Measure the space where you are going to use the baby gate and check the installation method to see if you’ll need any additional tools for assembly. We carefully considered design, material, ease of installation and use, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best baby gates to meet all your babyproofing needs. The optional stop bracket with this system prevents opening over a stairway for even greater safety. For staircases that are larger than average, you can buy attachments that will make up the distance. Price at time of publication: $100 Users love the extra-wide expansion option (it expands to openings between 29 and 39 inches wide and stands 30 inches tall), and its ease of set-up. With an included 6-inch wide extension kit, this gate can be used in doorways, hallways, or at the bottom of the stairs, and it’s easy to move around. The extra safety lock feature is nice for added security, as well. Pressure-mounted gates shouldn’t be used at the top of a staircase, but this gate would work great in between rooms to keep baby in or out. Price at time of publication: $45 The superwide gate fits openings of up to 192 inches wide, and it can be configured to either extend straight as a gate or circular as a play yard. The gate is wall mounted and folds flat for easy storage. There is even an additional hardware mount available for added safety. In total, there are eight 24-inch panels that can be pieced together to create the barrier you need for your space. Price at time of publication: $110 If bronze doesn’t fit into your decor scheme, this also comes in an off-white color option. Reviewers say it is sturdy and easy to install. Basically, this gate is everything you’d want in something that will protect your child. Price at time of publication: $90 The non-marring rubber bumpers prevent damage to your walls when mounted, and the locking bar is notched for easy installation and requires no tools to put up. Price at time of publication: $17 Since this is a pressure-mounted gate, it is not suited for the tops of stairs but can be used in many other places in the home. It’s machine-washable which is a major bonus. Reviewers comment that set-up is a breeze, it isn’t an eyesore, and it keeps their kids (or pets) contained. Price at time of publication: $54 Reviewers commented that this provided a safe space for their baby but few noted it might not be that sturdy and their children eventually learned how to climb out. So while this isn’t a permanent solution to corralling your kids, it gets the job done in a pinch, especially for younger, less mobile babies. Price at time of publication: $110
Material
Baby gates are available in various materials, depending on where you will be using them and their purpose. For older toddlers who can easily topple over a gate that is made of flimsy plastic, you’ll want to consider a more weighted option that will stay in place. On the other hand, an easy to clean and lightweight plastic option might be better for outdoor use or travel.
Installation
The method of installation for a baby gate matters, both for ease of use and for safety. Pressure-mounted gates are simple to put in place, but they are not suitable for use at the top of a staircase, since they could get knocked out of place and allow a little one to fall down the stairs.
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Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting topics. Katrina is a parent herself and has a passion for helping parents and caregivers through writing. Having a gate at the bottom of the stairs prevents little ones from climbing up and then falling back down.
