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It can be surprisingly difficult to locate the perfect baby gate for stairs in your house. This is largely due to every house being different and don’t get me started on those houses that aren’t quite up to code (shhhh!).
Because I get bombarded with questions each week from parents trying to track down the best baby gate for a particular area of their house I decided to make the ultimate guide to help 99.9% of you choose your ideal baby gate. Okay, so what is it you are trying to baby proof?
Click the links below the pictures to jump directly to the right section for you.
Comparison Table
Two things you need to do before buying a baby gate
Before you rush out and buy any old baby gate there are two very important things you need to take into consideration and they both involve measuring.
1. What distance does your baby gate need to cover?
The first thing you will need to do is measure the area you are going to section off with a baby gate. Be as accurate as possible as there is nothing worse than taking a baby gate home only to find it is to short to perform its purpose.
2. How tall is your baby?
While you are measuring your home, quickly measure your baby too. When choosing a baby gate it should be at least three-quarters of your little one’s height. Even the most adventurous of babies should be unable to pull himself over a baby gate of this height.
Be mindful that once your baby grows taller than 36 inches or heavier than 30 pounds, you should no longer be relying on a safety gate to restrain him. This height and weight is usually reached around the two year old mark. If your baby is large for his age, do not worry. There are extra tall baby gates available to ensure the safety of your little one.
Pressure mounted baby gates
Pressure mounted baby gates are the most commonly available baby gates. They work similar to a tension shower curtain rod and are held in place by pressure.
Sounds super easy to install!
You are correct, the main appeal of pressure-mounted baby gates is the ease in which they can be set up. You could even move them from one location to another at a moment’s notice if needed. Many parents and senior parents complain that their pressure-mounted baby gate kept falling over. It is crucial that you carefully follow the installation instructions in order for the baby gate to work effectively.
Advantage
- Easy to set up and take down (easily moved from place to place)
- Don’t have to screw into walls/banisters
- Generally cheaper than hardware-mounted baby gates
- Larger variety of styles
Disadvantages
- Can slip and fall under a baby’s weight if not installed correctly
- Won’t hold up to a charging dog
- Not suitable for dividing areas with a height difference, like stoops or stairs
- Cannot be mounted between walls that sit at angles
- Can leave rubber marks on walls
Before we continue I am going to let you in on a little secret to stop pressure gates from leaving rubber marks on your wall. All you need is this amazing device – a pressure gate wall saver. Think of them as furniture sliders with grip. If you use a wall-saver from the beginning you will not need to repaint your wall when you finally take the baby gate down.
Important – I must stress this, pressure mounted baby gates are not suitable for stairs
The best pressure mounted baby gates (standard size)
North States Supergate “Easy Close” Metal Gate
- NEW NAME - SAME GREAT BRAND YOU TRUST: Worry-free safety! The Easy Swing & Lock Baby Gate is built from long lasting,...
- SAFE & SECURE: Keep your loved ones safe with this hardware mounted gate that's perfect for large openings and...
- STYLISH AND DEPENDABLE: The matte bronze finish and durable steel construction makes this gate durable and easy to use;...
Height: 29”
Fits: 28” – 31.5” (38.5 with included extension pieces)
No Assembly
This baby gate is always my go-to response when someone asks me to recommend them a good pressure mounted baby gate. Available in white or bronze, there is just so much to love about this baby gate. Let’s start with setting up. This gate requires NO ASSEMBLY. Simply rip open the box (or keep it aside for your cat) and you are ready to install.
Included in the box are two extension pieces, just in case you need to expand the width of the gate (up to 38.5”). A welcome addition since most other baby gates makes you buy these separately.
Easy Door
Then there’s the door. The door is ridiculously easy to open with just one hand and can swing both ways which makes opening the gate easy regardless of what side you are on (gates that only swing one way are for chumps). But perhaps the best feature of the door is that is can lock open at 90 degrees.
I use the stay open feature when I am unloading bags of groceries from the trunk of my car. Simply lock the gate open and I can bring all the groceries inside in a single trip, no need to have a free hand to open the baby gate. Marvelous. While it definitely won’t be winning any beauty contests, this baby gate will be more than enough for the average parent. An excellent baby gate.
Summer Infant Deco Baby Gate
- ACCOMODATES MOST OPENINGS: The Summer Multi-Use Decorative Extra Tall Walk-Thru Gate for Baby can be used between...
- EASY INSTALLATION: Easily install this baby gate on stairways with the included kit, or by using the no drill doorway...
- AUTO-CLOSE FEATURE: For added hands-free convenience, this safety gate is equipped with an auto-close feature that...
Height: 32”
Fits: 36” – 60” (extension pieces included).
There is a lot to love about the Summer Infant Deco Baby Gate. In fact, it came close to landing the number one spot in best pressure mounted baby gates. The lovely bronze finish will look amazing in any foyer (also available in beige).
Hardware Mounted?
By and large, the Summer Infant baby gate is very similar to the North States gate above. There are just two key differences and unfortunately, these differences are not entirely good. Unlike the North states baby gate, you also have the option of hardware mounting the baby gate.
I have mixed feelings about this. While it is nice to have the option of hardware mounting this gate, there are much better baby gates that can only be hardware mount. If you are looking for a hardware mounted baby gate it’s much better than you seek out these options. Then there’s the door…
The one thing that lets down this baby gate is the doorway. Is that the door is slightly narrower than other pressure mounted baby gates. Have you ever seen a dog with a stick in his mouth trying to run through a space that is too small for both him and the stick (like this)? That’s what it feels like if you try to walk through this baby gate carrying anything in your hands.
