The Best Baby Gate You Need to Keep Your Child Safe

When I started the write this article, my goal was to do a review for THE best baby gate I could find. But after some hours of research, I realized that I would have to include more options to cover all the different application for a baby gate.

When I found the Cardinal Gates SS-30 Stairway Special I tough, that was it; this is THE best baby gate. But, can it be used outside? What about a large opening, a fireplace, a sliding door? All of those places needed a different type of safety gate. Here’s the list of my favorite safety gate and why they are the best solution for each circumstance.

If you are not sure where to start, I recommend reading the baby gate buyers guide section on this article. After, you will have a clear idea of what you need.

My favorite baby gate

Cardinal Gates SS-30 Stairway Special

Price: $$$$$

The Cardinal Gates SS-30 Stairway Special is my favorite safety gate. From all the baby gates available, this is one the most robust and secure I could find. The frame and locking mechanism are entirely made in metal and would last for many years.

It can be used anywhere in the house and can adapt to any weird shaped walls, angles, banisters or doorways.

In my opinion, the Cardinal Gates SS-30 offer the best value for your money.

Highlights:

Size: This gate can cover from 27-inch to 42.5-inch width and 29.5-inch in height.

Extension: If you need to fence a larger opening, you can add a 10.5-inch or 23.75-inch extension. With those extensions, you can cover up to 64-inch.

Types: This gate is entirely made of metal, even the lock mechanism, and therefore the most robust safety gate I could find. The installation is quick, with only four screws, but still very secure.

Security: The lock is easy to operate for an adult, but impossible for your curious toddler. To open the door, you need to press down on the button and lift the latch. The latch mechanism is so simple and yet so compelling that I feel confident that it won’t fail. The competition is using plastic parts in their locking mechanism, and it’s making the latch vulnerable to long-term mistreatment.

Product recall: The old version of the SS-30 gate has been recalled in 2016 because it didn’t meet the Canadian safety standards. The problem was with a plastic end cap of the gate that was a possible choking hazard as well as poisonous because of the chemical in the paint. Since then, the manufacturer has redesigned the faulted part, and it’s now complying with the Canadian safety standards.

Suitable for:

• Doorway
• Wide opening (up to 64-inch)
• Odd angle
• Staircase
• Top of the stairs
• Bottom of the stairs

For all the details check the Cardinal Gates SS-30 Stairway Special on Amazon here.

The best baby gate for stairs

North States Easy Swing & Lock Gate

Price: $$$$$

My favorite feature of this safety gate is the swings-to-lock mechanism. The North States Easy Swing & Lock Gate is easy to operate and especially useful in places with high traffic.

The design and the color will adapt to any decor. For this price, the North States Easy Swing & Lock Gate is one of my pick regarding value.

Highlights:

Size: Will fence from 28.68-inch to 47.85-inch width and 31-inch tall.

Types: This gate is hardware mounted to the wall or the door frame. Relatively easy to install, it can also be adapted to any kinds of baseboard and wall shapes. The only downside is lack of position to fix the gate since it cannot be mounted in an angle.

Security: The locking mechanism is smooth to manipulate and quieter than the competition. The gate will close automatically behind you, and you will only have to give a little push to completely re-lock the door. The structure of the gate is enough sturdy to fence a doorway or the top of the stairs.

Suitable for:

• Doorway
• Staircase
• Wide opening (up to 47.85-inch )
• Wide staircase

For all the details check the North States Easy Swing & Lock Gate on Amazon here.

The best baby gate for wide opening

North States Deluxe Decor Gate

Price: $$$$$

To fence a complete hallway or an extra wide opening between two rooms, I recommend using the North States Deluxe Decor Gate. This security fence can cover up to 6 feet and even up to 7.25 feet with an extension.

Also, what I like about the gate is the 27-inch wide door. You will love the extra space, especially if you are trying to traverse the barrier with grocery bags. Believe me!

