How to Childproof Stairs

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (0 Ratings)

Safety needs to be a priority in homes with children. Follow these steps to prevent a tumble down the stairs.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Latch Screws
Stair Handrails
Safety Gates
Smoke Detectors

Step1

Install safety gates at both the top and bottom of stairs. Use gates that use tension rods or that screw into stair handrails and open with a latch screw.

Step2

Keep stairs free from clutter: toys, shoes and anything else that could cause a fall.

Step3

Make sure your handrails extend the entire length of the stairway. If not, install handrails that do.

Tips & Warnings

Install smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors on each level of your house, particularly near the top of the stairs on the second floor. Check your batteries every month and replace them every year.
Pay the extra money and have an expert install safety gates, smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors.
Supervise children whenever they're on the stairs.
Stairs are not a safe place for children to play.