If you are plus sized I would definitely steer well clear of this gate. So even though you can hardware mount this baby gate at the top of the stairs, I would avoid it because of the narrow walkway that could lead to tumble town (use these instead). These are just minor gripes, mind you. Overall I was very happy with how this gate worked and held up to a toddler pushing hard against it. With the exception of the North States gate, this one trumps just about all others on the market.
Narrow Door
Extra-wide pressure mounted baby gates
When it comes to pressure mounted baby gates for wide openings, you do not have a whole lot of choice. Why? because most parents choose to go with a hardware mounted baby gate. Not only are they almost impossible to push over (when installed correctly) but also bridge longer distances than pressure mounted gates. If you are still chasing down a pressure mount option then there is only one real choice:
Summer Infant Deco Wood & Metal 5 foot gate
- EXTRA TALL AND WIDE: The Summer Metal Expansion Gate for Baby is perfect for extra-wide doorways. The 36” extra tall...
- EASY INSTALLATION: The hardware mounted installation keeps gate securely in place. Tools are required for hardware...
- ONE HAND WALK-THRU: When used between rooms, this baby gate has a simple, one-handed walk-thru door allowing parents to...
Height: 32”
Fits: 36” – 60” (extension pieces included).
5 Feet. That’s quite a distance. Not a problem for the Summer Infant Wood and Metal baby gate, one of the widest pressure mounted gates on the market. Let’s get one thing straight, this baby gate isn’t cheap. But what you are paying for is a quality product that works (unlike the cheaper Regalo Extra Wide Span Gate which can only be described as “flimsy”) and I highly recommend you steer clear of the cheaper alternatives if possible. They pretty much suck.
Attractive & Easy To Use
I first let out a wolf whistle when I saw this baby gate. Wood and slate is definitely a lovely combination that beats out those ugly white baby gates you will continually come across. Obviously wood will be no good if your dog is a chewer but the rest of you will be more than pleased with the looks. The baby gate door is nice and wide (26 inches).
I found it easy to walk right through while carrying a washing basket. Being able to open and close the gate with a single hand helped too. No fumbling with the latch here. Baseboards are not a problem. Because all four knobs are adjustable you will be able to wedge this baby gate into just about any gap up to 6 inches.
Oh, and installing is incredibly simple. I was able to set it up in less than 10 minutes (and I am the most uncoordinated mama). So if you have a wide gap and don’t want to drill into your walls then give this gate a go, it is definitely the best extra wide pressure mount currently available. Otherwise, you have no choice but to use:
Hardware mounted baby gates
As the name suggests, hardware mounted baby gates screw directly into your wall, door frame or banister/balustrade. But wont this leave holes that need to be patched when you remove the baby gate?
Yes, it will. However, this is a small inconvenience compared to the safety benefits that this style of baby gate provides: Because hardware mounted gates are supported by your house, they are the most secure style of baby gate. Even the most determined of toddlers or excited of dogs will find it near impossible to knock down a hardware mounted baby gate (who’s the tough guy now?).
These gates should be installed in dangerous areas where a baby gate falling will result in serious injuries such as around your fireplace or woodstove. Just be sure to make sure you read and understand the instructions before you install a hardware-mounted baby gate. Otherwise, you can needlessly damage your walls.
Advantages
- Can support your baby’s weight without slipping
- Difficult to topple over by larger dogs
- The only safe baby gate choice for the top of stairs
- No threshold to trip you up (that piece of metal you step over found on pressure mounts)
- Can be mounted between angled walls
- Can be mounted above your trim molding or baseboard
Disadvantages
- Cannot be taken down in a hurry
- More complicated to install than pressure mounted safety gates
- Leaves ugly holes in walls and woodwork when removed (not suitable for rental homes)
Pro-Tip: You can fix hardware-mounted baby gates to drywall using Drywall Anchors and flat washers (if necessary). No Stud necessary.
Best hardware-mounted baby gates (standard width)
Cardinal Gates “Auto-Lock” Baby Gate
- Great for high traffic areas, doorways, or bottom of stairs
- The Auto Lock features a patented latch that allows rapid pass through in either directionJust swing the gate shut and...
- Has an optional stop bracket that prevents opening over a stairway for greater safety
Height: 29.5”
Fits: 26.5” – 40.5” (extension pieces included).
If you want a baby gate that can hold up to a charging rhino (okay, a charging toddler) without budging then this is the gate you want. It is easy to see why this is a favorite among parents. Despite being hardware mounted, the baby gate is incredibly easy to install.
I am no Bob the Builder (Yes we can!) but I had little difficulty setting up this baby gate without any help. This baby gate is incredibly easy to use whether you are carrying the laundry or your child. Pull the ring and twist. Easy for an adult, not so much for a child.
The door swings both ways and a reassuring “click” lets you know that the gate was locked without the need to turn around and check it. An excellent gate for those of you with babies that sit there and shake and bang at the baby gate. No matter how strong your baby, this thing ain’t moving. If your budget just won’t stretch to cover this baby gate then you could try the more affordable:
North States Supergate Easy Swing and Lock
- NEW NAME - SAME GREAT BRAND YOU TRUST: Worry-free safety! The Easy Swing & Lock Baby Gate is built from long lasting,...