Highlights:

Size: Create a barrier of 38-inch to 72-inch width by 30-inch in height. The door itself is larger than other safety gates, with a 27-inch full door panel.

Extension: Add an extra 15-inch for a total of 87-inch wide.

Types: This hardware mounted gate is made of 3 main panels, and can be fixed at any angle or odd shape.

Security: Because of the extra wide panel, the gate is not secure enough to be placed at the top of a staircase. Still, this gate is robust, and the latch is easy to use for parents.

Considerations: The door only open in one direction.

Suitable for:

• Doorway
• Doorway with an angle
• Extra wide doorway
• French doors
• Open space

For all the details check the North States Deluxe Decor Gate on Amazon here.

The best retractable gate

Smart Retract Retract-A-Gate

Price: $$$$$

The Smart Retract Retract-A-Gate is a retractable gate that can accommodate any possibility. If you are looking for a discrete safety gate or at least something that will blend in your decor, this gate is for you.

First time I saw this gate in action, I tough it was genius. I’m pretty sure that many babysitters or grand-parents are using this type of baby gates.

The gate is made of flexible mesh fabric and can be pulled across the doorway to lock on the other side. And if you don’t want to use it, it will be almost invisible, since it will retract into a slim compartment on the edge of the wall. No need to leave the gate door open, or take the whole barrier out of the way.

When open, the see-through fabric can cover anything; angle, banister, extra-wide, french-door, etc.

In my opinion, the design of the gate is one of the most fashionable and less looking like a baby proofing product.

The Retract-A-Gate is made in the US, and JPMA certified, so you know it’s a safe and quality product.

Highlights:

Size: The gate can roll over 52-inch width, while also covering 34-inch height.

Extension: A large model is available and can cover up to 72 inches.

Types: The Retract-A-Gate is hardware mounted, and doesn’t have a door. The fence is made of mesh fabric, that can be pulled from a small roll and lock on the other side. The material is see-through, but still remarkably stable and scratch resistant.

Not a swinging door, but it’s still easy to use.

Security: When you unroll the gate to cover the opening, you will have to pull it to the other side of the wall and lock it on a hook. This locking mechanism is child-proof, and only an adult can open it. I would use the gate en every situation since it’s certified by the JPMA.

Consideration: The locking mechanism has a multistep process, and it can feel a bit complicated to open when compared to other types of security gates.

Suitable for:

• Narrow opening
• Temporary gate
• Doorway
• Staircase
• Top of the stairs
• Bottom of the stair

For all the details check the Smart Retract Retract-A-Gate on Amazon here.

The best free standing gate / Play yard

North States Metal Superyard

Price: $$$$$$

When you need to secure a large area, the North States Metal Superyard is the most adaptive type of security gate you could get. The six-panel can be shaped into a straight fence or an all-around play yard. This means you can use it as a stand-alone gate to create a safe area for your baby to play.

If you want to prevent your kid from touching the fireplace or any other hazardous items, this safety gate can secure any types of dangerous area in your home. It can be configured into any shape you need.

Highlights:

Size: Create a barrier up to 144-inch wide and 30-inch tall.

Extension: You can buy extra panels of 48-inch to increased the width.

Types: This safety gate is made of six-panel connected. You can secure the end to the wall or create a rounded barrier for your kid to play inside.

Security: The door latch is very secure and can be operated with one hand. Also, the door as a swing-and-lock closing mechanism. The installation is easy and can be installed almost anywhere in the house. I would recommend to fix it to the wall, even if you use it as an all-around play yard. Because, if the fence is free-standing, your kid can still push on the panel and it can be moved or tip over. If you can’t fix it to the wall, you could add pillows all around the fence to prevent it from moving.

Suitable for:

• Fireplace
• Wood stove
• Large area
• Open area

For all the details check the North States Metal Superyard on Amazon here.

The best wooden gate

Munchkin Push to Close Wood gate

Price: $$$$$

The Munchkin Push to Close Wood gate as the most stylish design and can be used anywhere in the house. This hardware-mounted safety gate is secure enough to be installed at the top of the stairs.

