Spiral staircases are awesome space savers and give your home a classy and unique flair, but if you have small children or even smaller teacup dogs a spiral staircase can be super dangerous! Most baby gates are designed to rest between two walls tightly making finding a baby gate for a spiral staircase very difficult. After some research and creativity, we have found that there are two ways to gate a spiral staircase successfully.
Our Top Pick – Baby Gates For Spiral Staircases
The first option is to essentially fence off the spiral staircase with a gate super yard. The best baby gates for spiral staircases and our top pick for fencing off the staircase is the Toddleroo by North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard. This extra-wide gate can be used to close areas in your house up to 12 square feet and is perfect to protect and secure your baby or small pet.
This baby gate can fit any play area with its durable configurable panels and is a perfect barrier for your spiral staircase. It’s also equipped with quality lock mechanisms and swing-and-lock functions to make sure your baby does not go to places you don’t want him or her to be. We love this option because it can be removed from the spiral staircase and doubles as a play yard anywhere else that you need, like outside, poolside, camping, or other areas in your home.
Toddleroo by North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard
- SAFETY & CONVENIENCE: Create a freestanding baby-safe area in seconds, no hardware required! Makes a hexagonal Superyard playpen 44 1/8" corner to corner; To connect panels, remove end vertical bars,...
- EXTRA-WIDE GATED BARRIER: Secure to walls from 53.75-151" to form a wide gated barrier; Can be extended with extension panels (sold separately); Mounting hardware accommodates extra-tall baseboards (9...
- CONVENIENT & BABY SAFE: A great way to block off large openings or fireplaces, or to create a freestanding Superyard play area; Locking panels are easily adjusted to fit any space. Some barrier...
- USEFUL INFORMATION: Contact manufacturer with any issues. Not for use at top of stairs; To add/remove an odd number of panels, additional hardware must be purchased from manufacturer website.
The second option is a traditional baby gate like the Dreambaby Boston Magnetic Auto-Close with the adaptors. This is an excellent option and will do the trick!
However, you have to purchase more products if you’re only closing the openings. This is because the gate in itself, can’t be installed in a spiral staircase without additional items. So aside from the baby gate itself, you also need to buy an installation kit. The compatible stair adapters with the Dreambaby Security Gate are Dreambaby Banister Gate Adaptor or the Dreambaby 36” Gate Adaptor.
Dreambaby Boston Magnetic Auto-Close Security Gate
Read on for more information, or click the link below to read more reviews on Amazon.
- MEASURE YOUR OPENING BEFORE PURCHASING - This gate ONLY fits openings 24.25-26.5 inches. It will not fit any opening smaller than 24.25 inches. If your opening is larger than 26.5 inches you will...
- QUICK, EASY, VERSATILE – Dreambaby Boston pressure mounted gate quickly and easily installs in a doorway, hallway or stairway that's between 24.25-26" wide. With the pressure-mounted installation,...
- SAFE & SECURE – Worry less and live more; The Magnetic Auto Close feature automatically closes and locks the gate behind you from any distance, every time.
- SMART STAY-OPEN – For those times when your child is sleeping, you’re bringing in groceries, or entertaining guests, use the gate's Smart Stay-Open feature to move around your home freely. Simply...
Here are the adaptors options for different banisters
Don’t forget to get two gates and adaptors for the top and bottom of your staircase!
Here are the Best Baby Gates that we Have Included in Our Review
Spiral staircases are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their compact size and ability to save space. Aside from that, these types of structures look lovely and beautiful as well. However, due to their unusual dimensions and smaller design, they can be difficult to navigate even for adults. Thus, it’s not surprising that some may get themselves into trouble while walking up and down these types of stairs. So how much more for children, right?
For new parents, spiral staircases can be a great concern. Thus, if you have this beautiful yet terrifying staircase in your home, you must block it off and keep it safe with a baby gate.