- SAFE & SECURE: Keep your loved ones safe with this hardware mounted gate that's perfect for large openings and...
- STYLISH AND DEPENDABLE: The matte bronze finish and durable steel construction makes this gate durable and easy to use;...
Height: 31”
Fits: 28” – 48” (extension pieces included).
Even if you don’t have the wallet of a Kardashian, you can still buy yourself one fine hardware mounted baby gate. This gate is very similar to the Kidco Safeway right down to price. The key difference is that the gate by Kidco sucks (come on Kidco, get your !@#$ together). The latch on the baby gate is super easy to open with one hand, even when carrying something heavy in the other (like a fat baby or the laundry) and beats the Kidco Safeway latch by Country Mile (if baby gates could race each other).
Construction
The gate itself is very solid and has a simple look that won’t add any ugly to your home when you install it. Many people actually use this as a dog gate because it looks a heck of a lot better than those ugly “pet gate” offerings. This gate opens wide up and there is no metal piece that you have to step over – AKA that stupid thing you keep tripping over.
Just a word of warning, do not let your toddler “ride” this baby gate while the door is open. It is a recipe for a wonky baby gate. My one complaint is that this baby gate is not the easiest to install. To the baby gates credit, the instructions are incredibly detailed, but for an uncoordinated parent like myself, there was just too many steps for me to make a mess of the install.
Baby gates for the top of stairs
If choose to baby proof a single section of your house, it is the top of the stairs. A hardware mounted baby gate is an absolute must, otherwise, your baby risks serious injury tumbling down the stairs – So screw that sucker in tightly!
The problem is, all staircases are different, ranging from regular to unusual and there is no single best baby gate. But don’t worry, I am going to show you three different baby gate solutions that will be able to baby proof 99% of stairs.
1. Flat surface to flat surface
Cardinal Gates Stairway Special Gate
- A maximum safety gate designed for the top of a stairway but it's great for all areas
- one hand operation for adults ( the latch system baffles toddlers )
- Has an optional stop bracket that prevents opening over a stairway for greater safety
Height: 31”
Fits: 27” – 42.5” (Up to 64” with extension pieces ).
If you can mount between two flat surfaces on either side of your staircase then you are laughing. The Cardinal Gates have taken everything I loved about their Auto-Lock hardware mounted gate and added a feature that absolutely rocks for stairs: The ability to mount it at angles of up to 30 degrees!
This gives you more choice over which flat surfaces to install the baby gate to whether it be your wall, Newel post or flat baluster/spindle. You can even pick up a Wrought Iron Version to match your homes beautiful wrought iron stair rail. The baby gate can be extended to a whopping 64” with the use of extension pieces (sold separately):
- 10 ½” extension – Extends 42 ¼” to 53”
- 21 ¾ ” extension – Extends 48 ¾” to 64”
That should be enough to easily get you across the average staircase.
2. Round Newel Posts and Banisters
Cardinal Gates Stairway Special Gate
- A maximum safety gate designed for the top of a stairway but it's great for all areas
- one hand operation for adults ( the latch system baffles toddlers )
- Has an optional stop bracket that prevents opening over a stairway for greater safety
Height: 31”
Fits: 27” – 42.5” (Up to 64” with extension pieces ).
Yep, this is the exact same baby gate as the one above (cause it’s awesome). To install it on rounded newel posts you will have to buy a separate mounting kit (sold separately):
You will need one kit for each round newel post you wish to mount to. An advantage to using a stairway mounting kit is that you can install a hardware mounted baby gate without drilling into your banister. No damage. No fuss. The great thing about stairway mounting kits is that you use them with just about any baby gate.
3. The “How the heck can I baby proof this?” Staircase
Regalo 192 Inch Play Yard
- SUPERWIDE: Fits opens up to 192 inches wide and stands 28 inches tall
- 2-IN-1: Can convert from a super-wide gate to an 8-panel play yard. No tools require, quick and easy. Includes 4 pack of...
- CONFIGURABLE: Each panel can be adjusted to fit almost any opening. Great for wide spaces, angled openings, hallway,...
Height: 28”
Fits: Up to 192 Inches
Are you dreading installing a baby gate on your staircase? There are some absolutely tricky staircases out there that would even make a professional baby-proofer (yes, that’s a thing) shake with fear:
- Rail-less staircases
- Spiral staircase
- Staircases with low rails
- Staircases with glass rails
- Multi-story stairs with landings
- Stairs that curve
All these stairs Suck. Fortunately, using the Regalo 192 inch baby gate, you will be able to baby proof just about any staircase imaginable Including: At the top of your staircase, somewhere, there will be two walls (otherwise you would have nothing to hold your roof up). Simply run this baby gate between the two walls. You can even bend the gate in an L-shape or U-Shape. Kapow! You have now baby-proofed your impossible staircase.
The only downside to using this baby gate is that it will eat up some of the space on your landing. But that’s a small price to pay for the safety of your baby. If this baby gate isn’t long enough you can always use the North States Superyard which can be extended as long as you can imagine if you have the money to buy enough extension pieces.
Baby gates for the bottom of your stairs
Good news, while it is recommended that you use a hardware mounted baby gate at the base of the staircase, you can get away with a pressure mount (assuming you have a flat surface to mount between). By and large, you will be able to use any of the above three solutions at the top of the staircase at the base of the stairs as well. This includes using the Regalo 192 Inch Play Yard (pictured above) from wall to wall to skip annoying stair bottoms like kite winders and bottom step landings. But at the bottom of your stairs, you have one more option. And that is mounting to the balusters:
Dreambaby Swing Closed Security Gate
- Measure your opening before purchasing - This gate only fits openings 28-32 inches. It will not FIT any opening smaller...
