The Best Baby Gates for All Your Childproofing Needs
In a nutshell:
Based on expert advice, editorial research and survey feedback from 650 members of The Bump community, we chose Cardinal’s SS30 Stairway Special Safety Gate as the best baby gate for stairs, as it’s sturdy, adjustable and easy to operate with one hand.
When you have a baby, safety is top priority. So when it’s time to childproof your house, finding the best baby gate is a must. Baby gates are designed to section off spaces and rooms to prevent babies and toddlers from getting into danger zones, like staircases and kitchens. Studies show that more than 300,000 infants are treated for unintentional injuries in emergency departments each year. The leading cause of these trips? Fall-related injuries. Suffice to say, a baby gate is an essential purchase.
Parents should start installing gates “as soon as baby starts crawling or scooting around, usually around 6 months,” says Bengt Lager, president of baby home safety company Qdos Safety. Frederick Ilarraza, co-founder of the child safety education resource Baby Bodyguards agrees, telling us to get started with baby gates, “as soon as the child is beginning to become mobile. You want to be ahead of the curve here, being preemptive rather than reactionary. Once kids become mobile they get very quick very fast.” Remember, children develop at different rates, so use your discretion when deciding what works best for your home.
Need some guidance? Here’s our picks for the best baby gates on the market, as well as some expert-backed advice on how to choose the right baby gate for your home.
We get it—babyproofing can be a stressful and confusing process. There are so many safety products on the market that it can be hard to find the right fit for your home. To streamline your decision-making process, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers. To do this we took the following steps:
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To make sure we’re highlighting products that are safe and effective, we interviewed two baby safety experts.
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In May 2023 and in January 2024 we surveyed over 350 members of The Bump community. We asked this sample of new parents to rate the baby gates they’ve used and to comment on their overall experience. We evaluated this data and used it to inform our product choices.
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We consulted scientific journals, read up on safety guidelines and only considered baby gates that are certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
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We leveraged our familiarity with leading brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We considered a list of criteria when sourcing baby gates, including ease of use, durability, value, installation options and, last but definitely not least, safety.
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We read user reviews to get the low-down on how these gates work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Best baby gate for stairs
- Tamper-proof latch system
- Can be installed at an angle
- Hardware mounted
- High price point
- Poor quality screws
- Extension kits sold separately
Cardinal Gates are rated highly by experts and parents alike. Survey respondents gave it top marks while Ilarraza confirmed that Cardinal gates are “the choice of most child proofing professionals.” This high praise is due to the sturdy design, adjustable fit and JPMA safety certification. It’s made from a lightweight but strong aluminum that’ll stand the test of time. It can be installed in doorways or hallways, but really stands out as the best baby gates for stairs. There are certain features that help make baby gates work best for stairways, and this option has them all. It hard-mounts at the top or bottom of stairs and can be angled up to 30 degrees, helping ensure you hit a stud and get that extra security. Although it opens both ways, an optional stop bracket prevents the gate from swinging open over a stairway, and the latch system is easily operated with one hand by adults. There’s also no trip bar, which is a major plus for parents traversing the stairs with a toddler in tow.
Height: 29.5" | Width range: 27" to 42.5" | Weight: 10 lbs.
Our community says:
“It feels sturdy and safe” – Lisa, mother of one
Best retractable baby gate
- Install at any angle
- One-handed operation
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- High price point
- Can be difficult to mount
- Accessories and hardware sold separately
Plenty of parents rave about this retractable, mesh baby gate from Retract-A-Gate. For starters, it can be installed at any angle, making it the perfect fit for awkward spaces. In terms of functionality, the gate soundlessly slides across, locks in place and automatically tucks away when it’s not in use. And, as it’s transparent, you can still see your little one through the barrier and it’s easy to open or lock the gate using one hand. Plus, the mesh can withstand up to 200 pounds of push-pressure—making it just as strong as its metal and wooden counterparts. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, and the neutral colors blend seamlessly into any home decor. The best part? It’s one of the only retractable baby gates that is JPMA certified for use at the top or bottom of the stairs.
Height: 34" | Width range: Up to 52" | Weight: 4.2 lbs.
Our community says:
“It was the only retractable gate I could find that was safety rated for the top of stairs. It is very sturdy and drilled into the wall with huge screws. It looks nice and seems to be very safe when locked in.” – Ariana, mom of one
“The gate fit safely for our stairs. It’s retractable so it’s easily opened and the full staircase is always available.” – Erica, mom of one
Best wide baby gate
- Modular panels
- Folds down for easy storage
- Durable steel construction
- High price point
- Heaviest option on the list
Open concept homes become quite tricky when you have a baby on the move. Enter the Regalo Super Wide Baby Gate and Playard, which is perfect for large open spaces. It comes with eight 24-inch panels, and can close off an opening as wide as 16 feet. This extra-wide baby gate is also versatile, as you can add or remove panels to fit tricky spaces, use it as a fireplace baby gate or reconfigure the panels to create a standalone playpen as well. The sturdy, all-metal frame will keep little ones in—and it’s wall-mounted for added strength and durability. Plus, adults can easily get out thanks to the walk-through door complete with a one-touch safety lock release lever.
