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.

This baby gate opens in both directions and features a “keep open” system for when the kids aren't around. It is suitable for openings between 73cm and 80cm and can be extended up to 101cm with separately available extensions. 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? 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.

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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 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. The Flat Step stair gate offers a new safety level in U-Pressure gates. Standard baby gates would offer a 3cm threshold, whereas the Flat Step gate is safer to walk through with its thin step-over bar to avoid trip hazards, especially at the top of the stairs.

Our range of products extends to every stage of your little one's growth. If you are seeking a Silvercross pram for outdoor adventures. We’ve got some great options that’ll help you stroll about with your kid with ease. For infants yet to find their feet, a playmat complete with an overhead sensory toy arch is a perfect choice to captivate their attention and stimulate cognitive development. Harriet: This product makes my life easier as a mum because it is super easy to install, and very lightweight. I have a 2-year-old and a one-year-old and chasing them around all day is a nightmare! It is great to have a stair gate that works and feels safe to keep my children looked after. The step feature stops me and the kids falling over too! 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. BABY GATE FOR DOGS: it can also be used as a dog gate for pets, to create a safe space for your dog or baby when playing and resting and you can clearly monitor everything through the gate bars Screw-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.Some stair gates boast specific safety features, which can help to ensure your gate is installed and used in the safest possible way.