Making Basement Stairs Safer for Toddlers

Prevent the child from accessing the stairs without your supervision. Install keyed locks on the door or doors that provide access to the basement stairs. If there are no doors, block the stairs off with baby gates that the child does not know how to open and cannot climb over easily.

Make sure handrails are easily available and secure on both sides of the staircase. If the stairs are open on one or both sides, enclose them with some type of side or bars so young children cannot trip and fall over the side of the stairs to the ground.

Make sure the stairwell is well-lit so toddlers and anyone else using the stairs will be able to see each step clearly and easily. Install additional lighting if necessary.

Do not leave clutter or items on the stairs where you or the child might trip over them. Keep stairs clear of obstacles at all times. Do not allow your child to carry objects down the stairs and make sure they hold the handrails at all times.

Install a non-slip covering on the stairs or carpet them to help provide secure traction. Slippery stairs can be difficult to navigate.

Do not allow your child on the stairs unattended. Toddlers should be accompanied by an adult while going up and down basement stairs. The adult should stay within arms reach or hold the child's hand to prevent falls and injuries.