One moment you're watching your little ball of joy learn to sit up by themselves, the next you're tearing after them as they move surprisingly fast across the floor.
Baby gates aren't the only safety equipment to consider when baby proofing, but they are one of the most important pieces of equipment you'll be buying, as soon as you've seen your child careening towards the stairway.
There are many gates out there to choose from. From a stairway special gate, hardware mounted gates to pressure mounted baby gates - knowing which is the right baby gate can seem like deciding what to have for dinner.
The type of baby gate you choose will also depend upon the space you need to put the gate in. You may have wider openings that need to be covered, or a narrow opening to your stairs - or you may want a versatile gate that you can move about as required.
We've reviewed the best tested baby gates to reach a definitive list of our favourite gates, from easy swing to extra tall. From stairway gates to gates that need to cover wide openings - we've got you, and your child.. covered.
Table Of Contents
Our Picks
Why do we need baby gates?
Imagine a world in which a drunk mini version of you, filled with the curiosity of the world around could go anywhere in your house at any time. Kids need us to look out for their safety, and we really could do with all the help we can get!
Diana Griffiths, Marketing Director at Munchkin told us: “Baby gates offer a safe environment for babies to explore their surroundings freely. They create a secure space where little ones can discover and learn without parents worrying about potential hazards”
Baby gates offer added stability for our peace of mind and prevent your child from accessing potentially dangerous areas you don't want them to go to.
The stairs are a great example of this. You'll likely have one baby gate at the bottom of the stairway to stop your child going up the stairs without you - and one baby gate at the top of the stairs to prevent any unexpected falls.
Types of baby gates
Most gates are either 'pressure mounted baby gates', which use pressure to keep them in place, or are fixed to the wall or door frame using screws to secure them.
Outside of this you'll hear terms like angle mount gates, retractable gates, easy swing gates - and they will be wood, metal or plastic gates. These aren't your only options!
Pressure mounted baby gates
If you're looking for an easy to install gate, focus your search on pressure mounted gates. They use built-in pressure to fix to the wall and remain remarkably sturdy and secure.
One-handed gates
These types of gates are specifically designed to be opened with one hand. This can be useful for areas where there's a throughfare - such as a kitchen doorway - or where you envisage you may need to turn sideways or only have one hand free. The gate opening needs to be easy enough for you and tough for your child.
Auto-close gates
These provide additional peace of mind when it comes to safety, and having one less thing to thing about. They have enough weight to make sure that the gate closes after you've opened them. Especially useful for houses with older kids who may forget to shut the gate
Hardware mounted gates
In contrast to pressure mounted gates, a hardware mounted gate is designed to be fixed into the wall. They'll need mounting points and screw holes. As you would expect, these are suited to locations (such as the top of the stairway) that you envisage having a gate door for some time.
Retractable gates
A retractable gate is usually made of a strong mesh, rather than the standard bars. These tend to be easy to install and are useful to areas that need some form of safety gate, but get a lot of footfall so a pressure gate or or hardware mounted gate would get in the way.
Wider gates
You may have a wider opening than many gates offer out of the box (usually a minimum of 76cm, this can go up to 124cm but many are lower) - in which case you'll need an extension. Most manufacturers will sell these.
What to look out for when buying a baby gate
You want a sturdy gate, to stop the kids, and probably with one handed operation to make it easier for you to open when you're holding baby/toys/washing and you need to carry on.
Easy installation is also nice, especially for pressure mounted gates, where there is no drilling required and they just need to
Diana from Munchkin tells us, "Parents should consider carefully what type of gate to use in each part of the home to ensure everyone is as safe as possible”
Munchkin have recently undertaken some research which shows that whilst 80% of parents have a safety gate, a huge number of these are in the wrong place or incorrectly installed.
As Diana says, “Pressure fit gates are a great choice, they’re easy to fit and move around, and they provide crucial safety for babies and their parents. However, they aren’t appropriate for every location in the home.
First, start by working out where you'd like the gates. This provides you with the information about how to secure the baby gate to the walls or door frame.
You'll need to pay attention to the dimensions of space you want to install the gate in; whether you have space or the appropriate wall to fix in place, or if a pressure gate would be better suited.
As baby gates are a 'temporary-permanent' fixture - you'll probably want to avoid any gates that include drilling into the wall. The exception to this is gates for the top of the stairs. It is recommended to drill these in for increased safety. Many pressure gates have been updated to ensure they can be hardware mounted, by including 'cups' to install.
