Graham FisherBy Graham Fisher

Baby proofing stairs with open risers means closing the gaps between the treads so a toddler cannot slip a head, arm or leg through and fall. In this guide you will measure the staircase, choose between gates, netting and rigid barriers, install them correctly, and check the result with a simple test. The goal is a staircase that stays safe for a child who is climbing, not just one who is standing still.

Why open risers need a different approach

Most solid-back stairs are easier to child-proof because a gate can sit at the top or bottom and the steps themselves offer no opening. Open risers, the spaces between treads with no vertical board, create a separate hazard. Toddlers can get a foot wedged between treads, push a head through a gap while climbing on all fours, or slide down the stairs on their stomach and catch a limb in the space. Many parents are surprised that the gaps look small to adults but are large enough for a toddler’s head.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 7 Best Buy Buy Baby Child Proofing Products for Stairs and Doorways (2026).

Open risers also make it harder to rely on a standard pressure-mounted gate alone. A gate blocks the top or bottom of the staircase, but it does nothing about the gaps once a child is already on the steps. That is why a complete plan usually combines a gate with a riser barrier, and sometimes a rail or handrail modification.

Step 1: Measure the gaps and the staircase

Before you buy anything, measure the openings. Use a tape measure to check the width of each riser gap and the height from the floor to the lowest tread. Also measure the width of the staircase and the depth of the top and bottom landings, since these determine what kind of gate will fit.

  1. Measure the vertical height of each open riser gap, from the top of one tread to the underside of the next.
  2. Measure the horizontal width of the staircase at the point where a gate would sit.
  3. Check whether the stairs have a wall on one side, a rail on both sides, or are fully open.
  4. Note the depth of the top landing so you know whether a hardware-mounted gate can be installed safely.
  5. Write the numbers down before shopping. Manufacturers specify maximum opening widths, and you need to match them.

Manufacturers of pressure-mounted gates often list a width range, commonly in the high 20s to low 40s of inches, and many specify that they are not meant for stairs at all. Check the product label. For stair-top use, a hardware-mounted gate is the standard recommendation.

Step 2: Choose the right type of barrier

There are three main approaches for open risers, and most households end up using at least two of them.

Gates at the top and bottom

A gate blocks the child from reaching the stairs in the first place. For the top of the stairs, use a hardware-mounted gate that screws into the wall or newel post, not one held only by pressure. Pressure gates are better suited to the bottom of stairs or to doorways away from the staircase. If you are working through the whole house, the guide on Best Baby Gates for Stairs and Doorways: 5 Compared can help you compare styles.

Riser netting or mesh

Safety netting or mesh panels fill the open space between treads. Look for mesh with small enough openings that a toddler’s head cannot pass through, and for material that is tightly woven and secured at multiple points. Netting is inexpensive to install and works well for long staircases, though it needs regular checks because it can loosen over time.

Rigid riser panels

Some parents prefer solid panels mounted between the stringers or under the treads. These are more secure than netting and do not sag, but they require more measuring and sometimes drilling. They are a good choice when the gaps are consistent and you plan to keep the staircase in use for several years.

Step 3: Install the top gate correctly

The top gate is the most important single piece. Install it with the gate swinging away from the stairs so a child pushing against it cannot open it toward the drop. Hardware-mounted gates need to be screwed into solid framing, such as the wall studs or a securely anchored newel post. Do not install a gate at the top of the stairs that opens over the steps.

  1. Choose a hardware-mounted gate rated for stair use.
  2. Locate the wall studs with a stud finder and mark your drill points.
  3. Pre-drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the wood.
  4. Attach the wall cups or mounting brackets and tighten the hardware fully.
  5. Test the gate by pulling and pushing with firm force. It should not move, rattle or pull away from the wall.
  6. Confirm the latch closes automatically when the gate is released.

Step 4: Fit riser netting or panels

Once the gate is secure, turn to the open risers. Work from the bottom up or top down, whichever gives you easier access, and keep the netting or panels taut.

  1. Cut the netting or panel to the width of the staircase, leaving a little extra for attachment.
  2. Attach the top edge securely to the underside of the upper tread or to the stringer using screws, clips or cable ties rated for the job.
  3. Stretch the material down and attach the bottom edge at the same tension.
  4. Check every gap. If any section sags more than a small amount, add another attachment point.
  5. Make sure fasteners and cut edges are not sharp and do not protrude into the walking path.

