Open staircase

[woodchopper]

We have a little one coming along in the new year and I was wondering how do we block off the open staircase we have ( treads but no risers) to avoid the little one falling through when they start to crawl.
We will have stair gates fitted to block off the top and bottom.
I had considered using a sheet of hardboard and tacking/pinning it behind it as a temporary measure.
Has anyone else any suggestions ?
It looks like a previous owner of the house has had something to block it off previously as there are screw holes in the sides of the case between each tread - is there a commercialy available product ?

[bee149]

You must block it off!! years ago I nursed my GP who came into a&e after running to answer the phone when he was on call, he had a severe injury to both legs ,that required treatment for a long time , get in a proffessional

[BillyBB]

I would suggest thin plywood rather than hardboard. Use small screws or glue and tack. Two Modesty Blocks or plastic joints at the top.

[redcrx]

A stairgate will also prevent a baby getting onto stairs in first place

[KARL]

There are those who would suggest training/upbringing is the key rather than creating a totally risk free environment. I know of one child who went up such a stair once under supervision before being able to walk. He was taught to stay away from that stair but also how to go up and down other (conventional) stairs in the same dwelling - down by sliding backwards on his belly using the nands and feet to control the rate of descent a step at a time. He only lost comtrol once or twice and grew into a healthy adult.