- Versatile and dependable- our Dreambaby Chelsea gate is loaded with features to not only help make your life easier But...
- SMART STAY-OPEN, AUTO-CLOSE- Doing laundry, entertaining guests, making dinner? With the convenience of Smart Stay-Open,...
Height: 28”
Fits: 28” – 32” (up to 111” with extensions – sold separately)
In the above picture, you can see the baby gate is actually pushing against the rounded part of the banister. No, it’s not witchcraft. Pitchforks down. These simple little devices are known as Y-Spindles and they work great for metal banisters that have thin metal balusters (some people call these spindles).
Simply screw the Y-spindle adapters into the above Dreambaby Safety Gate and you are ready to go. The Y-spindles work just like a regular pressure mounted baby gate, all you have to do tighten them until they press hard against your banister or baluster and your baby gate will lock into place.
The Y-spindles are sold in packs of two, allowing them to just be installed on side of the baby gate (say if the other side of the stairs was a solid wall) or in any other configuration to suit your needs. Just remember, to install the spindles on both sides you will need to buy two packs (for a total of 4 spindles).
Some parents report that they have successfully used these Y-spindles on Summer Infant brand baby gates but be warned – they do not work across the entire range. While you can also use this method at the top of your stairs, I prefer to stick with a fully hardware mounted option (better safe than sorry).
Extra tall baby gates
If you have a dog that can jump small buildings or a baby that climbs like a monkey then you need a baby gate with a bit of extra height An extra tall baby gate is just what you need. But here’s the thing – The definition of “Extra tall” varies from brand to brand. I’m serious, check it out:
- Summer Infant Multi-Use Extra Tall (36 inches)
- North States Supergate Extra Tall (36 inches)
- Munchkin Easy-Close Extra Tall (36 inches)
Don’t get me wrong, these are all great baby gates. But extra tall they ain’t. Now to me, extra tall means that an NBA center would have trouble stepping over this baby gate (ya hear that Shaq?). Fortunately, there are two baby gates that pass the Shaquille O’Neal step-over test. One is the Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall coming in at a cool 41 inches tall and my personal favorite:
Dreambaby Extra Tall “Swing Closed” Safety Gate
- MEASURE YOUR OPENING BEFORE PURCHASING - This gate ONLY fits openings of 28-32 inches. It will not fit any opening...
- VERSATILE AND DEPENDABLE- The Dreambaby Chelsea gate is loaded with features to help make your home a safer place. The...
- QUICK AND EASY OPERATION - With the Chelsea Extra-Tall pressure mounted gate, installation is a breeze and using it is...
Height: 40.5”
Fits: 28” – 32” (111” Max with extension pieces, sold separately)
So the Dreambaby is half an inch shorter than the Regalo Extra Tall but the quality difference and ability to extend this baby gate to a whopping 111” with extension pieces made this baby gate the clear winner. While this baby gate is pressure mounted, you do have the option of drilling the gate into the wall for a more permanent (and sturdy) solution. Yep, that means you can even mount this baby gate at the top of the stairs (just make sure you screw it in securely).
The Door
The door can be opened with a single hand, swings both ways (the Regalo Extra tall only swings one way) and automatically closes. One word of warning on the auto-close feature – it can be a little loud. If you want to sneak away from your sleeping baby you will have to attach the door to the gate yourself rather than letting it shut automatically.
Just to give you an idea of exactly how high this baby gate is, at 5’5” it will come up to your sternum. That’s pretty tall and a young child will be unable to reach the latch without assistance (say, climbing on a box). Definitely the best extra tall baby gate on the market right now.
Really big baby gate
Sometimes it feels like it would just be easier to wrap a baby gate around your entire house and be done with it. If you are pulling your hair out trying track down an unusual baby gate, for say your hearth or some other oddly shaped household object, then try this baby gate that takes no hostages:
North States Superyard 3-in-1×1
- NEW NAME - SAME GREAT BRAND YOU TRUST: The Toddleroo by North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard is versatile and reliable -...
- SAFETY & CONVENIENCE: The free-standing enclosure sets up in seconds, and the swinging walk-thru door panel has a...
- MODERN FEATURES FOR MODERN HOMES: The mounting hardware accommodates extra-tall baseboards, can be mounted to angled...
Height: 30”
Fits: Up to 12 feet (or up to infinity feet with extension pieces)
If there was a contender for the best baby gate ever award (this should exist) this would be it. With this gate and your imagination, you can literally fence off anything in your house. Still not convinced? Check this out:
Installed in L shape
When to use: When you need to fence off multiple objects (like the stairs and fireplace in the above picture).
Installed in U shape
When to use: When you need to fence off a single object (like a fireplace, stairs or pocket door).
Cover a large distance
When to use: When every other baby gate is too short. This baby gate can be extended to the point it could stretch across America. To get the extra length you will need to purchase extension pieces sold separately. You can add unlimited extension pieces until you get the length you need.
Used as a playpen
When to use: When you give up and say !@#$ it, my house is too dangerous. This will keep ‘em safe in their own little pen. Buying separate extension pieces will allow you to make the play yard even bigger. Plus you can shape it how you want, square, rectangle, octagon – so you can fit any floor plan. See? The ultimate baby gate. Available in wood, decore metal, plain white, click here to grab this baby gate at a red-hot price.
