Baby-Proofing a Brownstone

We just moved into our renovated brownstone, and the beautiful mahogany stair rails are one of our favorite original details. But we’re expecting our first baby this winter and know we will need to outfit those stairs with approximately 50 million baby gates that will stay in place for a couple of years at least.

So our challenge is to figure out how to install baby gates that are:
a) safe and secure,
b) moderately nice looking, and
c) don’t damage our plaster walls or mahogany newel posts

Has anyone done this successfully? Are there companies that specialize in baby-proofing old homes in a way that doesn’t damage them?

rana-foroohar

in General Discussion 6 years and 10 months ago

26

Please log in, in order to post replies!

26 replies

Newest Oldest

SoSlope | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5089 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5077 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "16781"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BpNWkcfKZsrSiAOYnmRvIA8.yhAXCk1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "danielcprice@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-09-10 19:27:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(16781)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

@Thomas Farrel: that is a beautiful job. You should use that as your advertising in this neighborhood. How much do you charge for a gate like that?

Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "199331"

Yes . I think montague street

Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "199331"

Yes . I think montague street

SoSlope | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4896 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4894 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "16781"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BpNWkcfKZsrSiAOYnmRvIA8.yhAXCk1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "danielcprice@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-09-10 19:27:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(16781)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

@Thomas Farrel: that is really attractive, but not me. I built my own.

Is that one that you built for a client?

Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "199331"

If you can use a no-holes kit or pinch clamp method of attaching a gate mount to the post. Required drilling in wall.

Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "199331"

If you can use a no-holes kit or pinch clamp method of attaching a gate mount to the post. Required drilling in wall.

rana-foroohar | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5084 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5090 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "192795"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "rana-foroohar"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Be..zpYSvEZIzQvnpPgpLLqDntPfFI0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "rana-foroohar"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "rana@foroohar.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 10:20:21"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(27) "Rana Foroohar Rana Foroohar"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(192795)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

@Kasyser, how do you mount the retractable gate without screws? Looking at the instruction manual I don’t see an alternative mounting option.

rana-foroohar | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5095 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5096 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "192795"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "rana-foroohar"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Be..zpYSvEZIzQvnpPgpLLqDntPfFI0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "rana-foroohar"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "rana@foroohar.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 10:20:21"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(27) "Rana Foroohar Rana Foroohar"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(192795)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

@Kasyser, how do you mount the retractable gate without screws? Looking at the instruction manual I don’t see an alternative mounting option.

Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "199331"

Was that you, or did you build on your own?

Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "199331"

Was that you, or did you build on your own?

Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "199331"

[2F183AB7-3D96-4D5B-A13A-6817FA1B0369](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:nSe4:2f183ab73d964d5ba13a6817fa1b0369.jpeg.jpg)

Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "199331"

[2F183AB7-3D96-4D5B-A13A-6817FA1B0369](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:nSe4:2f183ab73d964d5ba13a6817fa1b0369.jpeg.jpg)

SoSlope | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5087 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5093 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "16781"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BpNWkcfKZsrSiAOYnmRvIA8.yhAXCk1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "danielcprice@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-09-10 19:27:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(16781)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Steering clear of judgments on other parents…
We faced this question and built our own gates purely out of plexi glass. We did screw into the walls, but ended up with an installation that is nearly invisible (we do get a slight kick out of it when other parents dive for a child heading toward the stairs, not realizing that there is an impenetrable barrier there).

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#5087 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5097 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(3) "779"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "RobertGMarvin"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "RobertGMarvin"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(40) "64df18426207ddf12f1789eba7eabd04a9c3f615"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2007-08-10 18:03:45"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "Bob Marvin"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(779)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

FWIW my wife and I didn’t use a gate. My now 35 year old son survived just fine.

johnbk | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5095 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5090 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "182539"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "johnbk"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BkXIquDUYPpU258LGf0b754FYd7Tbv/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "johnbk"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "johnredmann@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:27:51"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "johnbk"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(182539)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

randolph I don’t think myself or cate are helicopter parents for wanting our children to be safe and teaching them how to navigate a house independently. Now my daughter can go anywhere in the house she wants and I don’t need to be behind her.

randolph | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4894 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4892 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "26171"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "randolph"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bkj16FushDhH.ZkZpciKBwc2QcqOxt."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "randolph"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(29) "andrewdouglasgrieve@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "http:///forums/users/randolph/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2009-02-26 15:39:31"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "randolph"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(26171)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

i personally chose not to be a helicopter parent and installed gates on my stairs. to each his/her own i suppose ??‍♂️

randolph | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5094 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5092 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "26171"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "randolph"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bkj16FushDhH.ZkZpciKBwc2QcqOxt."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "randolph"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(29) "andrewdouglasgrieve@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "http:///forums/users/randolph/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2009-02-26 15:39:31"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "randolph"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(26171)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

i personally chose not to be a helicopter parent and installed gates on my stairs. to each his/her own i suppose ??‍♂️

johnbk | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5087 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4893 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "182539"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "johnbk"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BkXIquDUYPpU258LGf0b754FYd7Tbv/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "johnbk"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "johnredmann@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:27:51"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "johnbk"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(182539)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Like Cate, we never used gates and kept our progeny in eyesight. That said, she was walking by 9mos and by about month 11 she taught herself (with our supervision) how to go up and downstairs. She’s never fallen, knows to hold on with 2 hands if she’s going up or coming down.

Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "199331"

First, DO NOT use pressure gates at the top of your stairs. Manufacturers will label gate boxes “approved for tops of stairs” but if you read the directions, it says “must use screws, when using on a top step”. This leaves you with all the downsides of a pressure gate and none of the upside (no damage). They are however “safe” for use at the bottom steps. Some of these historicly beautiful, massive newel posts can take the constant pressure created by these tiny baby gates. Most however succumb to at least, humidity and begin to move in the direction away from the pressure gate and causing it to not close correctly. At this time, hopefully the caregivers will realize what is happening and call us in to help figure out why the gate is constantly coming loose. Many reapply tension a few times and by the time we get there , the post is bent over and needing reinforcmemt to the joist. This is far more damage than what is usually required to install a hardware mounted gate. We can often install gates on these post with two very small, easily repaid holes the size of a ball point pens cartridge. Special care is taken during our installs for the eventual removal of the gate. Unfortunately there is no alternative for the wall side, but as always we focus on the temporary nature of baby proofing using the least intrusive and strongest methods of attaching. Concrete anchors or screws can leave holes the size of a dime and are easily repaired with 1-2 coats of sparkle. Since mesh gates have been mentioned and pictured, I have to point out that the gate pictured is not installed to manufacturer requirements. All pressure gates are required to be mounted at least 6” most of the time 8” from a top step. This is because it flexes and children can be trapped in between the gate and step. We only sell mesh gates as room dividers for low traffic areas. Many times during consultations in Brownstones we will try to find different areas to install gates. Often we can gate the hallway leading to the steps. Any time you can move a gate away from a step it is safer for you and the child. Tom Treanor. I have owned and operated Allstar Baby Safety since 1999. We service montauck to Manhattan and lower Westchester county. Www.allstarbabysafety.com 1877notsorry