How to Keep Children From Climbing Over a Banister

Banisters can be dangerous for children.

When childproofing your home, there are so many areas to consider: outlets, cabinets, doorknobs, to name only a few. While many people may take stairs into consideration, they may overlook the banister and the potential for a child to climb onto or even over it once he is old enough to reach it. You can take steps to ensure that your child stays safe and avoids the banister.

Things You'll Need

• Banister guards
• Child gates
• Climbing toys

Instructions

1. Install banister guards on all banisters in your home. Banister guards are clear plastic sheets that lay flush against the railings beneath the banister; they prevent little hands from being able to grab on to the railings and climb up and over the banister. Equally important, these implements will prevent your child from sticking his head between the railings.

2. Place child gates near your stairs, so that your child is unable to gain access to the stairs without your permission.

3. Purchase climbing toys for your child or take him to the park to play on the playground equipment. Giving your child the freedom to act on his desire to climb will divert his attention away from dangerous climbing and motivate him toward a more healthy outlet. Also, he will learn to distinguish between good climbing and bad climbing, healthy outlet versus unsafe outlet.

References

• Tot Safe: 15' Kid Shield Banister Guard
• Preschool Rock: Climbing Fitness for Preschoolers