Height: 28" | Width range: Up to 192" | Weight: 31 lbs.
Our community says:
“We have a very large opening into our living space and the Regalo was versatile in that you could add and take away panels as needed. Plus, it left minimal damage to our walls.” – Erin, mom of one
Best budget-friendly baby gate
- Magnetic latch system
- Adjustable width
- Affordable price point
- Not suitable for stairs
- Trip bar
Little ones just love to explore, meaning you may need to buy more than one baby gate. And if you have multiple doorways to block off, things can get expensive. That’s why we love this cost-effective option by Safety 1st. Priced at under $50, this baby gate is budget-friendly but doesn’t skimp on safety features. A magnetic latch system ensures the gate swings closed behind you and locks automatically. The gate is pressure-mounted and can easily be installed with no tools needed. Plus, a color-coded safety indicator gives you visual confirmation that the gate is installed correctly. (When it’s time to re-adjust the gate’s pressure indicator will turn red.)
Height: 28" | Width range: 29" to 38" | Weight: 9.75 lbs.
Our community says:
“Great gate—never had a problem with it!” – Maria, mother of one
“Easy to install and I didn’t have to drill into the wall. I also liked that it opens both ways and self locks.” – Frankie*, mom of one
“It's simple and gets the job done. /[But] for larger, stronger toddlers, makes me a bit nervous that it won't hold up to their weight.” – Lucy*, mom of one
Best tall baby gate
- Taller than other gates
- Door swings both ways
- Pressure or hardware-mounted
- Trip bar
When choosing a baby gate you’ll need to factor in your child’s height and climbing skills. Trust us, those wiley toddlers can scale all sorts of obstacles. For added security, we like this tall and extra-wide baby gate by Summer Infant. It stands at 38" in height, making it the tallest baby gate on this list. It also comes with three extension packs, so it expands to fit larger spaces. And the gate has a 20" door that’s wider than traditional gate openings, allowing for easier walk-through. Aside from the generous measurements, this gate has an auto-close feature that gently shuts it behind you as well as a hold-open mechanism that keeps it open when needed. Best of all, it can be pressure mounted or hardware mounted, making it suitable for doorways, landings and stairways.
Height: 38" | Width range: 29.5" to 53" | Weight: 19 lbs.
Our community says:
“My toddler can’t open it or climb over it.” – Nicole, mom of one
Best pressure-mounted baby gate
- Affordable price point
- Doesn’t damage walls
- Trip bar
- Narrow door
- Not suitable for stairs
Although a pressure-mounted baby gate is a no-go for stairs, this type is a great choice if you want to keep babies out of a room like an office or a kitchen without damaging your walls with drill holes. This one from Regalo allows each spindle rod mount to be adjusted independently, which is helpful if you’re dealing with uneven walls or surfaces. Plus, the lever handle has a one-touch release safety lock so adults can pass through easily. And at under $40, it’s an affordable option to boot.
Height: 30" | Width range: 35" to 38.5" | Weight: 10 lbs.
Our community says:
“I like the design of the gate as well as its ability to be mounted on multiple types of surfaces.” – Sarah*, mom of one
“The gate is affordable and easy to install. It comes with an expander for larger openings and can be damage free. You have to install it just right for the gate to actually open. Sometimes the grippers slide or move over time and the gate needs to be readjusted.” – Stephanie, mom of one
*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
Baby Gates Comparison Chart
Best baby gate for stairs | Best retractable baby gate | Best wide baby gate | Best budget-friendly baby gate | Best tall baby gate | Best pressure-mounted baby gate | |
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Overall Best Cardinal SS-30 Stairway Special Safety Gate | Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate | Regalo Super Wide Baby Gate and Playard | Safety 1st Easy Install 28" High Walk Thru Gate | Summer Infant Main Street Extra Tall Safety Gate | Regalo Easy Step 38.5-Inch Extra Wide Walk Thru Baby Gate | |
Price | $$ | $$$ | $$ | $ | $$ | $ |
Height | 29.5" | 34" | 28" | 28" | 38" | 30" |
Width range | 27" to 42.5" | Up to 52" | Up to 192" | 29" to 38" | 29.5" to 53" | 35" to 38.5" |
Material | Metal | Mesh | Metal | Metal | Metal | Metal |
Hardware mount | ||||||
Extensions available | ||||||
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It’s important to consider where you’ll be using the baby gate before deciding on the mounting and pass-through style. If you’re looking for stair gates or have an uneven surface, a wall-mounted option is your best (and safest) bet. If you’re using the gate on a flat surface like a doorway, and want something easy to remove, a pressure-mounted baby gate will work well. Here’s a closer look at the differences.