Step 5: Address the handrail and landing

Open risers are only part of the picture. Handrails with spaces between the balusters can also trap a head, so check the rail if the stairs have them. Spindles should be spaced closely enough that a child’s head cannot pass through, and any gap wide enough to trap a head should be filled. Look also at the landing: a toy left on the step can cause a fall, so keep the staircase clear and avoid storing items there.

Step-by-step checklist

Use this checklist once everything is installed:

  • Top gate is hardware-mounted, swings away from the stairs, and passes a firm pull test.
  • Bottom gate or doorway barrier is in place if the stairs are accessible from another room.
  • Riser netting or panels are taut with no gap wide enough for a toddler’s head.
  • Handrail balusters have no head-sized openings.
  • Fasteners and edges are secure and not sharp.
  • The staircase and landing are clear of loose items.
  • Lighting is adequate at the top and bottom of the stairs.

Common mistakes

Mistake Why it matters Fix
Using a pressure gate at the top of the stairs It can give way under a child’s push and cause a fall. Use a hardware-mounted gate screwed into framing.
Installing a gate that swings over the steps A child may fall through the opening when the gate opens. Choose a gate that swings away from the stairs.
Leaving netting loose Sagging mesh can create new gaps and trap limbs. Tension the material and add attachment points.
Ignoring the handrail Baluster gaps can trap a head. Check spacing and fill gaps that are too wide.
Forgetting to recheck Hardware loosens and children change how they climb. Inspect the setup every few weeks.

Tips for keeping the staircase safe over time

  • Test every gate and netting attachment weekly, especially after a child starts pulling on barriers.
  • Teach the child that stairs are for climbing with supervision, and be consistent about it.
  • Keep a basket or bin off the staircase so toys do not end up on the steps.
  • Reassess when your child grows. Climbing ability and strength change quickly between ages one and three.
  • If you rent, check your lease before drilling. Adhesive or tension-based options can help, and the guide Adhesive Free Baby Proofing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Renters (2026) covers those approaches.
  • Hardware-mounted safety gate: A gate that screws into the wall or newel post is the standard choice for the top of stairs because it resists a child’s push far better than pressure mounting. View on Amazon
  • Stair safety netting: Mesh netting fills open riser gaps quickly and can be cut to fit long staircases. View on Amazon
  • Cable ties or heavy-duty zip ties: These secure netting to stringers and treads without drilling. View on Amazon
  • Stud finder: Locating wall studs ensures a hardware gate is anchored into solid framing. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is a pressure-mounted gate safe at the top of open-riser stairs?

Generally no. Pressure-mounted gates can be pushed out of place by a child leaning or climbing against them, and they are not usually recommended for the top of stairs. Use a hardware-mounted gate for that position and reserve pressure gates for other doorways.

What size opening is safe for a toddler’s head?

Child safety guidance commonly treats any opening that a child’s head can pass through as hazardous, and many standards focus on gaps that are too large for a toddler’s head to fit safely. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the product you choose, and consult your pediatrician or a child safety organization for guidance specific to your child.

Can I use netting instead of a gate?

Netting handles the gaps between the treads but does not stop a child from reaching the steps. Most families use netting together with a gate at the top and bottom rather than in place of one.

How often should I check the setup?

Check at least weekly, and immediately after any incident, a child pulling on the barrier, or a change in hardware. Tighten fasteners and retension netting as needed.

Do I need to drill into my stairs?

Not always. Netting can be attached with cable ties or clips, and some gates use tension mounting. However, the top gate should be hardware-mounted for safety, which usually requires drilling into framing.

Can I install stair protection myself?

Many parents do. If the stairs are structurally unusual, the handrail is loose, or you are unsure about anchoring into the wall, consult a qualified contractor or child safety professional before proceeding.

When can I remove the stair barriers?

Most families keep them until the child reliably climbs and descends stairs safely, which often takes several years. Watch for your child’s behavior rather than a fixed age, and consider keeping the top gate longer than the others.

What should I do if my child gets stuck in a gap?

Stay calm, support the child’s body, and free the limb or head slowly without pulling. Once the child is safe, check the gap, fix or fill it, and consult a pediatrician if there is any injury, swelling, or distress.

Conclusion

Baby proofing stairs with open risers comes down to three things: a hardware-mounted gate at the top, netting or panels that close the gaps between treads, and a handrail with no head-sized openings. Measure first, install carefully, and check the setup regularly as your child grows. A consistent routine will keep the staircase safer for the whole family.

Ready to choose one?

Graham Fisher

About Graham Fisher

Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our childproofing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.