How to Childproof Your Split Stairs

Childproofing stairs in a split-level home is essential for keeping young kids safe and secure. Split level homes often possess multiple — albeit short — sets of stairs. Each set of stairs ends at a landing before the traveler makes his way down the additional steps. Childproofing split-level stairs will ensure the toddler does not take an unnecessary tumble or falls through the railings.

2 standard safety gates
2 hardware-mounted safety gates
Drill
3/4-inch screws
2 wooden hand rails
4 metal handrail brackets
2 33-inch-high plastic banister shield

Instructions

- 1
  Position and secure a standard safety gate at the bottom of each stair landing. Fit and secure a hardware-mounted safety gate at the top of each stair landing. Hardware-mounted gates prevent small children from pushing the gate over with the weight of their body. Follow all instructions listed on each product for proper assembly and installation.
- 2
  Install a handrail -- for each set of stairs that lack one. Attach one metal handrail bracket to each end of a wooden handrail using a drill and 3/4-inch screws. Install the handrail no higher than 33 inches to ensure the child can reach it as he moves up and down the stairs.
- 3
  Insert a 33-inch-high plastic banister shield in between railings more than 36 inches apart. Slide the shield in front of the first rail and behind the second rail. Slide the shield in front of the third rail and behind the fourth rail. Continue in this fashion until the entire length of the railing is protected with the shield.

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