Narrow baby gates
If you have a narrow doorway you will know how frustratingly difficult it can be to find a baby gate that will fit. In fact, unless you MacGyver up a baby gate of your own (here is an awesome guide for just that), you may feel that finding a narrow baby gate is impossible. DIY baby gates are all well and good but what about the rest of us who don’t have handy hubbies? I am downright uncoordinated and shake with fear every time I see the words:
Some assembly required.
I am not a proud person. If I can find a reasonably priced solution that requires no assembly I will go with that option each and every time. I had the tricky task of baby proofing my friend’s caravan. Do you know how hard it is to find a baby gate that fits a space that is 20 inches wide? After what felt like an eternity, I stumbled upon this little number and I am pleased to say, it works great!
Retract-A-Gate Baby Gate
- Retract-A-Gate is the original, 100% USA-made retractable safety gate that can be installed at any angle. Whether you...
- Retract-A-Gate is certified for up to 200 pounds of push out force and for top and bottom stair use by the Juvenile...
- Retract-A-Gate has smooth, one-handed operation and is quiet when opening and closing. The gate extends out to 52” and...
Height: 34”
Fits: Two sizes – Up to 52” or 72”
The beautiful thing about this baby gate is that it retracts like a measuring tape. There are two advantages a retractable baby gate has over a fixed gate:
- You can mount it between incredibly narrow gaps, essentially making this baby gate as narrow as you want.
- When fully retracted it opens up your whole doorway, allowing you to easily carry grocery bags and laundry baskets through.
While this is one of the more expensive retractable baby gates, other brands do not come near it in quality (looking at you Dreambaby and your hunk of junk). Even the much more expensive Lascal KiddyGuard didn’t come close. Probably because Retract-a-Gate is made right here in the USA and we rock at making quality products.
What strikes me most about this baby gate is just how quiet it actually is. If you are sick of that tell-tail clanging of the baby gate waking you up in the morning then you will appreciate just how quiet this gate is.
Options and Durability
The Retract-A-Gate comes in three different colors – White, Café (cream) and Black. It is worth mentioning that if you go with the white color then you can expect it to mark up quite nicely over time if you don’t wipe it down every so often (the mesh is completely washable). Despite being made of mesh, this baby gate is incredibly durable.
My friend’s cat tried to claw up this gate on more than one occasion (little !@#$) and did no noticeable damage. The mesh is definitely as scratch resistant as the manufacturer claims. What surprised me is that this is actually a darn fine retractable baby gate for larger distances too. In fact, you can pretty much mount it anywhere even at the top of your stairs or outside (according to manufacturer).
I would have listed this baby gate further up the page but then I wouldn’t have had a good baby gate to put in the narrow doorway section now, would I? Oh and the Retract-A-Gate is certified by the JPMA to be used at the top of your stairs. You really can install this baby gate anywhere.
Portable baby gate (for travel)
If you travel then you will know how important it is to pack light. Good luck squeezing a metal baby gate in your trunk along with the rest of your bags and suitcases! If you are on vacation and need a baby gate for your hotel room or simply traveling over to grandmas house, a portable baby gate that can be set up in seconds without tools is a very helpful piece of baby gear.
Now you may have noticed that travel gates are made out of mesh or fabric and do not have a door for you to walk through. You need to step over it. This is common to all portable baby gates, as a walk through door would add a lot of bulk. Which wouldn’t make it portable, you dig?
Extra Tall? Not in a Travel Gate
It is worth mentioning that extra tall travel baby gates simply don’t exist. Why? Because you need to be able to step over the darn thing and an adult-proof baby gate is just asking for problems. Most portable baby gates are made from mesh or a thin fabric. Not only does this help keep the weight down but also allows you to easily see through the baby gate to check on your baby or pet on the other side.
Important: While travel baby gates are fine for hallways and door frames, they are not suitable for staircases. Now that you know what you are in for, let’s take a look at my favorite baby gate for travel:
North States Portable Traveler Gate
- NEW NAME - SAME GREAT BRAND YOU TRUST: Worry-free safety! The Portable Traveler Baby Gate is designed to block doorways,...
- EASY TO INSTALL: Keep your loved ones safe with this pressure mounted gate that's easy to install and doesn't require...
- LOADED WITH CONVENIENT FEATURES: The Portable Traveler Baby Gate gives you peace of mind wherever you may be visiting....
Height: 28”
Fits: 25.2” – 42.6”
A great baby gate that is not only easy to carry around with you but also looks good. After all, who wants ugly baby gear? Not me. One feature, in particular, liked about this baby gate is that thick hallway baseboards are not a problem (something I often come across in my travels) and are overcome by simply adjusting the tension knobs. Not only that but it sits flat on the floor which definitely makes the baby gate harder to push over. When your baby grimes the gate up with his sticky fingers (it will happen, give it time) you can completely remove the fabric for easy cleaning, keeping the baby gate looking good as new.
Removable Cover, Portability
Overly-judgmental parents won’t look down on you for having a dirty baby gate when you set the baby gate up at their house (seriously, what’s with that?) But it gets better. This baby gate can fold down to a fraction of its original size. In fact, it shrinks small enough to fit into its own little carry bag (included in the box).