Highlights:

Size: This gate can cover 28-inch to a 46.5-inch width and 30-inch height.

Types: The Munchkin Push to Close Wood gate is hardware mounted, but still easily removable for one evening. The walnut finish and the overall design of the gate will match in any decor. Also, the hinge mechanism is built to put less stress on the walls.

Security: This gate can be employed anywhere in the house. The door can be open in both directions if you are using it in a doorway. Or, If you plan on using the gate for the top of the staircase, you can block the door from opening towards the stairs. The manufacturer advises using this gate with children up to 24 months.

Suitable for:

• Doorway
• Staircase
• Top of stairs

For all the details check the Munchkin Push to Close Wood gate on Amazon here.

The best baby gate with pet door

Carlson Wide Gate with Pet Door

Price: $$$$$

The Carlson Wide Gate with Pet Door is the safety gate I would recommend to any pet owner. Baby proofing your home when you have a small dog or a cat can be problematic. Because, the safety gate must keep your kid from walking through, but it might also imprison your cute little dog.

This gate as a large door and a small pass-through for your pet.

The Carlson Wide Gate with Pet Door is the gate you need you if you want to keep your baby from playing in your cat litter box.

Highlights:

Size: Fence any opening from 29-inch to 44-inch of width and 30-inch of height.

Extension: It comes with a 6-inch extension to adapt to a wider doorway.

Types: This gate is pressure mounted, and therefore no drilling is required. The installation won’t take more than a minute.

Security: You can unlock the doors easily with one hand, and the gate works great for any doorway.

Suitable for:

• Doorway
• Family with small cat or dog

For all the details check the Carlson Wide Gate with Pet Door on Amazon here.

The best portable gate

The Navi gate for Babies

Price: $$$$$

This is the gate you need while traveling. The Navi gate is foldable and can be easily carried on vacation. This pressure mounted gate is perfect to fence a specific area in the kitchen or a doorway. The Navi gate is secure and certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).

Highlights:

Size: Close any opening of 28-inch to 45-inch width and a 27-inch height.

Weight: 5 pounds

Types: This pressure mounted gate is made of plastic joints and fabric panels. It can accommodate any odd shaped walls, railing or furniture. It’s secure enough to use on any surfaces. Additionally, you will receive a bag to store the gate once it’s folded.

Security: The lock as a double action release mechanism that can only be open by an adult. Even if this pressure mounted gate meets security standards from the ASTM, JPMA, and APA, I don’t recommend using it for the stairs.

Suitable for:

• Doorway
• Babyproofing on the go
• Traveling family

For all the details check the The Navi gate for Babies on Amazon here.

The best extra tall gate

Extra-Tall Easy-Close Gate by North States

Price: $$$$$

The Extra-Tall Easy-Close Gate by North States is an excellent gate to secure a doorway and prevent your kid from escaping. The 36 inches tall gate also has a multi-directional swinging door for easy walk-through.

Highlights:

Size: 28-inch to 38.5-inch width, 36-inch height.

Types: The Extra-Tall Easy-Close Gate is pressure mounted with tension knobs that will hold the gate firmly in place. The heavy-duty steel structure is durable and will last for long.

Security: This gate uses a triple action locking system that is easy to manipulate by an adult but too complicated for a kid. The doors can swing open both ways. To close the door you push firmly, and it will lock automatically. Besides, you can keep it open for multiple walk-through by using the hold-open feature. It works great with any doorway but is not suitable for top of the stairs.

Suitable for:

• Doorway
• Bottom of the stairs

For all the details check the Extra-Tall Easy-Close Gate by North States on Amazon here.

The best outdoor baby gate

Cardinal Gates Outdoor Gate

Price: $$$$$

If your home has access to a patio, a balcony or a porch, you should secure that area with a baby gate especially made for outdoor usage. In this situation, I recommend using the Cardinal Gates Outdoor Gate. This waterproof and rustproof gate will give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy been outside with your little explorer.

