If your child is starting to explore and move around the house, we have created a list of the best safety gates for babies to help you babyproof the home efficiently. These safe and effective gates are made of plastic, metal, or wood and are commonly installed in kitchens, doorways, and stairway entrances to keep your little one safe from injuries. They are expandable and can fit most areas without hassle.
So, if your child is running around the house opening drawers and doors, these gates can prevent them from accessing dangerous areas. However, with multiple options available, choosing the right safety gate might be challenging. So, read on and explore some tried-and-tested products trusted by moms and dads.
Top Picks
Tips On Using And Installing Baby Gates Safely
Here are a few tips that can help you use and install the baby safety gates correctly.
- Do not climb over the safety gates as this will not only dislodge them but will also give your babies an idea to get out.
- Do not install the toddler safety gate at the top of the stairways to avoid the risk of dislodging or tripping.
- Install the safety gates at the bottom or the top of the stairways to block access from both sides.
- Go for specialty gates and extensions for creating a barricade around oddly shaped areas.
- Instead of using hollow wall anchors, use wood or wall studs to install the gate hardware.
- Always keep the doors closed.
- Do not install the gate too high as it can create entrapment risks.
- Choose safety gates approved by JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association).
13 Best Safety Gates For Babies
1. Best Eight-Panel Adjustable: Regalo 192in Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 25,975 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
Regalo safety gates and play yards for babies are generously wide, consisting of eight panels. Measuring 28in high and 192in wide, the four-pack wall mounts require no tools for installation. Each of the panels is designed to adjust into any opening and makes perfect baby gate doors for hallways, angled openings, the bottom of stairs, or doorways. This video will help you make an informed decision about this child safety gate.
Pros
- Suitable for hallways
- Easy to pass through for adults
- Great for pets
- Tested to meet all current safety standards
Cons
- Joints may fall off easily
- Children might get their fingers stuck in one of the connecting bar holes
Do remember2. Best Wall-Mounted: Toddleroo By North States Easy Swing And Lock Baby Gate
Keep your little ones safe with this dad and mom-approved retractable baby gate. Made with difficult-to-climb vertical bars, this wall-mounted gate is designed for babies from six to 24 months. The 31-inch-high gate opens easily with one hand and needs a gentle push to close and lock. It is an elegant stair gate for babies that makes an attractive choice for stairways and large room openings.
Pros
- Made from heavy-duty metal
- Matte bronze finish
- One-hand operation
- Passed strict quality control
Cons
- May require additional drilling to attach it
- May not stay open
3. Best Easy-To-Install: Evenflo Position and Lock Baby Gate
Here’s a mommy-approved and easy-to-install 23in pressure-mounted baby gate intended for babies of six to 24 months. This is one of the most versatile wooden safety gates that can fit in different doorways with ease. The black plastic and dark wood stain make it a good fit for various home decors. It has a durable and secure mesh design for protection. Take a look at this video to learn more about this wooden baby gate.
Pros
- Creates a farm look seamlessly
- Made to keep home interiors safe
- Easy to install and reinstall
- Available in additional colors
- Enhances room aesthetics
Cons
- May not work well with solvents
- May not suit top of the stairs
4. Best No-Drill: Summer Infant Decorative Wood and Metal Safety Baby Gate
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 2,570 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
If you are looking for tall safety gates, you may buy this stylish baby gate made of New Zealand pine wood with a slate metal finish. It has three durable extensions that are easy to install and require no drilling. Designed for convenience and comfort, the easy-install baby gate has an easy-to-operate 32-inch-high gate that keeps babies and pets safe from trip hazards. Check out this video to learn how to install this tried-and-tested product from the trusted brand Summer Infant.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Gate can swing in either direction
- Easy to install
- Can be operated using one hand
Cons
- Gate latching mechanism relies on pressure
- May bend
5. Best One-Hand Release: Cumbor 49in Auto Close Safety Baby Gate
With a generous width and height, this staircase safety gate keeps crawlers safe. The double-lock safety and auto-close make the metal baby gate suitable for babies aged between six and 36 months. This strong, tried-and-tested retractable gate can handle the impact of up to 210lb and can be installed with easy pressure mounting in ten minutes.