How cool is that? The carry bag makes it much easier for you to squeeze the baby gate into an overflowing trunk (AKA playing Tetris). I found this baby gate much easier to put together with an extra set of hands. Don’t get me wrong, I was definitely able to put the baby gate together on my own but I did struggle a little (but it may just be because I am super uncoordinated). While this portable baby gate will fit just about every average sized doorway if you come across a larger distance then it will ahem… fall short.
There is a portable option to bridge larger gaps but it will be too big for average sized doorways. So you need to choose your portable baby gate according to what space you will need to fence off (or buy both). So if you need an extra wide portable baby gate then your best bet is the:
Safety 1st Wide Doorways Fabric Gate
- Install this sturdy extra-wide Safety 1st baby gate in doorways and openings ranging from 38 to 60 inches wide
- Pressure-mounted installation allows for on-the-fly setup and easy removal in doors and pass through areas, without...
- Keep your eye on things behind the gate with a soft translucent panel that allows you to look through to the other...
Height: 27”
Fits: 38” – 60”
Stretching up to 60” this is your best friend when it comes to baby proofing larger distance son the fly. Essentially the Safety 1st fabric gate is just a larger version of the North States Portable Traveler above and has very similar features. They are even similar in price. The main difference is the distance it can expand.
Despite the size difference between the two travel gates I was much more comfortable putting this baby gate together on my own. Again, this baby gate folds down into its own carry bag when the time comes to pack it away.
Freestanding baby gates
A freestanding baby gate can stand upright on its own. That’s right, no scratching marking up your walls and door frames, no fooling around with a screwdriver trying to mount the darn thing. Simply push the gate into position and you are done.
You could even set this baby gate up in the middle of your living room if you wanted (not that it would do much good, your baby would just walk around it). If you have an open floor plan with nothing to mount a baby gate to then a freestanding baby gate is just what you need. So if freestanding baby gates are so easy to set up, why doesn’t everyone use them?
Why Freestanding?
Freestanding baby gates are only suitable for walkway use for younger kids. As your child grows and turns into little Hercules, he will very likely be able to muscleman the gate, moving it just enough to squeeze by. But where freestanding baby gates really shine is blocking off your little ones access to household objects that could be dangerous to your baby.
Many parents use them to keep their baby away from their TV and entertainment system (you know, DVD player, Xbox, Playstation, Etc.) that your baby just loves to play with or worse – stuff food inside. Come on baby. These things are expensive! Most of the time you will see free standing gates sold as “pet gates”. While they work great for dogs, who definitely will not be able to move the gate, they are also great for babies.
Important: Freestanding baby gates are not considered suitable for use at the top of stairs and should only be used as a temporary solution. By far the best freestanding baby gates I have come across are by Richelle, who are responsible for this winner:
Richell Deluxe Free Standing Gate
- Fits doorway openings from 61.8-inches to 90.2-inches
- Medium gate stands at 28.1-inches high to accommodate small to medium dogs
- Gate door locks at the top and bottom for extra security
Height: 28”
Fits: 61.8” – 90.2”
A clear winner amongst freestanding baby gates, the Richell Dulux is made of a lovely hardwood that is actually quite pretty to look at. Okay, so you are not going to display it on a pedestal but it certainly is a heck of a lot better looking than those ugly metal baby gates. The door on the baby gate locks automatically and can swing open in both directions pretty standard. Not so standard is the ability for the gate to remain open at 90 degrees.
Door Stays Open
If you have left the house for the day you can leave the door open, which is absolutely wonderful if you have an indoor dog. This way your pooch will not be stranded until you return, free to come and go as he pleases. Oh, and this baby gate is very hard to tip over it. I tried to jump over the gate when I was in a hurry and was sent tumbling head over bum to the ground (yeah, I sucked at hurdles at school).
While I was sprawled all over the floor, I looked back to notice that the gate was standing (and very likely mocking me). Rubber feet prevent the baby gate from scratching and sliding on tiles or wooden floors and the gate can expand to different sizes depending on what you are trying to block access too. Like your television cabinet.
Great For Shielding TV
Speaking of which… This gate is great for fencing off your television. At 28 inches high the gate is just low enough that you can still watch your TV without packing the gate away (it won’t block the signal from your remote either). Just try and fiddle with the TV now, baby. The one thing to be mindful of this baby gate (and all other free-standing baby gates) is that the feet stick out. While this generally isn’t an issue, the feet can trip you up if you are walking alongside the baby gate rather than towards it.
Baby gates with pet doors
Pets and babies are an odd mix. Chances are your cat won’t be interested and a small dog won’t do much harm (yay!). However, an excited larger dog can quickly send your toddler flying across the room (boo!). So how do you give your cat roam freely around the house without your dog annoying your baby?
Built-In Pet Door
A baby gate with a built-in pet door is ideal to let smaller animals like cats, rabbits, and ferrets through while your big dog can do nothing else but sit back and stare at your baby on the other side. I don’t know why but I always found it amazingly rewarding when I was able to outsmart my dog and a baby gate with a pet door allows you to do just that.
But before you run out and by any baby gate with a pet door, be sure to avoid any gates that are made from wood. If your puppy dog loves to chew then his sharp teeth will quickly shred a wooden baby gate to pieces, leaving behind some nasty splinters that you don’t want your baby to touch. Without a doubt the ultimate gate for both pets and babies is the:
Bettacare Child and Pet Gate
- WORRY-FREE SAFETY: Keep your pet contained and your home safe with the MyPet Tall & Wide Wire Mesh Petgate which is made...
