Open-tread stairs + toddler = madness?

[ReinholdMessner]

We've seen a 1960s house which in many ways might be perfect.

But - it has an open-tread staircase. We have a 15mo DD and plan to have another in the next few years so there will be tiny people around for a little while.

any experiences of toddlers in combination with open-tread stairs? Are we mad to consider it?

you can have wooden protective panels or battens added where the risers would be, to prevent an adult's foot or a child's head going through the gap.

Almost certainly the staircase was equipped with these when it was installed, to meet building regulations, and a previous owner removed them to give a more airy and roomy feel to the house. A carpenter would be able to make and fit them.

AFAIK the number of deaths associated with open staircases is quite low.

Thanks PigletJohn - I wondered about something like this as a whole new staircase is likely to be out of budget for a few years. Any thoughts on a ballpark figure to get them fitted? We are in Birmingham.

they were all the rage when I was a kid - great fun things - esp if a beanbag under the stairs to land on

If the house is perfect, buy it and just fix the stairs!

nope

but I would have thought low £hundreds if you pay someone. Less if you DIY. There might already be screw-holes.

My parents have this on their house. I grew up there as did my two brothers and now my toddler dd visits regularly. No problems.