What are the best baby gates for stairs with banisters? | Every type of staircase and home covered here!

Stairs provide an exquisite touch for a home but can be very risky, especially if you have little ones. The safety of your kids is always a priority for any parent. If you reside in a multi-story residence and want to allow your kids free movement without increasing the risk of fall injuries, you need to install baby gates. Baby gates, also known as child safety gates, are protective barriers meant to limit toddlers and babies from accessing risky or unsafe areas. They come in different designs, widths, and heights to install all kinds of stairs. 

By now, you may be wondering where to get such amazing yet lifesaving installations in your home. Luckily for you, we have compiled a list of the best baby gates for stairs that parents can buy. 

Summary- The Best Baby Gates for Stairs with Banisters

The Best Pressure-Mounted Gate for Stairs

Even as you install things for convenience in your home, you still want to minimize damage to your walls or stairs. There is no better way of doing this than installing a baby gate that does not need screwing into the wall. Remember, the baby will outgrow the baby gate, but your walls will never outgrow the damage without monetary consequences.

For this reason alone, pressure-mounted gates stand the test of time and are proudly placed first in this list. These gates are similar to tension rods you might use in your shower or closet in that they don’t need to be screwed in. As long as each end is firmly pressed up against a wall or door frame, a gate with the proper dimensions will hold up. Pressure-mounted gates are simple to put up (no tools required) and transfer from one location to another.

Let’s look at the best pressure-mounted gate for stairs that every parent ought to know about.

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The Most Versatile Pressure Mounted Baby Gate for Stairs- Regalo 192-inch super wide gate and play yard

The Regalo 192” Play Yard is one of the best baby gates from the well-known brand Regalo. The gate has an impressive build and is made from excellent quality materials to keep kids safe at home with stairs with or without banisters. 

 The baby gate comes with four packs of wall mounts and the installation process is quick and easy.

This multi-purpose baby gate is a 2-in-1 adjustable meaning that it can be converted from a super-wide gate to an enormous 8-panel play yard. Plus, since it’s so long, you have tons of options and can choose exactly where you want to mount it in your home! For example, like in the picture above, you could mount it in the doorway leading up to the stairs, rather than on the stairs themselves!

The Regalo 192” Play Yard is made from very convenient and durable steel with a walk-through door. The walk-through entry contains safety locking features.

You can also purchase wall pads (sold separately on Amazon here)to avoid damaging your walls, stairs, or banisters. The Regalo 192” Play Yard is a great baby gate that meets current safety standards and is ideal for kids up to 24 months. 

Details:

• Dimensions: ‎ 192.13” x 0.39” x 27.95” 
• Product Weight: ‎ ‎30 pounds
• Material type: ‎ ‎Metal
• Use: Can be used as a stair gate or play yard

Pros:

• No tools are required during adjustments
• Made from highly durable steel material and with classy look material
• Easily adjustable
• It can be used as a gate or play yard 
• Lightweight
• Easy to assemble

Cons:

• Panels are not adjustable
• Cannot use panels in odd numbers, e.g., 5 or 3
• Pressure mounting system must be purchased separately

Baby Gates for the Bottom of the Stairs With Only One Wall

Below are the best three baby gates for the bottom of stairs that have a single wall

The Stair Barrier Baby and Pet Gate

The Stair Barrier Baby and Pet Gate is primarily designed to attach to one side of the banister, while on the other side, hardware is mounted to the wall with a tool. The baby gate is meant for use at the bottom of the stairs. However, it can also be used on hallways and other entryways. The Stair Barrier Baby and Pet Gate are easy to install with minimal drilling required on the wall side. This baby gate meets all safety standards set forth for stair gates and enclosures.

Interestingly, it’s made of fabric and comes in over 20 different color options to match your home. The fabric is reinforced with slats inside so it will stand up to any baby (or pet). And since it’s made of fabric, you can easily retract it for storage when it’s not in use.

Details:

• Dimensions: ‎ 36” to 43”
• Product Weight: ‎ ‎ ‎6.74 pounds
• Material type: ‎fabric

Pros:

• It comes in gorgeous colors
• It can easily retract or roll up to one side when not in use

Cons:

• Works best with wooden banisters

Best Portable Option- The NaviGate Adjustable Child Safety Gate

The NaviGate Adjustable Child Safety Gate is one of the best-built baby gates with the highest safety standards in the industry. Its clever design means you can install it in nearly any opening- even if you have an unusually shaped banister.

Install this safety gate using the built-in ratchet to crank it open, and fix it to the wall using the soft silicone pads, which makes it a perfect option for scratch-free use. Damage-free and drill-free, the NaviGate Adjustable Child Safety Gate does not require any tool to make adjustments. In addition, it is portable, easy to install, and certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association because of its security standards. 

