Slatted Fence

The slatted baby fence uses a series of 1-inch by 2-inch wooden slats to keep baby out of dangerous areas. The length of the slats, as well as the number you need to achieve the appropriate height, will vary depending on your specific doorway or stairwell. You should leave about 1 inch of space between each slat so that the baby can still see through the fence if he wants to.

Stand one of the slats vertically and attach hinges to it; this is where the fence will swing. The other side of the hinges will be attached to your wall or banister.

Nail or screw the horizontal slats to the vertical slat, with the edges of the horizontal pieces lining up with the edge of the vertical one. On the other end of the horizontals, attach another vertical slat that will hold the bracket for the latch. Make sure the latch is attached to the side of the fence that the baby cannot reach, so that he cannot accidentally open the fence.

Solid Fence

If your baby is a climber, you may not want to take the risk that he will try to climb the slatted baby fence and either get over it or fall off while trying. Instead, consider a simple construction of plywood boards. Just like the slatted fence, the width and height of the fence will vary by your location, but the design is relatively simple.

You will need hinges so that the baby gate can swing aside, as well as a latch lock to keep it in place during use. A plywood or other type of wood board will serve as the main barrier, and you will also need a thick bar of wood to which you can attach the hinges.

Measure your doorway or stairwell so that you know how wide you need the board to be; leave about 2 inches out of the measurement for the block of wood that will hold the hinges. Attach the block of wood to the wall using wood glue or screws; you can always remove this later when the baby fence is no longer needed. Screw in the hinges and attach the board to them. The board will swing one way; make sure you attach it correctly so that it swings in the desired direction. Finally, attach the latch to the wall on the other side of the doorway or stairwell and to the side of the board that faces the stairwell or room you are keeping the baby out of. That way you can unlatch the fence when you need to pass through, but baby will not be able to reach it from his side.

For either of these projects, make sure the wood is sanded and possibly even finished, so that the baby does not get a splinter when he touches the fence.