Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m the PP who mentioned the retractable gate— I’m talking about a hardware mounted, but retractable gate like the one Wirecutter recommends https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-baby-gate/

I don't think that is retractable. I think it is adjustable in width which is not the same thing. That page you linked to and the gate on that page are not retractable.

This is the third one on the Witecutter page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DG0R342/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=AwEAAAAAAAAAAQV0

Anonymous wrote:I’m the PP who mentioned the retractable gate— I’m talking about a hardware mounted, but retractable gate like the one Wirecutter recommends https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-baby-gate/

I don't think that is retractable. I think it is adjustable in width which is not the same thing. That page you linked to and the gate on that page are not retractable.

Another fan of gate hardware here. My DS sleepwalks and I do too sometimes so we will keep the gate up for a long time.

Anonymous wrote:Retractable is not ok on the top of the stairs. Get a real tall gate.

Why not retractable (as long as it’s hardware mounted)? Truly curious. Retract-a-Gate says it’s certified for use on top of stairs but if there is a reason to avoid I am curious to know

Definitely do the baby gate. You need it to be screwed into the wall at the top of the stairs.

Retractable is not ok on the top of the stairs. Get a real tall gate.

I’m the PP who mentioned the retractable gate— I’m talking about a hardware mounted, but retractable gate like the one Wirecutter recommends https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-baby-gate/

Anonymous wrote:You need a baby gate that is screwed in safely (I have seen some where the gate is attached to something that goes AROUND a post to prevent screwing in to the wood of the post) and NOT a tension mounted gate. This is non negotiable, OP. Your child may get up during the night or in the morning before you rise.

Please heed all these posts agreeing that a hardware mounted gate is NOT negotiable. No pressure mounted gates--a kid can lean on them and pop, they're out and your child is sailing down the stairs.

If you have ever seen a child fall down stairs you would have zero hesitation about installing a gate. I saw an acquaintance's toddler fall ALL the way down stairs because there was no gate at the top and the clueless parents were "Well, he'll figure it out after a few spills!" types. He wasn't hurt but his terror was incredible, and it was miraculous he didn't break his neck....My mom's friends years ago lost a child when he fell down stairs and did indeed break his neck.

If your spouse complains about nonsense like "ruining the walls" etc. ignore it. You can fill in holes and paint over them in years to come but you cannot replace your child.

You and spouse must learn to secure the gate every time, though.

We have a gate both on her door and on stairs (she has a bathroom in her room so not sure you could do this unless you put a small potty on the floor). I would never take that risk.

You need a baby gate that is screwed in safely (I have seen some where the gate is attached to something that goes AROUND a post to prevent screwing in to the wood of the post) and NOT a tension mounted gate. This is non negotiable, OP. Your child may get up during the night or in the morning before you rise.

Hardware installed baby gate. We have the same configuration in our house. I'm taking no chances.

We have this type of house and had a hardware installed baby gate at the top until my youngest was probably 4 or 5. I couldn’t have slept otherwise.

Hardware mounted baby gate. I don’t think there’s a way around it unless you want to roll the dice on safety.

I have a similar issue- and have come to the conclusion that we probably need to do a baby gate. I think I will get the one that retracts so it’s less obvious during the day.

My DC is transitioning to a new bed soon - we are planning to do in April but trying to plan it all out. My biggest concern is we have a steep stair case (colonial home) with no landing off a narrow upstairs hallway. My DC has to walk by the stairs at night to use the bathroom. My only thought is buy a baby gate but I’d prefer not do that if there is another solution. What do others about stairs at night or in the morning when they wake up and are no longer confined to a crib? Thanks!