A baby gate that screws directly into the wall studs or door frame. These are stronger than pressure-mounted gates and won't pop loose if a child pushes on them. Required at the top of stairs where a fall could be serious.
Related Terms
A barrier installed in doorways or at the top/bottom of stairs to keep babies and toddlers from entering unsafe areas. Hardware-mounted gates screw into the wall and are the only safe option for the top of stairs. Pressure-mounted gates work for doorways and the bottom of stairs.
Falls on stairs are one of the top causes of injury for kids under 5. Install hardware-mounted gates at the top of stairs and pressure-mounted gates at the bottom. Make sure banisters have slats close enough together that a child can't squeeze through.
A baby gate held in place by tension between two walls, like a shower curtain rod. They're easy to install and remove without drilling holes, but they can be pushed out by a determined toddler. Never use them at the top of stairs.