- CONVENIENT & PORTABLE: This gate is 37" tall, fits a variety of openings between 29.5" and 48" wide and is easy to take...
- EASY ON WALLS: Thanks to the durable rubber bumpers, your gate will stay put without scuffing or scratching your walls....
Height: 40”
Fits: 29 – 33”
The funny thing about this baby gate is that it is even loved by parents without pets, but more specifically a kitty or (maybe) really small dogs. But that being said, the steel construction should stand up to your temper-tantrum throwing. Unfortunately, if your door frame is living on the larger side of life, you’ll have to purchase the extensions in 2”, 5”, or 12”.
Easy Setup
The pressure mounted gate setup is easy and fast. In fact, my husband was able to do it without the instruction manual (sigh.. men and instructions). Once it was up, the one-touch handle made opening and closing the baby gate as easy as using a regular door. I used this baby gate to block off the doorway that leads to my cats’ food and litter box. You know, gross things that you just don’t want your baby playing with.
Carlson Flexi Gate with Pet Door
- EXTRA TALL AND WIDE: Stands 34 inches tall. Expands to stairways and openings between 29-36.5 inches wide. Pressure...
- SMALL PET DOOR: Patented small pet door is 8 x 8 inches. Let’s small pets pass through, while keeping everyone else...
- ADJUSTABLE: Includes a 4-inch wide extension kit. Perfect for doorway, hallway and bottom of stair use. Gate can quickly...
Height: 30”
Fits: 76” (up to 13 feet with extension pieces)
If your doors are so wide that you could drive a bus through them then you will be looking at the above pet gate and thinking:
Where’s the rest of it?
Carlson has not forgotten about you. Their flexi gate can not only span a 76 inch gap but can expand to an incredible 13 feet wide with 24” extension pieces (sold separately). That’s almost as long as a Kia Rio and probably built better, too (ha!). But you don’t have to mount this baby gate straight. The posts are individually hinged meaning that each section of the baby gate can be bent in a different direction, allowing you to use some imagineering to fence off those more unusual sections of your house.
Can your dog jump so well it could play for the Chicago Bulls? If so then you may need something a little taller. The Carlson Extra Tall Walk-thru Stands at a whopping 40 inches tall. While the much wider Carlson Flexi Tall stands at a rather tall 38.” Let’s see you jump that, Fido.
Baby gates with pet doorsOutdoor Baby Gates
There is seriously a baby gate for everyone. If you have a deck or porch (lucky you) then you may be wondering just how you can stop your baby from tumbling off it. If you have already hunted around then you have probably noticed your choice of baby gates for outdoor use is surprisingly limited.
And don’t you dare think about using a baby gate designed for indoors, it will rust up at the first sight of rain! even though you don’t have a lot to choose from, there is definitely one stand out baby gate for outdoor use:
Cardinal Gates Outdoor Baby Gate
- Weatherproof - No better gate for outdoor use
- Perfect for patios and decks
- Easy installation
Height: 29.5”
Fits: 27 – 42.5” (extension pieces available)
The gate is made from powder-coated aluminum (the same stuff as a pool fence) and is rustproof. You may notice the gate fade a little bit over time, especially if you install it in a sunny spot but it will continue to work just fine. Installing is incredibly easy, screwing directly into wooden railings.
Metal railings and Trex decks can MacGyver up a solution using zip ties and wood. The gate will mount at angles of up to 30 degrees, perfect for those of you with deck rails that don’t quite line up.
Optional Stop Bracket
Included in the box is an optional stop bracket that stops the gate from opening up over your stairway (if installed, you can only open the gate up towards you). This feature allows you to sneak past the baby gate even with your excited baby clinging to the door. The gate can be opened and closed with one hand BUT… It is not self-closing!
If you are bringing wash in you will have to be mindful that you close the gate as you climb up these stairs, otherwise, you are presenting your baby with a portal to freedom (and pain). If you have a wider space between the rails on your balcony or deck then you can extend this baby gate using extension pieces up to a maximum of 64” (sold separately).
- 10 ½” extension – Extends 42 ¼” to 53”
- 21 ½” extension – Extends 48 ¾” to 64”
Hardware Sold Separately
Now I do have one gripe with this gate, in order to make this gate completely weatherproof, you will have to buy stainless steel screws and hardware separately. This is beyond stupid. These should be included in the box seems like a greedy cash grab by Cardinal Gates. Instead of buying this extra kit. Go to your local hardware store and buy a cheap can of rust protector.
Don’t encourage companies to continue this practice. Besides, rust protector is always helpful to keep on hand anyway. Besides that minor gripe; if you have a patio, porch, deck, balcony or anything remotely similar and want your baby to enjoy it with you then you will be more than happy with this baby gate. Oh, and it also keeps dogs off your decking (nothing like dog pee to ruin a good deck). Bonus!
Baby gates for sliding doors
I am a sucker for glass sliding doors, not only do they look great but they provide you a lovely view of your backyard (and really let the light into your home). Unfortunately, sliding doors are somewhat of a nuisance if you have a baby in your home.
If you open the door up to let in that lovely summer breeze then you are basically giving your baby an invitation to escape your house. And don’t think you are safe if you have a sliding screen door. A baby pushing up against it can easily fall through. Frank S. Fitzgerald of the Screen Manufacturers Association had this to say:
While screens are great for ventilation and to keep insects out, they are not designed to keep small children in!
