Keeping your newly crawling or walking baby safe is a priority. The best baby gates keep your little one out of trouble while also offering them the freedom to roam. Fortunately, today's baby gates are not only safe but also attractive and convenient. Learn about our top picks below.
What to Look for in a Baby Gate
No matter where you plan to use your gate, you'll want to make sure it's safe to use. All child safety gates should be CPC certified. This means they meet standards set out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
You may also look for products that are certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Brands that boast a JPMA certification meet high standards for safety in children's products.
In addition, consider the type of gate that would work best for your needs. When placing a gate at the top of the stairs, you may prefer a gate without a floor bar. Also, measure the space you want to cover with the baby gate. That way, you can make sure to buy a gate that fits the opening.
Other features to keep an eye on include auto-close functions and installation type. Also, look at how parents and caregivers can open the gate.
Types of Baby Gates
As you shop, you'll discover several main types of baby safety gates. Here are the main types to consider:
Pressure Mounted Gates: A pressure-mounted baby gate presses against two surfaces such as walls, posts, or two sides of a door frame. One advantage of this type of gate is that you don't need to drill holes in the wall. Installing these gates is easy. However, they can be potentially dangerous if they become loose, especially at the top of a staircase.
Hardware Mounted Gates: Hardware mounted baby gates use screws to fix the gate to a doorframe or wall stud. When installed correctly, these gates are secure and strong, giving you more confidence. At the same time, these baby gates require commitment, as installation is more permanent.
Retractable Baby Gates: Most baby gates allow parents to open the gate, which swings. Retractable baby gates roll up, or retract, into one of the sides of the gate. This means you can leave the gate open or choose to close it. Often made of strong mesh, retractable baby gates require a hardware installation.
The Top 6 Best Baby Gates
Our favorite baby gates include various options such as pressure mounted gates, hardware mounted gates, and retractable baby gates. We chose gates that are functional, safe, and attractive.
1. Best Baby Gate: FairyBaby Extra Wide Baby Gate - $78.99
This award-winning gate is a favorite for parents. FairBaby's baby gate is easy to install and comes in various sizes. Opening the gate is a simple one handed operation, meaning you can get through the gate while carrying bags of groceries, a laundry basket, and more.
For larger spaces, you can purchase FairBaby's extensions.
Features:
- Pressure mounted gate
- Fits a wide range of spaces
- Mom's Choice Awards winner
- Automatic close and lock features
2. Best Baby Gate for Stairs Baby Gate: Evenflo - $44.99
This gorgeous wooden baby gate will look beautiful in your home. Use this hardware-mounted gate at the top or bottom of the stairs with confidence. Plus, this model doesn't include a floor bar, eliminating tripping hazards.
Choose from the natural wood or stained wood look so that it fits seamlessly into your home's decor.
Features:
- Hardware mounted gate
- Fits openings between 30 and 48 inches
- One-handed latch
3. Best Pressure Mounted Gate: Munchkin - $74.99
Keep your baby safe with Munchkin's easy to use gate. After walking through, the gate closes with a firm push. For larger spaces, Munchkin offers extensions meaning you can close off larger doorways. Munchkin's Easy Close gate is white and made of metal.
Features:
- Pressure mounted gate
- Fits openings between 29.5 and 35 inches
- One-handed latch, closes with a push
4. Best Hardware Mounted Gate: Safety1st - $84.99
Keep stairs, the kitchen, and other spaces off-limits with Safety1st's hardware mounted baby gate. Ideal for many different sized openings, this gate is versatile. Plus, this model doesn't include a threshold bar, meaning you're less likely to trip over it. The simple design makes this model easy to install using a screwdriver.
Features:
- Hardware mounted gate
- Fits openings between 29 and 42 inches
- One-handed latch, closes with a push
5. Best Retractable Gate: Dreambaby - $69.99
Switch from baby-proof to adult-friendly in a snap with Dreambaby's award-winning retractable gate. The gate features high-quality mesh that can withstand a child's pushing. Set up the mounting hardware in up to two locations such as the bottom of the stairs and the porch. Then, simply move the gate wherever you go with your baby.
Features:
- Retractable gate
- Fits openings up to 55 inches wide
- Retracts completely when not in use
6. Best Auto-Close Baby Gate: Babelio Baby - $94.99
Babelio's metal baby gate has a beautiful wood pattern, but relies on the strength of metal. Place it anywhere in your home for a secure barrier. Adults can release the gate with one hand, yet it provides double-lock security. Within a certain range, the gate also closes automatically.
Features:
- Pressure mounted gate
- Fits openings between 29 and 40 inches
- Auto-close feature
Choosing the Best Baby Gate for Your Home
These baby gates let your little one explore with confidence, knowing that they can't get into anything dangerous. To choose the best baby gate for your needs, measure the space you'd like to close off. Then, consider the best baby gates that will fit the space.
Depending on your needs, choose a gate that works best. For example, to achieve the highest safety, consider using a hardware-mounted gate at the top of stairs. Or, if you are renting a space, you might prefer using a pressure-mounted gate.
Do you have a favorite baby gate? Let us know whether you use a baby gate in the comments below.
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