If you're planning to do drilling, check the wall type and see if you need drywall anchors to help keep the gates in place and make sure the gate opening is level.
In cases where you have wide openings, you can get an extra wide gate, or a baby gate extender (for some models).
Lots of parents choose a pressure-fit gate for the stairs, however, this type of gate has a bar at the bottom which is a trip hazard for both children and adults.
Additionally, if these gates aren’t correctly installed a child can knock these gates out of position, potentially sending them falling down the stairs.
Bearing this in mind, you'll also need to consider safety standards. Every gate has to pass safety standards (in the UK this is BS EN 1930, and 86 FR 53535 in the US).
When measuring the width of your required space, always measure from the narrowest point, typically skirting to skirting.
Baby gates can also be used as pet gates, to prevent our best friends from getting to the kitchen or up a stairway. In these cases, or those where you have an aspiring climber, you'd do well to look for an extra tall gate to deter.
Without any further ado, have a look at our guide to find the best baby gate for you.
The 8 best baby gates
Editor's Review
"Good gate! The top of the stairs where we needed to install the gate was slightly larger than the standard gate, so we needed an extension, which was easily fitted.
When the gate was fitted to the wall and the locking nuts tightened, the gate was secure. Additionally, we could remove the gate in a couple of minutes when it was no longer required."
It's a tough run-thing, but this baby gate just edges it. The Munchkin Auto Close is the ultimate in baby gate technology. Equipped with a unique gravity-fed hinge, it does exactly what its name implies: closing automatically when the handle is released.
Because it relies on gravity, the baby gate locks shut from any open position. This baby gate incorporates a four point Pressure Fit U shaped power frame providing solid pressure fitting, without the need for drilling and once installed it creates a wide walk through allowing easy in and out access.
Key features
- Fits 76 to 82cm
- Auto-lock
- Extension available (up to 117cm)
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CONS
Editor's Review
"I bought two of these when our son started demonstrating his stair climbing abilities sooner than expected (around 6 months!). He's nearly 4 now and the gates are still in place... They feel secure enough that we've got one at the top of the stairway and one at the bottom."
The Safety 1st SecurTech Simply Close Metal Gate combines simplicity, design, and quality for a strong U-shaped pressure fit gate. Suitable for use in both doorways and staircases, it can be extended to cover a maximum width of 136 cm.
Thanks to its four-point pressure system, this baby safety gate is easy to install and creates pressure to hold the gate in place without being drilled into the wall.
The green and red colour indicator are clearly shown when the gate is open or closed and confirms that the gate is installed with correct pressure. The handle design allows one-handed opening and closing and features a new two-step unlocking action which makes it difficult for children to open the gate by themselves. A secondary locking mechanism, at the bottom of the gate allows the option of a one way-two way opening.
Key features
- Pressure mounted gate
- Fits 73cm to 80cm - but extenders available.
- Four-point pressure fixation
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Editor's Review
"Opening the gate can be a little fiddly at times but not enough to put you off. It folds away to the wall when not in use which is a big bonus. Plus there's unlike other baby gates, there's no bar along the bottom!"
Help keep your little ones safe around your home with this unique, award-winning folding baby safety gate. Providing an innovative alternative for tight spaces, it folds back, becoming near invisible when not in use. It also has a convenient wide walk through section, useful it you have a wide opening, and is easy to install - especially with our 3D animated installation video. We think it's one of the best options if you want to retract a gate, rather than swing on.
Key features
- Auto-retractable gate
- Fits 55cm up to 89cm and can be extended to fit up to 114cm
- One handed operation
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Editor's Review
“This cardinal gates gate is reliable and easy to use. I really like it. It opens in either direction and does not stand open, making it convenient to move back and forth without having to shut it behind you.
This is all smooth verticals and rather taller than most gates. It's a little annoying that the extension is so expensive. But it all went together smoothly and installed easily.
A bigger name in the US than then UK, this Cardinal Gates baby gate is an extra tall pressure baby gate model of the Cardinal Gates standard pressure gates. It has been upgraded and features an auto-closing door, which can be opened using only one hand, that will lock itself shut automatically from either direction. Available in either white or black. It's a good option if you're looking for pet gates too. Extendable options available.
I would recommend checking it now and then. Any safety gate that relies on tension will tend to get a little loose against the wall with usage.