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Hardware-mounted baby gates. Statistics show every six minutes, a child in the US is treated for a stairs-related injury, so it makes sense to find the most secure options available. Hardware-mounted styles are recommended as the best baby gates for stairs, because when installed properly the risk of them toppling over is much lower than with pressure-mounted ones. Hardware-mounted baby gates are securely attached into the framing of the walls of your home. There’s a bracket that’s installed into either a doorframe or the frame behind the walls to secure the gate in place so it won’t fall over. Avoid screwing the baby-gate mount into the drywall or plaster alone, because that won’t guarantee stability.
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Pressure-mounted baby gate. Pressure-mounted baby gates use an expandable spring system to lock the gate into place by squeezing it between two walls or other surfaces, creating pressure to hold it in place. There are usually rubber pieces on both sides that help secure the gate in place and protect your walls. If you’re using a pressure-mounted baby gate, keep Ilarraza’s advice in mind: “A pressure mounted gate should only be used in a doorway that separates areas on the same floor.” Even a top-notch pressure-mounted model isn’t recommended for staircases of any type because the gate could topple over if not secured properly. “Even though you may be putting this up for a newly crawling baby, your child will soon be a rambunctious toddler of 30+ pounds that will run straight into this thing on many occasions,” Ilarraza adds.
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Step-over versus walk-through. Walk-through gates, or baby gates that have a doorway or open-and-close mechanism, are preferred to gates that require you to step over them—since it removes any trip or fall hazard. Step-over gates can be a great option when traveling or needing a temporary solution; but, in most other situations, walk-through gates are better and safer.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), advises parents to install safety gates at both the top and bottom of stairs once your child is learning to crawl and walk. This timeline varies depending on your child, some babies start crawling early on while others may bypass this stage altogether and go straight to walking. In any case, it’s best to take a proactive approach and install baby gates around the 6 month mark.
Baby gates are anything but child’s play. In fact, as you shop for the best baby gates, you’ll discover that there are several different variations—all with their own set of pros and cons. This can be enough to make any parent’s head spin. Before you make a purchase, here’s a breakdown of what to consider.
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Safety. Childproofing becomes pointless if the baby gate you’re using isn’t a safe product. And when it comes to safety, Lager and Ilarraza both told us the same thing: look for JPMA certification. “JPMA-certified gates take the ASTM standards required in the US for stair gates one step further,” Ilarraza explains. Lager also cautions shoppers to confirm that they’re buying the right product: “make sure it’s actually a baby gate, and not a pet gate. While they may look very similar, products marketed as pet gates have no safety standards.” And as with all baby products, make sure to keep an eye out for any recalls.
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Height. Those with taller toddlers will want to look out for extra-tall baby gates, which can have heights of up to 36 inches for extra security.
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Material. Baby gates come in a variety of materials, from metal to mesh to wood. Each has its own benefits, depending on your needs. Metal is easiest to clean, while mesh allows for a clear view of your little one on the other side. Wood is both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing.
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Location. Think about where you’ll be placing the baby gate in your home, as that will also affect the type of product you select. If a gate is placed in a high-traffic area, look for a gate with a doorway pass-through; places you want to remain blocked off (like a fireplace) can have a more closed-off format. As Ilarraza cautioned, baby gates being used at the bottom or top of stairs must be hard-mounted for safety, while those closing off hallways or doorways can be pressure-mounted. Lager also warns: “All pressure mounted baby gates have a crossbar at the bottom that can easily become a trip hazard. Think about opening the gate and then walking down the stairs while carrying your baby. If your foot gets caught on the cross bar, you and your baby could fall down the stairs.”
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Portability. If you need a gate to travel with or take on the go to a vacation home or relative’s house, look for a pressure-mounted baby gate that folds or collapses to make for easier transport.
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Aesthetics. Baby gates don’t need to be an eyesore in your home! There are several chic and stylish options, ranging from barn door styles to ultra modern designs. As Lager says, “With all JPMA certified gates being safe and quite simple to operate, it mostly comes down to design and personal taste.”
About the writer: Lynsey Eidell has researched and written dozens of product reviews for The Bump, from the best pregnancy belly bands to the best baby bassinets and beyond. She’s also written about entertainment, pop culture, weddings and motherhood for digital publications including PEOPLE, Glamour, Vanity Fair, Teen Vogue, Allure and more. She is a graduate of Villanova University and a native of Fairfield County, Connecticut, where she currently lives with her family. When she’s not busy writing, she is kept equally busy by her three young boys, who are 7, 4 and 3.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Bengt Lager is the president of Qdos Safety, a company that specializes in baby and children’s home safety products.
Frederick Ilarraza is the co-founder of Baby Bodyguards, a business based in New York City that offers in-home infant and child CPR classes. They also have 16 years of professional babyproofing experience.
Journal of Safety Research, Unintentional injuries among infants age 0–12 months, May 2007
Healthy Children from The American Academy of Pediatrics, (Home Safety: Tips for Families With Young Children, September 2022
The Bump May 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 300 new and expectant parents from among The Bump community, and asked what type and brand of baby gate they used.
The Bump January 2024 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 350 new and expectant parents from among The Bump community, and asked what type and brand of baby gate they used.
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