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The best childproofing products for the stairs 2024
WHAT CHILDPROOFING PRODUCTS CAN YOU BUY FOR THE STAIRS?
The stairs can be dangerous places for babies and small children because of the possibility of falls. Here’s what can be used to make them safer:
Stair gates to restrict access
Anti-slip treads and tape for uncarpeted stairs
Bannister safety guards and nets
A child-level handrail
ANTI-SLIP TREADS AND TAPE
what are anti-slip treads and tape?
If you have stairs made from a smooth surface like wood or marble, these may be slippery for a child or a parent carrying a baby. Anti-slip treads or tape provide a more textured surface to be gripped onto.
What is the difference between treads and tape?
Treads are usually made from carpet. They can be rectangular or a half-moon shape and are either kept in place with adhesive tape or an anti-slip backing.
Tape has a sticky back so it can be stuck to the stairs and is usually made from PVC or PEVA, making it durable and water-resistant. Transparent tape is popular as a near-invisible solution to slippery stairs.
How else could you make the stairs less slippery?
You could add a carpet stair runner but this is probably the most expensive solution.
what features should I look out for?
Installation: They should be easy to fit and tapes should use a strong adhesive. Many tapes come with a roller for a perfect finish.
Non-abrasive: The tape or tread should have a textured surface for grip but not so textured that it will be abrasive on a baby’s delicate skin.
Size: Rolls of tape are very flexible as you can cut them for the perfect fit. Often tape comes in pre-cut strips, which could also be trimmed. Many carpet treads can also be cut to size.
Cleaning: Tape should be wipe clean and ideally a carpet tread can be both vacuumed and machine washed.
Material: Some anti-slip tape is made from PEVA, which is also commonly used in shower curtains and often touted as an eco-friendly alternative to PVC. It is certainly less toxic and can easily be recycled but it does still contain plastic and there is some debate over the claims it is biodegradable.
BANNISTER SAFETY GUARDS AND NETS
Stair bannister safety guards and nets prevent a child from falling through the gaps between bannister spindles.
When do you need a bannister guard?
A child should not be able to pass through or get their head stuck between the spindles of a stair bannister. UK regulations state that the spindles should be less than 100mm apart at their widest point. A guard will also prevent a child from throwing objects down the stairs.
What’s the alternative to a bannister guard?
You may be able to adjust the width between spindles and add some more. Some make their own guard with panels from a DIY store or with netting and cable ties.
A CHILD-LEVEL HANDRAIL
When a child is able to climb the stairs, if there is nothing in reach to hold on to you could install a child-level handrail. These are fixed to the wall and are often adjustable to grow with your child without having to drill more holes.
THE BEST CHILDPROOFING PRODUCTS FOR THE STAIRS 2024
Click here for all the best stair gates.
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 29 February 2024.
If you buy through a link, I may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
SLIPS AWAY THE ULTIMATE ANTI-SLIP GRIPS
Sixteen anti-slip grips
Mould resistant
Non-abrasive
Strong adhesive
YISUN transparent Anti Slip Stair Treads Tape
Pack of 15 transparent anti-slip tapes measuring either 60 x 10cm or 76 x 10cm.
Comes with a smoothing roller.
Made from PEVA.
Soft Shaggy Carpet Stair Treads
Soft, shaggy stair pads with non-slip backing.
Available in a variety of colours.
Comes in a pack of 7, 13 or 15.
They each measure 22 x 67cm and are 3cm thick.
Machine washable.
MBIGM Non-Slip Carpet Stair Treads
A pack of 15 carpet treads that grip the floor with no need for adhesives.
Can be vacuumed and machine washed.
Available in two sizes: 8 x 30 inches and 8 x 26.5 inches. Can also be cut for the perfect fit.
Comes in six different colours.
Safetots Bannister Safety Plastic Guard
A clear plastic guard which comes with 40 tie straps, a hole punch and eight wall anchors (if needed).
A 15 x 3ft roll, which can be cut to size.
Aitone Child Safety Net
A sturdy, mesh guard measuring 9.8 x 2.5ft.
Comes with 10 cable ties and 15 tying ropes.
Available in white and brown.
Can be used indoors on bannisters or outdoors on balconies.
KiddieRail Adjustable Handrail
Award-winning handrail that is placed at child height to enable them to go safely up and down the stairs.
Adjustable so grows with the child.
Available for a standard staircase as well for those with a 90 and 180˚ angle.
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