Factors to Consider When Babyproofing a Spiral Staircase
Unlike standard staircases, spirals are especially challenging to babyproof due to their features. So when trying to attach a baby gate to a spiral staircase, here are the factors you should consider:
1. Narrow Openings
Most spiral stairs have very narrow openings that some baby gates can’t fit. Also, since both openings are safety hazards, you have to install a baby gate at the top and bottom of the stairs. This would give you peace of mind, knowing your stairs are completely off-limits whether you are downstairs or upstairs. However, if you are certain that you will never leave your child alone upstairs, you may only install one gate at the bottom.
2. Open Risers
Spiral staircases are known to have open risers which can present a risk for babies and toddlers to fall through or have their heads trapped.
3. No Walls
For spiral stairs, especially those in the middle of the room, there can be no walls. There’s just the round post in the center and the railings. This is why hardware mounted baby gates may be difficult to install, especially if you’re planning to just cover the openings. Also, when the back is simply out in open, it can be dangerous since babies or even adults can run into them and hit their heads.
4. Railings
For some spiral staircases, their railings are spread too wide apart as well. If this is the case with yours, you have to enclose the whole staircase and not just the top and bottom openings.
5. Access
Because of their tall and narrow structure, accessing stairs may come as a challenge, especially if you add baby gates. However, since gates are vital, a way around this is to choose baby gates with child-proof locks but are still easy for you to open even with one hand.
You can use these factors to choose the baby gate you’ll purchase. However, since there are a lot of options available today, it can be difficult to choose the right one.
Top 5 Baby Gates for Spiral Staircases
To make it easier for you, we have made a list of some of the best baby gates for spiral staircases.
Our Top Pick: Toddleroo by North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard
If your stairs are located in your living room or an often busy area, then it’s best to enclose the whole space around the bottom of the staircase. This is the safest way to protect your child from your spiral case as it fully blocks access. To do that, you can use the Toddleroo 3-in-1 baby gate and use it as a barrier.
This extra wide baby gate by North States has 6 panels and you can use the two ends and hardware mount them to the nearest walls. It has an extra-wide length and it can enclose an area up to 12 feet across. If that’s not enough or if it’s too much, you can always add more or remove panels to match your needs.
The great thing with the Toddleroo by North States is that you can also use it to gate an irregularly shaped room or as a safe and secure play area for your child.
- SAFETY & CONVENIENCE: Create a freestanding baby-safe area in seconds, no hardware required! Makes a hexagonal Superyard playpen 44 1/8" corner to corner; To connect panels, remove end vertical bars,...
- EXTRA-WIDE GATED BARRIER: Secure to walls from 53.75-151" to form a wide gated barrier; Can be extended with extension panels (sold separately); Mounting hardware accommodates extra-tall baseboards (9...
- CONVENIENT & BABY SAFE: A great way to block off large openings or fireplaces, or to create a freestanding Superyard play area; Locking panels are easily adjusted to fit any space. Some barrier...
- USEFUL INFORMATION: Contact manufacturer with any issues. Not for use at top of stairs; To add/remove an odd number of panels, additional hardware must be purchased from manufacturer website.
Our Second Pick: Dreambaby Boston Magnetic Auto-Close Security Gate and adaptors
- MEASURE YOUR OPENING BEFORE PURCHASING - This gate ONLY fits openings 24.25-26.5 inches. It will not fit any opening smaller than 24.25 inches. If your opening is larger than 26.5 inches you will...
- QUICK, EASY, VERSATILE – Dreambaby Boston pressure mounted gate quickly and easily installs in a doorway, hallway or stairway that's between 24.25-26" wide. With the pressure-mounted installation,...
- SAFE & SECURE – Worry less and live more; The Magnetic Auto Close feature automatically closes and locks the gate behind you from any distance, every time.
- SMART STAY-OPEN – For those times when your child is sleeping, you’re bringing in groceries, or entertaining guests, use the gate's Smart Stay-Open feature to move around your home freely. Simply...
Costzon Baby Safety Gate 8-Panel
Similar to the Toddleroo Metal Superyard, the Costzon Baby Safety Gate can block off all access from the bottom of your stairs. It can stay in place, keep your little one from ever reaching the stairs, and you can easily open it with one hand. Considering that you’ll probably always carry your child on the other arm, this may just be the gate you are looking for.
