Among the primary concerns for every parent is their child’s safety. Regardless, statistics show that most child accidents happen at home.
One way to prevent injuries is by choosing one of the best baby gates we have gathered for you.
We have reviewed the most popular and affordable products on the market to help you figure out which one would suit your needs.
How to Choose the Best Baby Gate?
When choosing the right baby gate, there are several parameters you should consider.
- First, the size of the gate. You need to measure the opening or staircase width where you intend to place it.
- Second, there are two different types of fixation — wall fix or pressure. The pressure type is easier and quicker to install. It is the ideal solution if you are renting your home or using the gate occasionally. Also, you can extend this type of gate using a U-pressure frame.
On the other hand, wall-mounted baby gates are recommended for long-term use and for the top of staircases. It will take more effort to install it, but it ensures higher levels of security.
- Third, you can choose a type of opening. There are two or three-way openings and some that can remain open.
- When it comes to closing options, there are manual, auto-close, or slam-shut mechanisms.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
1. Cardinal Gates SS-30 Stairway Special Safety Gate
Features
- Indoor and outdoor models
- A stopping bracket
- Aluminum and wooden option
Price: From $81.95
2. Regalo Home Accents Extra Tall and Wide Baby Gate
Features
- Durable materials
- Extra-tall design
- Two 4-inch wide extension kits
Price: From $54.99
3. Toddleroo 3-in-1 Metal Superyard
Features
- Double-locking system
- Expandable and adjustable model
- Works on different surfaces
Price: From $198.93
Best Baby Gates for 2021
Toddleroo by North States Wide Easy Swing and Lock Baby Gate
Price from $49.70
Pros
- One-hand operation door
- Ideal for wide areas
- No bottom bar
- Modern, stylish design
Cons
- Plastic wall connectors
This Toddleroo baby gate has a modern, stylish design and provides an excellent level of safety.
Safety and Design
That baby gate, built from durable, heavy-duty metal, is ideal for more spacious areas and stairways. It fits openings from 28.7 to 47.9 inches and is 31 inches high.
The vertical bars are three-quarters of an inch apart and will prevent your children from climbing, keeping them safe inside. It is best for children from 6-to-24-month-old.
The gate door closes quickly and locks with just a gentle push — you can operate it with one hand. Also, it swings in a single direction to avoid opening over the stairs.
This baby gate with a door has a stylish matte bronze finish. Its minimalistic and elegant design will complement any home decor.
If you need a higher gate for additional security, you can find this exact model with higher bars. The Tall Easy Swing and Lock Gate is 36 inches high and has an elegant, warm white finish design.
The third option, the Essential Stairway and Walkway Gate, is one of the few baby gates for stairs that fits openings from 24.5 to 40.55 inches and is 30 inches high.
Ease of Installation
The installation requires a drill, a few other tools, and a certain amount of time to set the gate up.
Cardinal Gates SS-30 Stairway Special Safety Gate
Price from $81.95
Pros
- Indoor and outdoor models
- A stopping bracket
- Aluminum and wooden option
Cons
- Requires time to get used to the latch
This beautiful top-of-stairs baby gate comes in various designs and material options. So you can pick the one that fits your preferences.
Safety and Design
The baby gate is made either from wood or solid aluminum, with a powder-coated, durable finish. You can position it at an angle of up to 30 degrees. It features a stopping bracket that prevents it from opening.
It is 29.5 inches high, and the width is adjustable — from 27 to 42.5 inches. You can buy extensions for bigger openings, so you can easily transform it into an extra-wide baby gate. The latch is operable with one hand.
Both models come in three different colors — white, black, and “outdoor brown”. You can also purchase an indoor and outdoor gate.
Ease of Installation
The installation requires some time. You can find detailed instructions with videos on their website.
Munchkin Loft Aluminum Baby Gate
Price from $196.41
Pros
- Quick-release wall mount feature
- Stable and solid model
- Integrated Tuning System (ITS) to ensure a perfect adjustment to the wall
Cons
- High price
It is an outstanding, durable and secure gate, ranking among the best baby gate for stairs models.
Safety and Design
Munchkin offers a stable, solid baby gate with a stylish design. It has thick bars and a frame made of enduring aluminum.
This gate’s innovative Tuning System allows adjustments for a perfect vertical fit, even if your walls aren’t well-leveled.
You can place it on doorways, stairways, and halls to restrict openings from 26.5 to 40 inches wide. The integrated Indexed Sizing System helps you adjust the width. The gate’s height is 30.5 inches.
Another great feature of this hardware-mount baby gate is the quick-release for temporary removal of the gate.
Ease of Installation
The installation is time-consuming.
Regalo Home Accents Extra Tall and Wide Baby Gate
Price from $54.99
Pros
- Durable materials
- Extra-tall design
- Two 4-inch wide extension kits
Cons
- Narrow pass-through area
That high-quality model is one of the best baby gates for stairs. Its stylish design will add a luxurious vibe to every home.
Safety and Design
This baby gate provides extra security as it stands at 37 inches in height and fits opening from 30 to 42 inches wide. It meets all safety and convenience standards with its one-touch release safety lock feature.
The gate is a strong, resilient, and lovely addition to your home decor. It is made out of steel with high-end finishing and New Zealand pine ornaments.
It is perfect for 6-to-36-month-old babies. Another great feature, placing it among the best child gates, is that you can easily fold it flat and store it.
The set includes an additional 4-inch wide extension and everything you need to install the gate — pressure mount spindle rods, wall cups, and screws. This is an excellent gate for stairs, hallways, and doorways.
Ease of Installation
Setting the gate up is entirely hassle-free. As a pressure-mounted baby gate, it doesn’t require any additional tools.
Note that, during installation, there will be a gap between the gate latch and the frame that will disappear once you are ready.
