My 2 year old DS is quite small, short and skinny.
We live in a terraced house with a steep staircase between ground and first floor. When DS stands at the top of the stair with his back towards the stairs my heart sinks.
I know all gates are recommended for up to age of 2 but I thought folding gates like these ones www.johnlewis.com/babydan-guard-me-folding-safety-gate/p969110#product
might still work for an older child.
I would like to install these gates at the top and bottom of the staircase to prevent DS falling downstairs or climbing up without adult supervision. I am think of keeping the gates until DS is big enough to climb stairs easily. At the moment the stairs are to high for his short legs.
My DP think I am worrying too much and DS is old enough to climb up and down stairs on his own.
Do people keep gates at the top and bottom of stairs after their children turn two or I am being overcautious?
I also would like to potty train DS soon so he might need to go to bathroom on his own at night or early morning. His bedroom is on the first floor next to the bathroom.
Bannister supports in the landing in front of DS bedroom are quite weak. One of the supports is actually missing creating a large gap (picture attached) where DS can easily fit and fall downstairs.
I cannot decide what to do about the bannister supports to make them safe for DS.
Should I install the gates at the door of DS's bedroom instead of top of the stairs? Then he won't be wondering on his own around landing next to bannister supports and will have to call us to take him to bathroom every time.