Pros
- Durable
- Apt for babysitting
- Auto-close feature available
- Double lock safety release makes it difficult for babies to open
- Stronger pet resilience
Cons
- May not fit all widths
- May require more effort to open due to its solid structure
6. Best With Handle: Summer Deluxe Stairway Simple to Secure Wood Gate
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 1,238 good reviews on Amazon.
Designed to accommodate different openings, this safe and effective gate is one of the best baby gates for doorways, stairways, and hallways. It includes a hardware mounting kit for easy installation. The comfortable grip handle makes it convenient for one-handed release. Made of wood, this hardware-mounted baby gate is a durable and high-quality safety gate with a removable swing stop.
Pros
- Decorative
- Available in three colors
- Extra tall and wide
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Requires drilling holes
- May require additional hardware
7. Best JPMA-Certified: Munchkin Easy Close XL Pressure Mounted Baby Gate
The pressure-mounted, children safety gate for stairs, doorways, and hallways includes 2.75in, 5.5in, and 11in extensions. The safety-tested 36in high gate comes with a width of 29.5 to 51.6in. Its double-locking system makes it easier for adults to handle but cannot be opened by children.
Pros
- JPMA-certified
- Gate’s powerframe keeps gate securely in place
- Door locks easily with push-to-close mechanism
- Available in three colors
Cons
- May be difficult to assemble
- May require additional efforts to keep gates in place while installation
Do remember8. Best With Magnetic Latch: Safety 1st Easy Install Auto-Close Baby Gate
The discreet and functional baby safety gate is used in hallways, doorways, and stairs with pressure-mounted installation and requires no tools. The magnetic latch promises auto-lock, and the SecureTech indicator helps you know if it is locked or not.
Pros
- JPMA-certified
- Warranty available
- Hands-free auto-close
- Meets ASTM safety standards
- Does not emit any noise when used
Cons
- Pets may get their heads stuck
9. Best With Suction Cups: Kidzone Interactive Baby Playpen 8 Panel Safety Gate
This is one of the best safety gates for babies comprising eight colorful panels shaped into various geometric shapes. You can use this multi-panel baby gate to create a safe play area in any corner or the middle of a room. The safe and effective locking gate feature adds to the security, and there are suction cups that comfortably stick on the carpeted and hardwood floors.
Pros
- Scientifically designed
- BPA-free
- Safe for baby’s delicate skin
- ASTM-certified
Cons
- May not suit walking babies
- May not be foldable
10. Best For Narrow Spaces: Kidco Safeway Gate
A simple and sturdy white baby gate for stairs and doorways is made of premium steel. The unique directional stop prevents the gate from swinging over the stairs. It comes with a convenient one-hand operation for adults. The hinge side hardware can be easily mounted on angled surfaces, and its quick-release design makes it safe to remove when not in use.
Pros
- Easy to use
- No bottom threshold reduces the chances of tripping over
- Blends well into spaces
- Suits narrow spaces
Cons
- Locking device may not last long
11. Best Extra-Wide: Tokkidas Auto Close Safety Baby Gate
It is an extra-wide baby gate with dual-locking and auto-close features. The safe and effective, easy-to-install 40.5-inch-high construction requires pressure mounting and no tools. The kit includes 2.75in and 5.5in extensions along with four pressure mount rods. Made of high-quality steel, it is sturdy and strong that can withstand weight up to 200lb.
Pros
- 24-month warranty available
- Durable
- Gentle on walls
- No tools required
Cons
- May not latch easily
- Directions may be vague
12. Best Retractable: EasyBaby Products Extra Wide and Extra Tall Baby Gate
For complete safety of your baby, install this tall baby gate that comes with components including catch mounts, stainless steel screws, and wall scrapers for easy installation. It can be adjusted to fit subjective needs and retracted when not in use. You can use this safety-tested baby gate indoors and outdoors to secure stairs and doorways.