Details:

• Dimensions: ‎ ‎45” x 3 x 31”
• Product Weight: ‎ 7 pounds
• Material type: ‎Metal
• Use: Stairway

Pros:

• Portable
• Secure locking mechanism
• Easy initial setup
• Extremely sturdy

Cons:

• Relatively heavy
• It could pose a danger to a child if not tightly installed 

Best Metal Gate for Stairs- Regalo 2-in-1 Stairway and Wall Mounted Baby Gate

The Regalo 2-in-1 Stairway and Hallway Wall Mounted Baby Gate is an extra-wide baby gate that measures about 29-43 inches wide and 30.5 inches tall. The gate comes with mounted level poles, one round banister adapter, six plastic wall spacers, sixteen banister corner protectors, four square banister adapters, and wall mounting hardware. The gate is made from steel and is highly convenient and durable with a walk-through door. The Regalo 2-in-1 Stairway and Hallway Wall Mounted Baby Gate meets all safety standards. It is ideal for children between 6 and 24 months.

Details:

• Dimensions: ‎ ‎ ‎41.73” x 0.39” x 29.92” 
• Material type: ‎Metal
• Use: Stairways, Banisters

Pros:

• Very sturdy and strong
• Highly secure
• Easy to assemble
• Swings very smoothly

Cons:

• Difficult to latch

Baby Gates for Stairs With Banisters on Both Sides

Below are the three best baby gates for stairs with banisters on both sides:

The best looking- Summer Banister and Stair Gate

The Summer Banister and Stair Gate can be used in both stairways and the doorways. The gate can be used on stairs with banisters on both sides. And it comes with a dual installation kit that accommodates banister-to-banister installation and a single banister installation. The gate is highly decorative since it is made from wood with a honey oak finish. The Summer Banister and Stair Gate is highly secure and always guarantees the safety of your kid. 

Details:

• Dimensions: ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎29.7” x 2.8” x 32”
• Product Weight: ‎ 13.68 pounds
• Material type: ‎ ‎Wood, Metal
• Use: Stairways, Banisters

Pros:

• Stylish 
• Kit includes hardware to install on banisters, walls, or both
• Very secure 
• Easy installation

Cons:

• It might not be that durable because of the material used.

Best No Drill Option for Banisters or Walls- Summer Infant 27903Z Banister & Stair Safety Gate

The Summer Infant 27903Z Banister & Stair Safety Gate is primarily designed for banisters and stairways. The safety gate includes unique and secure system mounting that fastens your banister and eliminates the need to drill into your wood. It has an extra-wide door which is easy to walk through. The gate also comes with additional features such as a support foot for extra support. It features both banister-to-banister installations and banister-to-wall installations.

Details:

• Dimensions:‎ ‎46” x 2” x 32.5” 
• Product Weight:14 pounds
• Material type: ‎‎Wood, Metal
• Use: Stairways, Banisters

Pros:

• Great for banisters
• Great design, color, and style
• No drilling required

Cons:

• Limited application

Most Versatile- Dream baby Chelsea Auto-Close Security Baby Safety Gate

Dream baby Chelsea Auto-Close Security Baby Safety Gate combines convenience, safety, and it is one of the best baby gates currently in the market. The safety gate is very easy to install and allows one-hand operation. In addition, dream baby Chelsea Auto-Close Security Baby Safety Gate features a double-locking mechanism that securely closes the gate. It is one of the best designs for banisters but can also be used in stairways, hallways, or more. Just check out all these images in the Amazon customer reviews to see all the different ways you can use it!

Details:

• Dimensions: ‎31.5” x 0.79” x 29.92” 
• Product Weight: ‎9.83 pounds
• Material type: Metal
• Use: Stairways, Banisters

Pros:

• One-hand operation
• Gates open in both directions
• Very secure and convenient

Cons:

• You must purchase the gate the right size for your opening. The gate only adjusts a few inches larger or smaller
• Substantial material quality

Baby Gates for Stairs With Banisters That Don’t Require Drilling

Below are the three best kits for making your baby gate work on a stair with banisters that don’t require drilling

Summer Infant Banister-Banister Universal Gate Mounting Kit

Are you looking for a way to adapt your baby gate for stairs with banisters that do not require drilling? Summer Infant’s Banister to Banister Universal Gate Mounting Kit offers you secure brackets and straps so that you do not have to damage your wooden décor through drilling. The kit is primarily used on pressure-mounted gates and hardware without drilling into banisters. 