Cumbor Auto Close Safety Baby Gate
Price from $69.99
Pros
- Auto-close and stay-open feature
- Double-lock safety release
- Wide walk-through door opening in both direction
Cons
- A trip bar
That solid and very secure model is an excellent stair gate for babies and pets.
Safety and Design
That baby gate is 30.5-inch high and 29.5 to 37.8 inches wide. It also has a large 23.6-inch walk-through entrance, making it convenient for adults.
Its steel design can sustain up to 200 lbs impacts without budging. This is essential if you also have big dogs at home.
Another great feature is its double-lock safety release. It effectively stops children from opening the gate on their own.
You also don’t have to worry about forgetting to lock the gate, thanks to the auto-close feature. It activates when the door swings at 90 degrees or less. If you don’t want it to close, it needs to stay open at more than 90 degrees.
That is one of the best baby gate models suitable for 6-to-36-month-olds.
Ease of Installation
The installation of these types of baby gates is generally straightforward. The simple pressure mounting system requires no more than 10 minutes to mount. You can put it in stairs, hallways, doorways, and open spaces at home.
BabyDan Guard Me Baby Gate
Price from $54.99
Pros
- Ideal for narrow spaces
- One-hand latch opening
- Automatically folds when opened
- No trip bar
Cons
- Requires additional extensions when fitting standard door openings
- Unclear installation instructions
It is one of the best retractable baby gate models, ideal for both children and pets. It is easily set up even in tight spaces.
Safety and Design
This innovative baby gate automatically folds out when opened. It fits openings from 21.7 to 35.2 inches and is 28 inches high. Also, its unique retractable design is ideal for tight spaces and doorways.
What makes it one of the best baby-gate-with-door options is that you can place it on the top or bottom of the stairs and banisters. If you have a standard 36-inch door opening, you can use it with extensions. The additional 9.4-inch extensions are sold separately.
The gate is sturdy and safe, 100% PVC-free, and made of plastic. It is manufactured in Denmark, so it meets both US and European safety standards.
It doesn’t have trip bars, instead, it comes with small folding panels that tuck away neatly when you open the gate.
Ease of Installation
As one of the top-rated baby gates, it is effortless to install and won’t take much of your time. All you need is a drill.
Toddleroo 3-in-1 Metal Superyard
Price from $198.93
Pros
- Double-locking system
- Expandable and adjustable model
- Works on different surfaces
Cons
- High price
That is a high-quality and multifunctional free-standing baby gate.
Safety and Design
That is a versatile and reliable model made out of metal. You can set up the free-standing enclosure in a few seconds. It also has a convenient swinging walk-through door panel.
It is a 144-inch long extra-wide baby gate that you can use as a barrier or play yard. The bars are two and a quarter inches apart. The double-locking system is child-proof, ensuring both security and easy access.
You can place the six-panel super yard on different surfaces — carpet, tile, hardwood floors, and more — without scratching.
The extra-tall baseboards mount to angled walls, as well. You can extend the gate infinitely with separately bought panels, ranking it among the best baby gates for a wide opening.
All Toddlerroo gates are JPMA and ASTM certified and made in the US.
Ease of Installation
Setting up won’t take long as all the necessary equipment is packed with the gate. Some barrier configurations for the extension parts may require additional hardware sold separately.
Evenflo Versatile Play Space
Price from $64.99
Pros
- Excellent for both indoor and outdoor use
- Expandable and adjustable model
- Affordable price
- Each panel can be a door access
Cons
- Only a play space
That is one of the best baby gates for the living room and outdoor use.
Safety and Design
This play space has reversible legs and outdoor stakes for lawn stability. Additionally, it comes with non-scratch floor pads.
It is very spacious — it provides a safe space of over 18.5 square feet and is 28-inch tall. Its unique hinge design allows you to use each panel as a door. It consists of six plastic panels that are UV weather-resistant, making it one of the best baby gates for the play area.
The play space is made of high-quality plastic and is very lightweight, only 16.9 pounds. It comes in different colors — grey, white or multi-color.
Evenflo customer service is excellent. They have an online chat to reach their ParentLink customer service experts in real-time.
Ease of Installation
Assembling this play space is easy and doesn’t require any tools. Its smooth edges and molded handle allow for quick repositioning. You can buy separate panel extensions to expand the play space, positioning it among the best baby gates.
People Also Ask
There are various parameters to consider when choosing the right baby gate for your needs.
First of all, you should decide what kind of gate you want. There are models to place on the stairs or self-standing gates, suitable to create a play space. If you are looking for the second type, we can recommend Toddleroo 3-in-1 Superyard.
Another factor is whether you need the gate for indoor or outdoor use. For instance, Evenflo Versatile Play Space is excellent for the outdoors.
Attractive basic gates, used for the top or bottom of the stairs, are Munchkin Loft Aluminum Baby Gate or Toddleroo Wide Easy Swing and Lock Baby Gate.
Essential factors to consider are the width of the opening and the height of the gate. For example, excellent models with extended height are Toddleroo Tall Easy Swing & Lock Gate or Regalo Home Accents Extra Tall and Wide Baby Gate.
The market offers baby gates made from various materials and with different designs, so you can choose which one best fits your needs and home decor.
Most gates are for children from 6 to 36 months old. If your child, however, overgrows the gate, you can use height extensions.
There are no strict rules when it comes to this decision. Depending on your child’s growth and progress, you will know when to remove the gate.
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best gate for your child.
Among them are the measurements of the staircase opening, the type of fixation you need, and the opening and closing mechanism. You can compare the prices for the features you like and pick the one that fits your budget.
Also, if you want to consider your home decor, there are various materials and colors to choose from when exploring the best baby gates for your standards.
