Kidproofing Bannisters?

We live in an old house with steep staircases and a wooden bannister throughout.  We have a baby that is getting more and more adventurous and I need some ideas on baby-proofing the bannisters that are straight across on the landings.  The spacing between balusters is likely not up to code.  I have seen pictures of plexiglass somehow mounted against the balusters to form a clear barrier for kids.  Does anyone know how to do this or who I could call to get it done?  Thank you!

jdlasser

in Handymen and Odd Jobs 13 years and 8 months ago

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AtlanticAlex | 13 years and 8 months ago

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I recommend the one step ahead product. Original poster, I have an extra (new unopened) 15 ft roll. Post a gmail address if you want to be contacted.

nyc_sport | 13 years and 8 months ago

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While I usually share the views above that parents over-think these things, the idea above about using rope is defintely not a solution you should consider.  To a child (and I admittedly have none), it will look like a fun climbing toy, and in essence will be a ladder to ease his or her trip over the top of the bannister.

boredatwork | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Assuming that this situation actually creates a potential problem, its probably easier to limit access to the stairs from whatever floor the newly-mobile baby is on.  A baby gate should work.  That way you dont crap up the look of the stairs all the time.  PS.  While the sizes may not be comparable, I raised two kids in a house with a bannister from 1890 and this was never an issue.

perach | 13 years and 8 months ago

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One Step Ahead is great for creative childproofing solutions.  I think the product in the link below may do the trick.  Granted, it is no different than the plexiglass suggested above and is probably more $$, but it is ready made so it might save you some time and hassle if you decide the project is necessary:   http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=131755&cmSource=Search

needmtg | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Agreed with above; and besides: use rope if needed, lot simpler.

wyckoff | 13 years and 8 months ago

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1) Check your kid’s head diameter against the space between the balusters.  Willing to bet it doesn’t fit. 2) Before you spend a lot of time and money on this project,  think about how many kids have probably lived in your house without killing themselves since it was built, and then how many kids have grown up in similar houses without killng themselves, the world over…

Arkady | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Or you could just buy some of that heavy-duty landscape netting & tie it on w/ wire ties.

brooklynhome | 13 years and 8 months ago

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if you buy the plexiglass at Lowes, they will cut it to size for you for free.

bowl-of-dicks | 13 years and 8 months ago

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1\. buy plexiglass and a bag of zip ties. 2\. drill some holes in the plexi glass. 3\. fasten plexiglass to banisters with zip ties.