Details:

• Dimensions: 2” x 1” x 37” 
• Product Weight: 3 pounds
• Material type: ‎Wood
• Use: Stairways, Banisters

Pros:

• Easy installation
• Safe and secure
• Stylish banister mount
• Perfect if you already own a baby gate

Cons:

• Relatively less durable because of the material
• Gate is not included

Safety Innovations No Hole Stairway Baby Gate Mounting Kit

The Safety Innovations No Hole Stairway Baby Gate Mounting Kit allows installation of baby gates to newel posts without requiring drilling. However, using this baby gate requires some expertise, and you need to watch the installation video before even purchasing it. It comes with washers, a wooden strip, interlocking shims, adapters, clams, and screws.

Details:

• Dimensions: ‎37” x 4.5” x 2.5” 
• Product Weight: ‎‎2.2 pounds
• Material type: ‎ ‎Wood, plastic
• Use: Stairways, Banisters

Pros:

• It comes with an installation manual and instructions
• Varieties of sizes available
• Quality 
• Works with nearly any baby gate

Cons:

• Relatively expensive
• Quite complex to operate
• Baby gate not included

Wall Nanny Mini – Baby Gate Wall Protector

The Wall Nanny Mini – Baby Gate Wall Protector, is designed to stop baby gates from sliding and slipping into walls. They ensure that your walls are protected from any damage or drilling during the installation of baby gates. They are easy to install and do not require any tools or large parts for installations. If you want to keep your wall safe from screw holes or any damage, consider getting the Wall Nanny Mini – Baby Gate Wall Protector.

Details:

• Dimensions: ‎1.75” x 1.75” x 0.75” 
• Use: ‎Baby Gate or Pet Gates

Pros:

• Easy to install
• It can fit almost anywhere
• Ensures your walls are damage-free

Cons:

• It cannot be reused

What Are the Best Baby Gates for Stairs With Banisters?

Below are the three best baby gates for stairs with banisters:

Evenflo Secure Step Gate 

The Evenflo Secure Step Gate is an easy-to-install hardware-mounted baby gate. The gate comes with a swing control that prevents it from swinging over stairs when placed at the top of the stairs. The Evenflo secure step gate is durable, professionally designed, and can open in either direction for easy pass-through. It is very easy to install, contains several security features, and is acceptable for kids and pets.

In addition, the baby gate contains easy glide handles, making it easy to use with a single hand, and features a no-floor-bar design which eliminates tripping concerns. The standard width of the Evenflo secure step gate is a fit opening of 73cm to 107cm (29” to 42”) and a height of 76,2cm (30”).

Details:

• Dimensions: ‎2.75” x 30.25” x 33.62”
• Product Weight: ‎15 pounds
• Material type: ‎Plastic, Metal
• Use: Stairways, doorways, playrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Compact 
• Lightweight
• It comes with a swing control 
• It opens in either direction, making it ideal for high traffic areas.

Cons:

• Flimsy
• Slides easily if not nailed in properly

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Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate 

The Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate is one of the best retractable gates in the industry. The baby gate comes with a fit opening of 52 inches wide and 34 inches high. It is often used for the top of stairs. The Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate is quick and easy to install, and it can be installed at any angle. Whether you want to block off a staircase, a hallway, a patio, or something else, the see-through mesh allows you to always know what is happening on the other side of the gate.

The gate has been certified by the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA), meaning it is safe to use it at the top of the stairs. The baby gate comes with a smooth, one-handed operation, and it is generally quiet when closing and opening. Retract-A-Gate’s see-through mesh is tough, washable, and scratch-resistant. Wherever Retract-A-Gate is installed, it will keep babies safe. What more can you ask for in a gate used for in a baby gate? 

Details:

• Dimensions: ‎52” by 34”
• Product Weight: ‎ 4.09 pounds
• Material type: ‎Reinforced polymer composite
• Use: Stairways, doorways, playrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, the bottom of stairs, etc. (Anywhere)

Pros:

• Very durable
• It can be used anywhere
• Built with fine material
• Quiet operation
• One-hand operation
• JPMA certified for both bottom and top of the stairs

Cons:

• For proper operation, you must close and lock the gate
• For purposes of safety, it must be placed 6-inches from the top of stairs

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Auto Close Banister Baby Gates

The Auto Close Banister Baby Gates are well-designed baby gates that meet very high safety standards. This safety gate is great for 6-24 months babies and small-medium dogs. They come with a double lock safety release device which is easy to open by adults but difficult for babies and pets.

AutoClose Banister Baby Gates are meant to liberate your hands as well as ensure your kids are safe while you are busy. The baby gates are made from steel, meaning they are strong and sturdy, and highly durable. They are easy to install and come with an installation manual.