The Cardinal Gates Outdoor Gate can be installed on any railing, and it’s secure enough to be used at the top of the stairs. You can also fix the gate with an angle up to 30 degrees.

If you want a baby gate that works great and looks great, this lightweight aluminum gate is the solution for you.

Highlights:

Size: Will cover an opening of 27-inch to 42.5-inch width by 29.5-inch of height.

Extension: You can add an extension of 10.5-inch or 21.5-inch. Perfect to cover a large opening of 53 inches to 64 inches.

Types: This hardware mounted gate is made of rustproof aluminum and stainless steel.

Security: You will be able to unlock this gate with one hand. Also, if you install the barrier at the top of the stair, you can add a bracket to stop the gate from opening towards the stairs.

Suitable for:

• Outdoor use: deck, patio, porch, and balcony
• Stairway
• Top of stairs
• Doorway
• Extra wide opening

For all the details check the Cardinal Gates Outdoor Gate on Amazon here.

The best baby gate under $50

Summer Infant Secure Pressure Mount Deco Gate

Price: $$$$$

I would suggest the Summer Infant Secure Pressure Mount Deco Gate, when you need a temporary solution or if you want the cheapest safety gate. It also an excellent baby proofing solution to keep at home if you only need it when you have a visitor with children. The price is ridiculously low, but the quality of the materials is good enough to keep your baby from escaping.

Highlights:

Size: This gate can fit into a 27-inch to a 42-inch wide doorway and will cover 24-inch in height.

Types: This gate is pressure mounted and can be easily removed. Since it doesn’t have a door, you will have to take down the barrier every time you need to walk-through (don’t try to step over, just don’t!)

A tension release mechanism will make the process easy, but if you have to go through multiple time per day, you might get annoyed after a while. The gate is strong enough and has rubber bumpers to protect your wall from damage.

Security: This is the kind of gate you will be tempted to step over. Doing so will put your self at risk, and you could also end up breaking the barrier or the walls. Plus, I would advise only to use this gate with babies or young children. A toddler might be able to climb over.

But for a temporary solution, this is the perfect gate.

Suitable for:

• Doorway
• Low-traffic area

For all the details check the Summer Infant Secure Pressure Mount Deco Gate on Amazon here.

Which baby gate to buy?

Unless you live in a one-room apartment, you probably need a baby gate. Most parents are keeping their gate for 24 months, and that could be a long time if you don’t make the right decision.

The gate will be handy to keep your baby safe, but it will get annoying at some point.

Choosing the right baby gate, mean getting a gate that is easy to use, that will stay secure, and won’t need any maintenance. Also, it means getting the one that will blend in your home decor.

Bear with me as we walk through the essential features.

What type of baby gate should I choose?

The first thing you must be aware of is the different type of gate. There are mainly two types of safety gates. The hardware or pressure mounted gate; each has their advantage and disadvantages.

Let’s look at them.

1. Hardware mounted

The hardware mounted gate is the most secure. It requires to be fixed to the wall with the proper screws and hinges. Those kids of safety gate are more suitable for a high-traffic area and will last longer. The hardware mounted gate can hold the entire toddler weight pushing again without failing. They are most likely to leave holes in your wall when you take them own, but it’s worth it.

2. Pressure mounted

The pressure mounted gate is the easiest to install. This type of gate will hold in place by pushing on both sides of the wall. They don’t require to drill in your dry-wall or the railing. These types of gates will not damage the wall if you use them correctly and for a short period.

Pressure mounted gates are cheaper than the hardware mounted, but they tend to get loose or damage the wall over time.

Most of all, they are not suitable for stairs, because they can trip down if your kid gives a good push or bulldoze his way through.

Where to put your baby gates?

Depending on the size of your home, you’ll find different areas that need to be fenced out for your kid.

