Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Once we’d selected the 14 best stair gates for our shortlist, our tester, Katja Lakha, installed them one at a time in her home. Katja is a busy mum with three children (girls aged one and four, and a seven-year-old boy), so each gate was put through its paces. The gates were tested for at least one to two weeks each in busy areas of Katja’s home. 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. 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.
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 You don't need to break the bank to get a reliable product either - one of our top models was among the cheapest we tested. All stair gates fit one of two main categories: pressure-fit or screw-fit. Screw-fit (wall-mounted) stair gates Both, if possible. Stair gates should be used to close off dangerous spaces. It’s best to use screw-fit stair gates at the top of the stairs where possible. Are pressure-fit stair gates safe? 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.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. The Safety 1st Wall Fix Extending Metal Gate is easy to adjust to fit securely at the top of any staircase, and because you don’t need to use any additional extenders, the full width of the gate will open, leaving no obstruction that could cause you to trip. Which is the best safety gate to buy?
Extending stair gates: These can be adjusted to fit a range of doorway widths without the need for any additional extension piecesScrew-fit gates are the best type to use at the top of the stairs because they are the most secure and don’t cause a trip hazard.
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. 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?
Pressure-fit gates are very safe for use at the bottom of a staircase or in a doorway, as long as they’re installed correctly and regularly tightened as necessary. Assembly: How easy was the gate to install? Were the instructions clear? Were any additional tools or fixings required? Katy: The flat step gate is really robust despite being a pressure point fitted safety gate. My younger toddler pulls to stand against it and my older toddler has even swung off the gate (before being told off!) without it moving from the position it was fitted to. I have previously only fitted screw attached gates because I didn't realise a pressure fitted gate could be so sturdy. The flat step really is flat against the floor despite living in an old house and having wonky walls, and probably floors! Installation with individually adjusted pressure points compensates for this, a really handy feature. It's great not to have to step over a bar at the bottom, no trips whilst carrying laundry or babies! Would you choose this product to win?
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.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. You can stop using a stair gate when you’re confident that your child can go up and down the stairs safely on their own (which includes the middle of the night). This will depend on the individual child, but this usually happens at around two or three years of age. If your child doesn’t pull or push on the gate, which could cause it to shift or break, and doesn’t attempt to climb over it, you can keep it in place until you feel comfortable removing it. What are the different types of stair gate? Ways to keep your family living costs down, and kids of all ages happy Get our Family newsletter – it's free monthly. Ensure that the gate opens towards the landing, not outwards towards the stairs, or you could fall forward while opening it.
Great Deal 
New Comment