Alternatives to Configure Gate

[quietserena]

Ok, this is driving me crazy. I have a stairway out of my living room into the basement and it's difficult to gate because of the position of the railing and because the first step is not flush with the wall but is in the living room. If we were to somehow mount a regular top of the stairs gate there, there is still a space where that one stair is into which one could fall into and crawl under.

The one alternative to regular gates would be the Configure Gate from One Step Ahead. I could close off access to the stairs completely and it would work perfectly. But it's $130! Granted, one can't put a price on safety and all that and my nerves can't take any more DD's falls down the stairs. But still, other gates are much less expensive than that.

Does anyone have any alternatives?

[adoremybabe]

We have used the Superyard XT. You can find it online at Toys r Us. I won't work if your DD will have the strength and wit to move it but it could be a cheaper option.

[babymakesthree]

this is the one we have and we love it. and it's 30 bucks cheaper.

[wifeandmom]

I have a friend that just constructed a gate for the bottom of their staircase. Even the Configure one you posted wouldn't work for some reason, though I can't remember why.

Anyhow, they used PVC pipe and close it with something they ordered from the Container Store online. They covered the whole thing in fabric of some sort. I have no clue how it actually works (they live in another state) and I can't wait to see a picture of it.

She has always had beautiful homes that are well decorated, and she says this contraption they came up with is not only serving its purpose, but it's not ugly. And the best part...they paid $5 for the PVC pipe stuff, $5 for the fabric on clearance, plus whatever the latch thing was. Grand total was under $20 IIRC.

[quietserena]

Originally Posted by babymakesthree

this is the one we have and we love it. and it's 30 bucks cheaper.

I missed this one completely. Do you have problems with the velcro? A lot of people give it really bad reviews because of this.

[quietserena]

Originally Posted by wifeandmom

I have a friend that just constructed a gate for the bottom of their staircase. Even the Configure one you posted wouldn't work for some reason, though I can't remember why.

Anyhow, they used PVC pipe and close it with something they ordered from the Container Store online. They covered the whole thing in fabric of some sort. I have no clue how it actually works (they live in another state) and I can't wait to see a picture of it.

She has always had beautiful homes that are well decorated, and she says this contraption they came up with is not only serving its purpose, but it's not ugly. And the best part...they paid $5 for the PVC pipe stuff, $5 for the fabric on clearance, plus whatever the latch thing was. Grand total was under $20 IIRC.

I would love to see pictures of this! This is exactly type of thing that I had in mind but really I can't begin to imagine how to build it.

[annettemarie]

Moving to family safety

[babymakesthree]

Originally Posted by quietserena

I missed this one completely. Do you have problems with the velcro? A lot of people give it really bad reviews because of this.

No we don't but I can see how one could. My dd just mooshes her face into the mesh and doesn't even realize there is velcro. I watch a 2 yr old and she doesn't mess with it either. If there is a problem later I will just sew it closed. Oh and ours is on carpet, not sure how it would be on wood/other flooring.

[quietserena]

Thanks for the move annettemarie! I didn't even know this forum was here.

I'm still looking. Given how my DD is already figured out how to take off the rubber band holding my under sink cabined closed, I'm not willing to risk the velcro on the gate. Her persistence scares me a little.

[quietserena]

I thought I'd tell you guys my temporary solution, while I'm waiting for the big gate to show up. I figure, someone might have the same issue. I unfolded my unused Pack'n'Play and put it in front of the stairs. It's just wide enough that there's no easy way for my daughter to push it down the stairs and the cat can crawl under and go up and down. I can finally stop running across the house to stop her from trying to walk down the stairs. Of course, once the big gate shows up we'll put away the pack'n'play but until then, this is saving my crazy momma nerves.