The Costzon Baby Safety Gate can extend up to 181 inches wide. It has 8 panels and requires to be hardware mounted to your walls to ensure stability and security. It is foldable and detachable too so you can easily fit it in any angle or length opening.
- 4-IN-1 METAL GATE - Costzon metal gate combines integrated functions. 1. Free-Standing Baby Play Yard - Position as a octagon-shaped and this gate becomes a free-standing play yard for your baby to...
- WALK THROUGH DOOR GATE - The walk through door panel ( 29’’ x 22.5’’) is built with a child-proof double locking system allowing the easy access. The door can be opened in two directions by...
- ADD/DECREASE PANELS FREELY - It can easily be configured for different shapes depending on your needs. Besides, the panels can be separated individually and you can remove or add the quantity of...
- BUILT TO LAST - Constructed by durable tubular steel which prolongs its lifetime. Set it up on carpet, hardwood floors, etc. freely to create a special space for your baby to play on their own...
Bonnlo Metal 5-Panel Baby Safety Gate
If your stairs are a little closer to the wall, you may try the Bonnlo Metal 5-Panel Baby Gate. It can extend up to 121 inches and stand at 30 inches tall. Similar to the other 2 gates before this, the Bonnlo safety gate can follow any shape you want.
This is an easy-to-operate gate. You simply have to press the button and lift it at the same time to open it. Additionally, it has a walk-through door that can swing back and lock in place. You can also keep it open when you swing it past the 90-degree angle.
- 【Keep Children Safe】This metal fireplace baby safety gate is specifically designed to keep your children away from fireplaces and other heat sources, reducing the risk of burns and other injuries
- 【Pet Safety】The baby gate playpen is also ideal for keeping your pets safe and secure by preventing them from venturing into dangerous areas
- 【5-in-1 Design】With its configurable 5-panel construction and versatile design, our free standing baby gate can be used as a pet gate, safety fence, play yard, room divider, or as a baby gate for...
- 【Sturdy and Durable】Made with steel frame construction and included mounting brackets, this toddler fence provides strength and support you can depend on to keep your child or pets safe
Dreambaby Newport Adapta Baby Gate
If the top of your stairs has walls, you can use the Dreambaby Newport Adapta Baby Gate. It can accommodate openings of 33.5 inches to 79 inches across. It can also adapt well to wide, irregular, or angled openings and landings. Plus, it can open in both directions, automatically close, and you can also let it stay open when you’re doing laundry or carrying your child.
Let’s say you have already babyproofed the backside of the stairs and the open spaces between the steps. Now, you’re probably just looking for a gate to close the openings. Well, here’s the product for you.
Spiral staircases have narrow openings. Thus, you would need a narrow gate such as the Dreambaby Boston Security Gate. This is perfect for stairs with 24 to 26.5 inches wide openings. They also have units for openings that measure from 29.5-32.5 inches or 29.5-38 inches. Just make sure to measure your stair’s dimensions first before making a purchase.
- GATE SPECIFICATIONS - Hinged panels can accommodate openings of 33.5” - 79” across. Gate measures 29” high. Lower brackets are able to be adjusted to accommodate baseboards.
- ADAPTABLE AND DEPENDABLE – Our Newport Adapta-Gate is the epitome of safety and convenience. Loaded with intuitive safety features, it adapts to angled, wide, and/or irregular openings and landings...
- QUICK AND EASY OPERATION – Hardware mounted for stability, this tri-paneled baby gate is easy to arrange and install based upon your needs and preferences. Lower brackets are able to be adjusted to...
- SMART STAY-OPEN, AUTO-CLOSE – Doing laundry, entertaining guests, making dinner? With the convenience of Smart Stay-Open, the Adapta-Gate can be made to stay open whenever you want it. However, for...
Final Thoughts About Baby Gates And Spiral Staircases
A spiral staircase can be a big safety hazard. So along with choosing and installing the right baby gate, you have to make sure your stairs are clear of any toys or other items since these can easily cause slipping or tripping. Also, consider laying out non-slip mats for every step on your staircase. These can help prevent your child from slipping if he/she ever does manage to get on the stairs.
