What a pity to have to cover the beautiful wood on the steps. A runner will add comfort and softness and make it less slippery for people that are wearing socks.

Consider that in the blink of an eye your baby will have the possibility to crawl on those steps, so choose a material that is hypoallergenic (natural or synthetic). Since it is going in a high traffic area, choose something easy to clean.

In the case of colour/pattern, since you already have a curved staircase which is such a nice architectural feature, I would try to add pattern by other means, perhaps a nice wallpaper on the curved wall? It will be more visible at that level. If you do go with a pattern in the runner, choose something simple with a regular repeating pattern.

my back stairs are uncarpeted, my front stairs have a runner. when i slipped on the back stairs, i cracked 2 ribs. when i slipped on the front ones, i had a sore tush for a day or 2. both times i was wearing socks, but i've nearly slipped on the bare stairs with bare feet.

i was holding the handrail when i slipped and cracked my ribs. you only *think* you are holding it. once you start to fall its way too late to tighten your grip enough to hold yourself from falling.

my takeaway from my misadventures is to wear indoor shoes or grippy slippers, and never ever ever socks. ever. never ever. not once.

also, walking down stairs carrying an infant or squirming toddler is terrifying no matter whats on your feet. safe footware, soft landing is key.

Runner products, referred to as stair runners or roll runners are cut pile and are of woven construction rather than tufted . Cut pile is particularly important if the fiber is wool. StairRunnerStore.com

I have never used this product, but it is less expensive and not permanent.

I have stair treads like in Judy's pic - different style. We got them so the dogs would not slip and I have not slipped on them either. I did slip several times when they were carpeted. The treads have stayed put for over two years and are held down by a special carpet tape - I bought the one recommended by the company that made the stair treads. I checked the bottom one a year ago and saw no damage from the carpet tape, but it hasn't restuck to the tape well and I need to redo that step. This was a very economical way to go too.

My pics -work in progress: · More Info

Stair Tread tape:

https://www.amazon.com/Stair-Tread-Installation-Kit-STAIRTREADKIT/dp/B00A2BR8LG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542150029&sr=8-1&keywords=stair+tread+tape+colonial+mills