All stair gates fit one of two main categories: pressure-fit or screw-fit. Screw-fit (wall-mounted) stair gates You can stop using a stair gate when you’re confident that your child can go up and down the stairs safely on their own (which includes the middle of the night). This will depend on the individual child, but this usually happens at around two or three years of age. If your child doesn’t pull or push on the gate, which could cause it to shift or break, and doesn’t attempt to climb over it, you can keep it in place until you feel comfortable removing it. What are the different types of stair gate? Location Stair gates at the top of the stairs should open towards the landing, not towards the flight of stairs, to avoid falling forwards while opening the gate. You should only use screw-fit gates at the top of the stairs. An opening mechanism that can be operated with one hand, so that you can safely use the gate while carrying a baby or toddler Gates at the top of a staircase should always open towards the landing, not out across the staircase

The flat step bottom is excellent and a great feature on this gate, it definitely minimises the trip hazard and so far I have had no mishaps despite it being used almost constantly. We've split our recommendations into the different types of stair gate you can buy, so you can find one that's best suited for your house and needs.

What changes would you make to this product?

Both, if possible. Stair gates should be used to close off dangerous spaces. It’s best to use screw-fit stair gates at the top of the stairs where possible. Are pressure-fit stair gates safe?

Noor-ul-ain: The quality of the product really makes it stand out. it is very well made and has a good look to it. It is possible to extend it a little bit to use in wider spaces as well. Its ease of use is what makes it stand out from other contenders in the market. If allowed I would choose it again if I had to. ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE: this kids stair gate can be extended with gates extensions of 7 cm or 14 cm to reach a max width of 101 cmHowever, the very best stair gates won't just be secure and safe. They'll have simple instructions for a straightforward installation, and will be easy to open and close. Laura: Safety is a big feature for any baby equipment when purchasing as a parent. A gate is generally an obvious important addition to the house when you have a cruising baby/toddler. This gate with its flat bottom bar adds additional safety for us as a family, and especially at the top of the stairs where a higher bar on other gates was a trip hazard. Other gates with no bottom ledge are the drill in the wall variety and this is not always possible - we wanted a pressure fitted gate. Not having to remember to “step over the bar” as needed to on other pressured fitted gates was a great bonus and made life a lot easier and safer! This risk was previously compounded if needing to come downstairs in the middle of the night, sleep-deprived and bleary-eyed. The gate is a solid, well-made product that is easy to install. Hygiene wise, it is very easy to keep clean and looks smart in the modern home.

Which type of stair gate you choose will depend on your home and your needs. Generally, screw-fit gates are more reliable, so if you’re planning to have a stair gate in place for a relatively long time, and you’re able to drill into your walls or bannister, then a screw-fit gate will be the best choice. You’ll be left with a few small holes to fill when you eventually remove the gate, but nothing that a bit of filler can’t fix. Pressure-fit gates are very safe for use at the bottom of a staircase or in a doorway, as long as they’re installed correctly and regularly tightened as necessary.

Screw-fit stair gates are mounted onto your walls, screwing into your wall or bannister. The major advantage of this style is that the gate is secure and won’t move around once it’s installed, but the screws will cause minor damage to your walls that will need filling when the gate is removed. Screw-fit gates can be used in a variety of ways: at the top or bottom of a staircase, or in a doorway or other narrow opening. Pressure-fit stair gates Some stair gates also come with a small door inset into the gate, to let a smaller pet through while keeping large people and dogs out. We also collated expert opinions and scoured the Mumsnet forums - the biggest online network of parents in the UK - to find the best stair gates UK according to the families who use them every day. You can read more about how we selected and tested the best stair gates below. How we chose which stair gates to test CHILD SAFETY GATE: this 73 cm tall child gate can be used to childproof widths from 73 to 80 cm and can be extended up to 101 cm by combining one or more gate extensions (sold separately)