs, to avoid falling forwards while opening the gate. You should only use screw-fit gates at the top of the stairs. When choosing a safety gate for the top of the stairs, you will need to start by measuring how wide the gate must be to cover the width of the staircase landing. So you will need to measure the distance between the two walls on either side of the stairs. Do you perhaps need to mount the gate on the stairs’ rail posts? If the rail posts are round, it is still possible to mount the gate by purchasing a BabyDan stair adapter. You can choose gates that are mounted on the inside or outside of the rail post or the wall. One type of mounting is not safer than the other - the choice is simply a matter of which would best suit your stairs. BabyDan recommends that you use a wall mounted safety gate at the top of the stairs, to make it as safe as possible for your child. It’s worth bearing in mind that some dog gates are not appropriate for babies, as they have horizontal slats that your baby might use to climb up and over the gate, or small parts that can fall off and be a choking hazard.

Although the BabyDan Guard Me is safe for use anywhere in your home, the best stair gate for use at the top of the stairs is the Safety 1st Wall Fix Extending Metal Gate, which is also the best screw-fit stair gate we tested. We think the BabyDan Guard Me Auto Retractable Satefy Guard gate is the best stair gate available to buy right now. It scored the highest in our product testing and has received many glowing recommendations in the Mumsnet Talk forums. The retractable feature offers a neat option for leaving the gate folded away when not in use and it has a simple opening mechanism. About the author

Retractable stair gates: formed from a flexible material like mesh that rolls or folds up when not in use. Some stair gates boast specific safety features, which can help to ensure your gate is installed and used in the safest possible way. The BabyDan Guard Me is the best stair gate to buy overall, but the retractable screen does have a bit of give to it, and it needs to be installed at least 9cm from the top of the staircase. Ways to keep your family living costs down, and kids of all ages happy Get our Family newsletter – it's free monthly.

However, they are generally not safe for use at the top of a staircase. This is for two main reasons. The key purpose of a stair gate is to keep your curious toddler away from anything that might cause them harm, including flights of stairs and busy kitchens. 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. If you're planning on getting a dog (but a baby could also be on the horizon), you're best off choosing a baby stair gate that holds up in our tests so you can be assured that it will be suitable for protecting both children and animals. Which type of stair gate you choose will depend on your home and your needs. Generally, screw-fit gates are more reliable, so if you’re planning to have a stair gate in place for a relatively long time, and you’re able to drill into your walls or bannister, then a screw-fit gate will be the best choice. You’ll be left with a few small holes to fill when you eventually remove the gate, but nothing that a bit of filler can’t fix.