Pros
- ASTM-approved
- Meets EN standards
- One-hand operation
- Expandable baby gate
Cons
- Rings may not last long
- Pets may escape easily
13. Best Transparent: Ottolives Retractable Baby Gate
Ottolives retractable baby gate is a transparent woven mesh that prevents your baby from being hurt if they unexpectedly bump the gate. The safe and effective gate comes with a double locking mechanism. It is helpful for both infants and pets. The pet-friendly baby gate is suitable for stairways, doorways, and hallways.
Pros
- Can be operated with one hand
- Suitable for outdoor use
- Odorless
- Soft padding included to reduce accidental bumpings
- Saves space by retracting automatically
Cons
- May not be durable enough
- May suit only small dog breeds
How To Choose The Right Baby Gate?
Here are some points to keep in mind while buying a safety gate for a baby.
- Width: Measure the width of the particular opening where you wish to install the gates. It can be a staircase, a hallway, or a doorway.
- Installation: Pressure-mounted baby gates are designed to fit different stairways and doorways and do not require any drilling. Another choice of gates includes fixed or wall-mounted. They make a good choice for long-term use and require drilling holes in the wall.
- Material: Baby safety gates are made of metal, wood, and net. It is your personal preference to pick the one depending upon your interiors.
- Opening type: Some gates can be opened using one hand, some gates have a stay-open option, and some gates can swing open in both directions. Consider based on the area where you wish to install.
- Closing type: Some gates require manual closing, some come with push-button closures, some simply slam-shut, and some have an auto-closing feature. It is again your personal choice on which one to pick.
When Should You Start Using Baby Gates?
The right time to install baby safety gates is just before your baby starts to crawl or scoot. It is usually when the baby turns five months old and begins to move around to explore.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna, being a mother, knows the importance of baby-proofing the house to ensure the safety of your children. Baby gates are one of the most important things that fall on that list. So she brings you a list of the best safety gates for babies from trusted brands that will help you keep them away from possible dangers. These products have been considered for their durability, efficiency, and good user reviews.Vibha has also added a buying guide to help you make an informed buying decision
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a pet gate and a baby gate?
Pet gates are freestanding and are not suitable as baby gates. The main difference between a pet gate and a baby gate is the gate’s overall strength. Pet gates are heavier than baby gates.
2. Are baby gates essential?
Baby gates protect your little one from hazards, especially when they are learning to crawl and walk. Ensure the baby gates are ASTM- or JPMA-certified (1).
3. Are pressure-mounted baby gates safe for the top of stairs?
Pressure-mounted baby gates are meant to be installed at the bottom of the stairs and for doorways. These gates may fall if pushed hard (1).
4. Should I fix a gate on my toddler’s door?
Fixing a gate on a toddler’s door would restrict your little one from coming out of bed, especially at night. But install gates only if your little one can’t climb out. Otherwise, it may be hazardous.
5. How long should I use a baby gate?
Use baby gates for children between six months to two years (1). However, uninstall gates if your baby has mastered opening the latch or climbing out.
The Bottom Line
Babyproofing your home using the best baby safety gates reduces the chances of your little one getting injuries. Selecting products that are durable, easy to install, and the right size for your doorways and stairs is crucial. Sometimes, babies may figure out how to unlock the gates, so pick one after considering the locking mechanism and the baby’s age and height. Our top recommendations include the Cumbor 49in Auto Close Safety Baby Gate with its one-hand release feature and strong build, the Munchkin Easy Close XL Pressure Mounted Baby Gate with a double-locking system and an additional base lock, and the Kidzone Interactive Baby Playpen 8 Panel Safety Gate, featuring colorful panels and suction cups for added security.
Infographic: What Are The Various Kinds Of Baby Safety Gates?
Baby safety gates offer a secure barrier, ensuring the safety of curious explorers while providing peace of mind for parents. They seamlessly integrate into any home, creating a protective space for little ones to roam freely. Explore the infographic below to discover various categories of baby safety gates and their features, to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
Download Infographic
References:
- Choosing Safe Baby Products: Gates
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/products-gates.html - Choosing Safe Baby Products: Gates
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/products-gates.html
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