Every child would like to explore all the nooks and crannies of the house, without considering the potential dangers. So we must take care to prepare a space adapted to his needs, in which all structures will be protected. One of the biggest challenges is to design such stairs that the toddler will be able to use.
Regulations specify exactly what parameters a safe staircase should have. It is recommended that there should be no more than seventeen in one flight. However, in rooms with a height of more than 2.85 there can be more steps – even about twenty. If there are children in the house, it will be a good idea to consider two- and three-run stairs with wide landings where toddlers can stop.
Ideally, the width of the stairs should be between 22 and 33 centimeters, and the height should be between 15 and 19 centimeters. What kind of stairs are the safest? Definitely the straight ones, because from the narrow and winding ones, with steps shaped like a triangle, children can quickly fall and hurt themselves. In addition, it is worth opting for built-in treads. This will prevent the child from getting wedged between the steps. However, if you like openwork stairs better, you can install dummy treads, which you can remove when the children are older.
What material are the safest stairs made of? A good choice would be those made of oiled wood, raw concrete or ceramic tiles for floors. Avoid stairs made of fused glass, varnished wood or finished with polished stone cladding, as they are easy to slip on. For added safety, we can protect the stairs with carpeting or non-slip tape. It is also necessary to install lighting along the stairs.
Stairway safety devices present on the market help minimize the risk of a child accident. The choice of protection depends on several factors, including the type of stairs, their height, as well as the frequency of use. Of course, nothing prevents you from using several methods of protection at the same time. We present popular stairway safety devices.
Stair gates and strut railings are easy to install, usually not even requiring a screwdriver or drill. Thanks to telescopic outriggers, we will fit them to most stairs, both narrower and wider. The gates’ locking system will not be complicated for adult householders, but it will provide enough of an obstacle for children. If necessary, we can quickly move the gate and change its location.
We can use the net to secure the balustrade – we just need to stretch it between the rungs. Safety nets are made of durable materials. They are available in many colors, so we will match them to the stairs. The mesh also has the advantage of easy installation.
All kinds of anti-slip rugs, carpeting, mats and rubber overlays are one of the best protections for stairs against slipping. They can be found in virtually any carpet store. Rugs will work especially well if the stairs in our house are concrete or have been covered with ceramic tiles.
main photo: pixabay.com/doudou5520