Details:

• Dimensions:‎ 31.8” x 28.4” x 2.6”
• Product Weight: 15.37 pounds
• Material type: ‎Metal + Plastic
• Use: Stairways, doorways, banisters

Pros:

• Easy to install
• Very durable
• Safe for babies
• Dual locking/one-hand operation

Cons:

• Substantial material quality

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The best baby gate for stairs with a metal banister on one side

Metal banisters can improve the look and feel of a stairway while providing a secure rail to hold as you climb the steps. The problem comes when you want to install a baby gate but don’t have flat, even surfaces on both sides of the stairway.

You often end up with a gate that feels wobbly or insecure. There is often a gap at the bottom of the gate that can become a safety hazard for babies and pets. In some cases, there is no way to get a baby gate to attach at all.

You have two options to fix these problems with a baby gate for stairs with a metal banister on one side. The first is to invest in a baby gate designed for stairways with one metal banister. The second is to purchase an adaptor kit to make the pressure-mounted baby gate of your choice fit your stairway. We have some suggestions for both options.

Best Baby Gate for Stairs with Metal Banister on One Side

If you know from the start that you need a baby gate that will attach to a banister on one side, there are a few options to consider. These are more flexible baby gates that give you a variety of installation options, so they may still work if you need to move the gate to a different stairway in the future.

Summer Metal Banister and Stair Safety Baby Gate

The Summer safety gate is designed for banister-to-banister or banister-to-wall installation. The gate is 32.5 inches tall and will fit stairways with openings between 31 and 46 inches in width. It has no bottom threshold, so you don’t have to worry about tripping as you walk through the gate.

The banister fittings are designed to wrap around the banister. You don’t have to drill into your banister, so it can work for metal or wooden banisters without causing any damage.

Why We Like It:

• No drilling required on banister side
• Flexible installation options
• 2 color options
• No bottom threshold for added safety

Regalo 2-in-1 Stairway and Hallway Wall Mounted Baby Gate

The Regalo baby gate is designed for standard installation on stairways or walls, but it comes with an adapter kit for banisters. That makes it incredibly versatile, so you can use it in a variety of locations. It comes down quickly as well, so you can open the walkway if needed.

The adapter kit includes four square banister adapters and one round banister adapter. You also receive corner protectors and plastic wall spacers, so you have all the accessories you need to safely install the gate in a variety of environments. It’s made entirely of steel, so it’s quite durable and will wipe clean quickly.

Why We Like It:

• Standard baby gate with adapter kit
• Made entirely from durable steel
• Easy to wipe clean
• Quick removal if needed
• Hardware mounting for secure fit

Best Stair Banister Adapter Kits

Adapter kits are the most cost-effective option if you already have a pressure-mounted baby gate and don’t want to purchase another one. Some are universal while others are only guaranteed to work with specific types of gates. Here are our recommendations for kits that will work with a variety of gates.

Baby Gate Guru Stair Banister Adapter

This baby gate adapter kit comes with two Y-shaped spindle rods with no-slide grips on one end. The grips are designed to rest against the edge of a banister, keeping compression baby gates snug and secure against large or small banisters and some other types of railings. It’s a cost-effective option that has worked well for many consumers with metal banisters on their stairways.

There are two different sizes, and it’s important to get the right one. The rod sizes match up to the holes in your baby gate, so it won’t work if sized improperly. The grips will fit over banisters of various sizes. There are also two color options to ensure your adapters match your gate: white and bronze.

Why We Like It:

• Cost-effective solution
• 2 sizes to fit a variety of gates
• Works with large and small banisters
• Tightens loose gates for safety

Qdos Universal Stair Mounting Adapter

This baby gate adapter kit features nylon straps that connect to the baby gate and then circle around the banister rails for a tight, secure fit. Each kit comes with just one strap because it’s designed for staircases with a banister on one side. You can purchase two kits if you have a banister on both sides.

This is an ideal solution if you want to secure your baby gate quickly without drilling into the banister or railing. It doesn’t damage your property in any way and works well even if you’re renting your home or are on vacation.

There are some limitations with this adapter kit, so make sure to measure your banister first. It will work with square banisters up to 4 inches in diameter or round banisters up to 5 inches. The maximum compatible gate height is 34 inches.

Why We Like It:

• Works with hardware and pressure-mounted baby gates
• Universal solution – works with all brands
• 2 color options to match your baby gate

Easy installation that doesn’t require drilling

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Gates (FAQs)

It’s good to know more about baby gates before you decide to invest in one. After all, why should you buy something then return it later after realizing another version could drive you better? No excuse at all! Some of the questions most people ask about baby gates include:

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Take Away

No matter the type of stair entry you have, a stair gate is the only way to guarantee safety for your kids. When looking to invest in this important installation, quality should matter. Look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification on baby gates when doing your shopping. This guarantees that the gate is at least 22 inches tall and that there isn’t enough space between the bottom of the gate and the floor for your child’s head or neck to become trapped.

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