Key features
- 36" tall
- 29.5" to 32.5" wide
- One year warranty
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Editor's Review
“This is the best safety gate I have ever brought. I've found with other lift-up baby gates they're easy to open when the screw nuts get loose, which can can lead to it not closing properly. This gate doesn’t do that and the safety blue clip makes it hard for any baby or child to open it which is perfect.
One of the baby gates you've probably seen at a friend's house, the Lindam Easy-Fit Plus Deluxe pressure fit safety gate features a one-way opening for use on the bottom of stairs and a two way opening for use in doorways. From a safety perspective, the double lock provides maximum safety. It's a pressure safety gate, that comes assembled and ready to install.
Key features
- Squeeze and lift handle for one hand opening
- Opening size of 76cm to 82cm (extension available)
- Easy installation
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Editor's Review
“Having shopped around for a secure and convenient gate, I'm pleased to say that this does what it's supposed to do. Would recommend for both stairs and normal doors - I'm using it in a door frame.
When child proofing your home, this gate is one that you should definitely consider. The gate has a unique magnetic two lock system that provides extra security to your home.
Thanks to the design, you can open it with one hand. Simply slide the latch back and squeeze the handle to release the gate from the magnets and then open in either direction you desire. Easy enough for you, tough for your child.
It is pressure mounted, which allows for a fuss-free installation process. It is advised to always use with the included wall cups to provide extra security to the gate.
Within the pack you will also find a set of wall protectors. Simply fit these with the screws and apply pressure to the gate against the wall.
Key features
- Unique magnetic two-locking system
- Auto close design
- Fits standard to wide opening
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Editor's Review
“When looking at baby gates, you don't normally think you'll get something that looks good. This gate looks fantastic and is easy to fit into place. It's plastic, rather than metal bars which means I feel better about my child pushing her face against it!
This Fred safety gate combines contemporary modern style with uncompromising levels of safety. Designed to be easy to fit, elegant and effective. Open your way to a safer home with the most beautiful yet secure of safety gates possible – and see straight through to the next room.
Works with a narrow opening 76cm to a wide openings 124cm - and has the option to add extensions to the gate.
Truly one to consider if you want to fit in with your home decor. This baby gate will offers safety and style in one beautiful package.
Key features
- 77cm high
- Colour alert if gate is left open
- Quickly removable when not required
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Editor's Review
“This gate is very well made and very sturdy yet I found it a doddle to install, and it's adjustable, easy to maintain and to use. (unlike some). Not only which, this gate actually looks nice too (which surprised me) - and I'm happy to have it on my stairway. I would recommend this product highly.
As a good alternative to the metal or plastic options, this gate has a great wooden finish that fits into most home decor, while also offering a useful no-trip feature to ensure there are no little accidents with your child.
Made from European FSC-graded beech wood it includes adult-operated quick-release wall fittings for when the gate is not in use. The gate has to be fixed with screws onto the wall., so make sure you have appropriate mounting points.
Key features
- Fit 60.5cm to 102cm
- Comes with stop pins for top of stairs mounting.
- Double locking
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FAQs
Which type of baby gate is easiest to use?
This depends partly on the layout of your home - whether you're a home owner, and what your specific requirements are. You may not be able to install a gate for your child that requires drilling into walls in a rental property, so a pressure gate, or one that offers wall mounting points would be a good shout.
Auto close gates can be handy for one less thing to think about, but be careful around your stairway and make sure there's no one following directly behind!
What is babyproofing?
Baby proofing is the act of preparing your house for the arrival of a baby by putting safety measures in place. This involves identifying potential danger areas and making them safe.
As your child gets older, you'll start to look at making the house more secure with the addition of a baby gate, as well locking making the cupboards babyproof. We have written a piece about this explaining how to best prevent your child getting into dangerous situations!
Is there a difference between a safety gate and a baby gate?
Just the terminology. Baby gates and safety gates tend to fulfil the same purpose, which is the prevent unauthorised access of dangerous places in your house for your child or pet. They're usually placed at the top of stairs or in doorways to secure an area.
What type of gate is the best at the top of the stairs?
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association amended their guidelines to ensure that stair gates were able to withstand a 30lbs of force. As a result, hardware mounted gates are seen as the best baby gates for the top of the stairway, as they will be more secure than purely pressure mounted. This increases safety for everyone, especially your child. The best baby gate is one which stays in place.