1. Stairs

The top of the stair is the most important place to install a safety gate. But it’s not all type of barriers that are suitable for this area. Only the hardware mounted gate is secure enough the protect your kid from falling. Also, you must be sure that the gate won’t open toward the stairs.

Most parents will also install a gate a the bottom of the staircase. This gate could be pressure mounted because the risk of falling is less severe.

Finlay, if you have banisters or oddly shaped railing in your staircase, you must get a gate that will adapt to any surface. Most safety gate will offer this possibility, but it’s something you need to consider.

2. Door frame and doorway

Baby gates are also very useful to prevent your kid from going into or leaving a specific room. Most safety gate can be installed in a doorway and can be adjusted to the width of the door frame.

3. Extra wide / double door

If you need to fence an extra wide opening like a hallway or french doors, there’s a special category of gates that will suit your needs. Depending on the width of the opening, you could also buy extensions for a standard gate to make it longer. For opening larger than 70-inch you must check for an extra-wide gate.

4. Sliding door

A sliding door can be tricky to secure, and the best solution is to find a gate that can be curved or that has multiple panels. The gate will be fixed on both sides of the door frame and create a bay window shaped barrier.

When you look for a baby gate, you must take into consideration the following factors.

1. Size of the opening

Always measure the opening you want to fence and make sure the gate can cover the whole opening. If you get a shorter gate, you could be tempted of putting shims on both sides, and this could make the gate weak and dangerous. Always gate a gate that fits firmly in place.

2. The surface on which it will be fix

Most gates need to be fixed on both sides. If you have walls on both sides or if it’s a door frame, most baby gates work fine. But in some situation, you may have no wall, no railing, no banister, and this means you could need a barrier that can be installed with an angle. And in the worst case, you could need a free-standing gate that comes in multiple panels.

3. Traffic

The number of time you will be walking through the gate is very important. If it’s a high traffic area, you need a baby gate with a door that is easy to open and made of robust material. On the other hand, if it’s a low traffic area you can go for the type of gate who don’t have a door and must be entirely removed to pass-through.

4. Danger on the other side

Another significant factor to take into consideration is what’s on the other side of the gate. How much of a danger is it? If it’s a staircase, a balcony or a wood shop, you don’t use the same gate as a broom closet.

The level of danger will be useful to determine if you need hardware or a pressure mounted gate. Also, all-metal gate tends to last longer, than plastic or wood.

5. Temporary or permanent

Most parents will keep their safety gate until their kid is 2 years old. But if you plan on having more than one child, you could end up keeping the gates for 5 or 7 years. If so, I would suggest you choose a sturdy barrier that also fit in your decor.

On the other hand, it’s possible you need a temporary solution. Many grandparents will have a safety gate at home, and they are using it only a couple of time per year.

6. Installation requirement

Before buying a baby gate always check the installation requirements. Especially for hardware mounted gate. But I wouldn’t worry too much because most gates will come with various options and can be adjusted to any surface. Baby gate manufacturers have been doing this for a long time, and they know how unique every home can be.

Always put the safety of your kid first

Having kids mean having to make a lot of decision and anticipating for the future. I remember feeling overwhelmed when I first took a look around the house for things to childproof. At first, it didn’t know where to start, but now I can tell you which steps are more important than the others. I hope my experience will help you make the right decision.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to install your safety gate. Every day a child is going to the hospital after falling down the stairs. Furthermore, safely installing the gate is even more critical. Always follow the manufacturer instructions and use the required materials.

Having a baby gate doesn’t necessarily prevent all accidents, and it won’t replace adult supervision. To help you keep an eye on your little explorer, I suggest you use a baby monitor. The monitor will be helpful when you are trying to accomplish some work around the house while your kid is playing. In my experience, cooking dinner would have been impossible without my baby monitor.

Don’t overthink your decision to install a safety gate.

If there’s a chance of getting severely injured, I mean calling 911 hurt, just put a safety gate.

If you listen to your parental instincts and follow basic common sense, you’ll be able to keep your child safe at home.

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