How do I make stairs safe for my baby?
Protect Your Family from Stair Falls
- Teach your child to always use safety railings.
- Install handrails if they are not already present.
- Keep stairs free of toys and clutter.
- Carpet stairs.
- Make sure stairwells are well lit.
- Teach children that playing on the stairs is dangerous.
Do you need a baby gate at the bottom of stairs?
Gates are particularly important if you have stairs in your house. In children under 2, falls from stairs are a leading cause of emergency department visits. It’s ideal to install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, but the top is the most critical spot.
How do you keep kids safe from stairs?
Create Safe Stairways:
- Keep stairs free of clutter and in good repair.
- Install a handrail if one is not available. Handrails that are small enough for you to be able to put your whole hand around are best.
- Use stair gates both at the top and at the bottom of stairs. Built-in, wall-mounted gates are best.
How do I stop my toddler from falling down the stairs?
How can I keep my child safe from stairway falls?
- Keep the stairs clear of tripping hazards. Clear the stairs of toys, shoes and other objects.
- Use railing guards. Kids are small and they like to squish their bodies through anything they want to fit through, including stair railings.
- Light the stairs.
What age can baby climb stairs?
Around 9 months, babies can crawl up a few steps on their own. By 11 months, they can crawl up a few steps on all fours and then shimmy their body down the stairs by moving backward. Between 17-20 months, toddlers slowly walk up stairs with support and lead with the same foot.
Do you really need a baby gate?
If you want to be sure your toddlers and crawling babies are safe, the answer to the question, Are baby gates essential, is a resounding “yes.” Even if you can be with them and watch them for every minute of their waking hours, it’s still an excellent idea.
How common is it for a baby to fall down stairs?
Stair Safety Still an Issue Most of the injuries occurred as a result of the child falling down the stairs on his or her own. But 25% of children under age 1 were injured while they were carried on the stairs, and 16% fell in a baby walker.
What do I do if my 1 year old falls down the stairs?
Kids fall often and you’re always there to pick them back up. But if your child falls – and you’re not sure how serious their injuries are – call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away. If you’re pretty sure your child’s injuries are serious and need specialized care, head to a pediatric trauma center.
Are baby gates safe at top of stairs?
For tops of stairs gates, experts strongly recommend that parents go with hardware-mounted baby gates. Simply put, those are the most secure because they’re screwed into place, even though they do leave holes in your walls.
When can you remove baby gates from stairs?
Install gates in homes with children between 6 months and 2 years of age. If possible, remove the gates when the child turns 2, or when the child has learned to open the gate or climb over it.
What age do you remove stair gates?
Carry on using safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs until your infant is at least 2 years old. Start to teach your child how to climb stairs, but never let them go up and down on their own (even 4 year olds may need some help).
What to do when 1 year old falls down stairs?
Can a baby survive falling down stairs?
Yet the majority of babies take a fall at one point another—from a changing table, a bed, or even down stairs. Although you may think you’re the only one, these sorts of scenarios are more common than you might think. The good news is that in most cases, babies are just fine.