gates- split level

if you live in a split level, how many gates do you have set up? do you have a gate at the bottom and top of each set of steps, or do you have your LO on one level mostly? also do they make gates that can attach evenly to a bannister? TIA!

Re: gates- split level

We haven't set up the gates yet, but here's what we bought:

-1 gate for the top of the stairs of the bedroom level.

-1 play yard (actually a hand me down) for the LR/DR kitchen level. It would have been so difficult to block both sets of stairs the way that they are configured. There isn't a wall to attach the gate to on one side of each staircase. So, I figure the large play yard gives her room to play and I know she's safe.

- 1 gate for the bottom of the stairs at ground level (den/family room). I'd actually like to use this to block off the den from the foyer area where the stairs are, but the baseboard heating runs along the wall, so I don't know if it's feasible.

-1 very large gate to block off our entertainment center/wall unit in the den because it has lots of open glass shelves. We got the type of gate one would use to block a fireplace (but that is specific to our house)

Message edited 1/3/2013 8:59:00 AM.

Re: gates- split level

3.

one at the bottom of the main level up to the 2nd and one at the top of those stairs (at the second level landing where 2 of the 4 bedrooms are.

also one going down to the den in the kitchen.

we also keep a gate at the door to his playroom.

gates- split level

We have 5 gates. One at the top & bottom of 2 of our stair cases, then another one so she can't leave the den area. We had to build a gate for the top of one of our stairs because they do not make what we needed. I want DH to patent it so we can make lots of money and live happily ever after

Re: gates- split level

4 gates... one upstairs at top of stairs. we need to get one on the main floor for going up stairs but we have one on the main floor for going down the stairs. Large gate to block the den, then gate in the basement going up the stairs. LOL it drives me crazy!!

Re: gates- split level

personally i would put a gate at the top and bottom of each set of stairs, so no matter which area you are in there is always a gate.

They do make gates that attach to banisters, they can get a little pricey, we had a handy family member build us a wooden extension at the top of our stairs so we could use the cheaper gate but still get the same amount of security mounting it to the wood instead of the banister.