Adding ramp/slide over stairs- is this kid safe?

[preggers3]

My living room is a sort of mezzanine and has 3 steps going up to it. Baby has just started crawling and is showing strong interest in standing now so was starting to look at installing stair gates at the top and bottom. However, Just had the idea to actually install a wide ramp over the stairs and give one side some bars to make it easier to walk/climb up (as would be used by us adults to get up to living room too!) and the other side would be a kid’s ramp/ slide. Was inspired by the Montessori/Waldorf style (not sure which it actually is) slide and climbing ramp that goes on a Pikler triangle- would be about the same height as this too. Figured that is toddler friendly so thinking this is a safe option too, instead of installing gates. Wouldn’t be too steep. Would also give my future toddler some freedom/fun as long as everything else is baby proofed too. My house is open plan and the steps are a little awkward and very much on my mind right now.

Wondering if this is actually a safe option? Was thinking about getting a toddler slide with steps up to it anyway...thanks for the input!

Please use use a stair gate

Use a stair gate.

I think it sounds nice. Surely two gates separated by just three stairs would be a pain.

I can't quite visualise the bars - do you mean strips of wood on the ramp or actual climbing bars? Either way, I'd be worried about going up or down those while carrying a toddler/hot drink/big toy/any other inconvenient object!

Why not just have a ramp over half and keep the steps on the other side? Depending on how steep the stairs are and the flooring set up, that might be enough. Stair gates are not the be all and end all - I did use them, but took them off when my youngest decided to go through the bannisters instead Decided she was safer trying her luck on open stairs than heading to a six foot drop because the gate was closed!

Toddlers need to learn to negotiate stairs safely and a small set of 2 or 3 stairs as they are now would be perfect for facilitating that. I'd leave the stairs and only use a stair gate if you need to separate your toddler from the other space, otherwise having them practice on those steps while safely observed by you is a good thing.

I don't think I would be rushing to use a stair gate in this scenario either, I think your plan sounds good.

Two stairgates for a set of three steps seems a bit over the top, as others have said, learning to climb stairs safely and independently is an important skill and this seems an ideal opportunity, the ramp sounds like fun too.

If you are happy for the toddler to access both the room at the top and at the bottom, then just leave it as it is (or add a half slide for fun). I can’t see they’ll come to too much damage from 3 steps unless the surface is hard. Be a great place to develop their step navigation skills!

Yes- original thought was actually to put a slide over half but then am not sure how to incorporate the gate on the part of the stairs that are still there. Could put a gate at top and bottom and open up for supervised play. Or potentially allow him to negotiate and learn about stairs- like I said I have an open plan so am always able to watch him anyway.

Personally I wouldn't do a gate and a ramp - he might just see the gate as another piece of equipment to climb on, making it more dangerous than not having one at all.

Strips of wood across the ramp spaced apart- so the toddler can climb up easily and so it’s easier to step on as well for grip. May look into just putting a slide over the half of the stairs with some gates at first but get him used to the steps and then remove if I feel comfortable.

I wouldn’t have a stair gate for only three stairs.

I said stair gate but didn't read how many stairs there was 😂 I was thinking a full flight🙈
So for 3 stairs I wouldn't bother with anything!
Sorry op will teach me for skin reading

Have decided I will be adding a slide to one side of the stairs so it is as wide as half the stairs. The stairs are a lovely oak hardwood but have decided I will “upholster” the half of the stairs that will still be exposed with foam pieces and a leathery white material usually seen on soft play items! This way our 3 stairs will essentially turn into a built in soft play staircase. Will also put some padding at the bottom of the slide and stairs. Have convinced my partner all this is absolutely necessary too, which is half the work :). Off to DIY. Thanks to everyone for your input!