Should Baby Gate Be at Top or Bottom of Stairs? Safety Guide for Homes

Every parent who’s ever watched their baby pull themselves up on the couch, then take their first wobbly steps, knows the sudden rush of panic that comes with stairs. One moment they’re crawling happily across the living room floor. The next, they’re inching toward the edge of the staircase like a tiny explorer ready to conquer the unknown. That’s when you ask yourself: Should baby gate be at top or bottom of stairs? The answer isn’t as simple as it sounds - and getting it wrong can have serious consequences.

Why Location Matters More Than You Think

A baby gate isn’t just a barrier. It’s a lifeline. But not all gates work the same way, and not all placements are safe. The top of the stairs is the most dangerous spot in your home for a crawling or pulling-up baby. A fall from the top can result in skull fractures, internal injuries, or even death. The bottom is risky too - toddlers can climb over or push gates down, turning a safety tool into a hazard.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends installing gates at both the top and bottom of stairs - but if you can only pick one, the top comes first. Why? Because babies don’t usually climb up stairs on their own. They get pulled up by older siblings, grab onto railings, or are placed there by accident. Once they’re at the top, they’re at high risk of falling forward. At the bottom, they might bump into the gate, but they’re not falling from height.

The Top of the Stairs: Non-Negotiable

If you install only one gate, it must be at the top. Period. This isn’t a suggestion. It’s a safety standard backed by pediatric trauma data from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Between 2018 and 2023, 73% of stair-related injuries in children under two occurred after falls from the top landing, not the bottom.

Here’s what you need to know about top-of-stairs gates:

• Use a hardware-mounted gate - not pressure-mounted. Pressure gates can pop out under force, especially if a toddler leans or pushes against them.
• Look for gates that open in one direction: away from the stairs. This prevents the gate from swinging into the stairwell if a child bumps into it.
• Check for gaps. The gate should have no more than 3 inches between slats. A baby’s head or torso can get stuck in wider gaps.
• Install it at least 6 inches above the floor to prevent a toddler from digging under it.

Many parents think they’re safe if they just watch their baby closely. But accidents happen in seconds. A baby can go from standing to falling in less than half a second. No parent can react fast enough every time.

The Bottom of the Stairs: Still Important

While the top is the priority, the bottom isn’t optional - especially once your child starts walking. A gate at the bottom stops toddlers from running into the stairs headfirst, prevents them from climbing over the bottom rail, and keeps them from knocking over objects (like lamps or plants) that could fall onto them.

Here’s how to make the bottom gate work safely:

• Use a pressure-mounted gate if the space is flat and the wall on both sides is solid. Pressure gates are easier to install and remove here.
• Make sure the gate doesn’t block a doorway or create a tripping hazard. If it swings into a walkway, it becomes a danger itself.
• Check for clutter. Toys, shoes, or rugs near the gate can encourage climbing. Keep the area clear.
• Replace the gate if it’s bent, has loose screws, or shows signs of wear. Gates made before 2020 may not meet current safety standards.

Common Mistakes Parents Make

Even smart, careful parents make these errors - and they’re more common than you’d think.

• Using the wrong type of gate. A pressure gate at the top is a death trap. A 2024 study in the Journal of Pediatric Trauma found that 42% of gate-related injuries happened because parents used pressure gates on stairs.
• Installing gates too loosely. If you can wiggle the gate with one hand, it’s not secure. Test it by pushing on all sides. It shouldn’t budge.
• Thinking once is enough. Babies grow fast. A gate that fits at 8 months might be too short at 14 months. Recheck height and fit every few months.
• Ignoring the banister. If your stairs have a wide banister or open railing, a gate won’t stop a child from squeezing through. Use a custom-fit gate or install a solid panel.
• Leaving the gate open. It’s tempting to leave it open for convenience. But 37% of stair falls happen when gates are left unlatched, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

What About Half-Flights or Landings?

If your staircase has a landing, you need gates on both sides. A child can fall from the landing just as easily as from the top. Even if the landing seems safe - if it’s more than 30 inches high, it’s a fall risk.

Some homes have winding stairs, curved railings, or open risers. These require custom solutions. Look for gates designed for irregular spaces, or consider installing a solid panel with a latch. The CPSC has a list of approved gate models for non-standard stairs - check their website for updates.

When Can You Remove the Gates?

There’s no universal age. Some kids are steady climbers by 18 months. Others don’t try to climb until they’re 3. Look for these signs:

• Your child can climb over the gate without help.
• They open the gate latch on their own.
• They start testing the gate by pushing or shaking it.
• They’ve mastered climbing stairs with supervision.

Once you see these signs, it’s time to start weaning them off the gate - not removing it overnight. Remove the bottom gate first. Keep the top gate until they’re consistently walking up and down stairs without holding on, and you’re confident they won’t run or jump down.

Final Rule: Two Gates Are Best

If you can afford it, install gates at both the top and bottom. It’s not overkill - it’s insurance. The top gate prevents catastrophic falls. The bottom gate prevents accidents from climbing, running, or knocking things over.

And don’t forget: gates are just one part of stair safety. Always supervise young children near stairs. Teach them to hold the railing. Use non-slip treads. Keep stairs clear of toys and clutter. A gate won’t save them if they’re running with a toy in hand or if the stairs are slippery.

Stairs are one of the most dangerous features in a home - not because they’re hidden, but because they’re so familiar. We forget how fast a child can move. We forget how easily a gate can fail. But with the right placement, the right type, and constant vigilance, you can turn a hazard into a safe space.