Baby Safety Gate for Stairs

Our son was born in June 2012, we bought our fifth wheel in July 2012 and have been going camping often ever since (50 nights in 2012, 50 nights in 2013). Surprisingly, we have never baby proofed the interior steps. Yes, he took a fall or two down them but with only 3 steps- he didn't do a whole lot of damage. Maybe we're lucky. :)

BUT- what I did worry about is the front door. We like to leave the heavy door open and just use the screen. He figured out in short order that he could just pull down on the handle and open that door. I debated a few things, but ultimately went with the simplest solution - reach back out and fold the grab handle over the door:

Click for more pics

We also found that little man would press his head against the screen to see the other kids playing (we also have a then 8/now 10 year old). He pushed hard enough one trip that he started to pull the screen out and was going to be a short path to a sudden drop. I cut a piece of plexiglass to fit the area to spread the pressure:

Click for more info on how I attached it

Yes, we have one to keep our little dog downstairs during the day and upstairs during the night. Go to Amazon.com and do a search for baby safety gates. You'll get a bunch of hits.

Congrats of the little one.

Our grandbaby (who lives with us) is 3 and loves "her camper". Her words, not mine, she did let me have my truck back though. :)

The main door is the one to watch so they won't tumble out the door. The screen won't stop them (or the dog for that matter). Some people put a piece of plexi-glass over the bottom the screen door. We just shut the main door due to the requirement for A/C (health issue). Stairwell is narrow so measure before you buy the gate. If you can block door and stairwell with one gate that might be something to consider.

First off congratulations!!!!! Second - we have used the plastic expandable ones that are commonly found in homes with good results....

For this coming season, I would probably just set something in front of the stairs since he won't be completely mobile for a while. Next summer, I would probably have a baby gate or something in place.

You should be able to find something that will fit and not do permanent damage.

They make 'numerous' expandable baby gates that fit in any size door way without having to drill holes and permanently install it.

Put it down and expand it and push a lever or whatever and you are done. And best part when you don't want it there you simply remove it. No nasty holes in the RV. :C