Scary stuff! There is only one baby gate on the market that will fit sliding doors and that is the:
Cardinal Gates Duragate
- Weatherproof - No better gate for outdoor use
- Perfect for patios and decks
- Easy installation
Height: 29.5”
Width: 24”
Fits: Standard sliding doors 1” and 1 ½” thick.
The installation of this baby gate is simple as pie. No tools needed. Simply clamp the baby gate onto the sliding part of your door. With the baby gate secured, slide the door closed. You are now free to enjoy that cool refreshing breeze as it flows through your house.
But what’s stopping your baby from using his super human strength (seriously, what’s with that?) from opening up the sliding part of the door?
I’m glad you asked: Included in the box is a door stop which helps keep your sliding door stopped until removed. If possible, installing the stops is even easier than installing the gate. Two twists and you are done. The baby gate swings in both direction which is great if you have a frisky dog you have to fight off while moving through the gate.
Another advantage of the Lock N Block baby gate is that it can be used as a visual clue to stop your child from running full speed into the glass door. Now don’t get me wrong, this is hilarious to watch until you realize that it is YOU that has to deal with the tears.
Hands-Free Baby Gate
What’s better than only using a single hand to open up a baby gate? Opening up a baby gate with no hands check out this awesome foot operated baby gate.
Summer Infant
No products found.
Height: 32”
Fits: 30” – 45” (extension pieces available)
Pedal Lock
Whether you have a disability and can only use one hand or are just carrying too much stuff, there is no baby gate that is easier to open then the Summer Infant Step to Open. Opening this baby gate is as easy as pressing down on the foot pedal (located on both sides). Press down with your foot and you are through. Hooray! Check it out:
How cool is that!? Now just because the foot pedal is within easy reach of your baby does not mean they will be able to open it. My three year old could not press down hard enough on the foot pedal to open the gate. A four-year-old may be able to but by this stage, you shouldn’t really be using a baby gate anyway.
The gate automatically closes behind you. Yep, if you really wanted to you could use this baby gate without touching it with your hands at all. I think I just heard a bunch of you with severe germophobia (fear of germs) scream “hooray.” Fortunately, this baby gate is not just a one-trick pony. The entire baby gate is built incredibly well and is quite easy to install, although you will need your hands for that.
No products found.
Best looking baby gates
The problem with most baby gates is that they are just plain ugly. If your modern home is your pride and joy then you will want a baby gate that does it justice. Let’s take a look at some unique baby gates that are so gorgeous that you could hang them on your wall and call it art. Let’s start with a baby gate so modern looking that it could be a spaceship:
Munchkin Loft Aluminum Infant Safety Gate
- Hardware mount baby gate extends between 26.5 - 40" wide and stands 30.5" high. Measure your desired opening prior to...
- Great for use at the top or bottom of stairs, hallways and doorways.To clean Use mild soap and wipe with a damp cloth
- Indexed Sizing System allows for quick and easy width adjustments with pre-set index positions
Height: 30.5”
Fits: 26.5” – 40”
Are you reading this guide on your iPhone or iPad? Flip it over. Do you see that shiny silver aluminum on the rear? That is almost identical to the surface of this baby gate. The photos of this gate do not get across just how premium this baby gate actually looks. This baby gate is hardware mounted, and is full swing, meaning there is no annoying metal piece at the bottom for you to trip over step over.
The door swings both ways allowing you to always open the door away from you. An amazing feature when carrying shopping bags and other bulky items through your home.
Set Up
Some people complain that the baby gate is a little difficult to set up. I actually used this baby gate at one point in my home. I cannot comment on how difficult it is to set up because my husband did all the hard work installing it (isn’t that what they are for?). He seemed to have little difficulty but then he is incredibly handy.
But once the gate up it is an absolute pleasure to use and if you are looking for a modern baby gate to match your modern home then look no further. But if your house is heavy on the wood furnishings then you will prefer:
Summer Infant
- ACCOMODATES MOST OPENINGS: The Summer Multi-Use Decorative Extra Tall Walk-Thru Gate for Baby can be used between...
- EASY INSTALLATION: Easily install this baby gate on stairways with the included kit, or by using the no drill doorway...
- AUTO-CLOSE FEATURE: For added hands-free convenience, this safety gate is equipped with an auto-close feature that...
Height: 30.5”
Fits: 29.5” – 40.5” (Extension pieces available)
Okay, so my favorite wooden baby gate is the Summer Infant Deco Wood & Metal (which as the name suggests is both wood and metal) but I already covered that further up in the guide. So I am going to introduce you to this almost completely wooden baby gate. Those of you with dark wooden furniture will know just how badly light colored wood looks next to it (which is exactly what most wooden baby gates are made from).
This baby gate is your best bet for getting a matching color scheme in your house and will look sleek installed nearby. If I had to describe the color (which can be difficult to judge in the picture), it is more of a darker mahogany with a bit of red in it.
Watch Your Step
If you have read my other reviews earlier in this article then the gate is very similar to other baby gates by Summer Infant (which in no way is a bad thing). The door is autoclosing and the handle is very easy to use even one handed. One thing to watch for on the baby gate – the wooden threshold (the piece that runs along the base of the baby gate) can easily be tripped over if you are not mindful of it. While it is hilarious to watch other people tumble over it, you will be cursing if it happens to you.
Conclusion
Phew… That was a lot more typing than I thought it would be. You’re lucky you are worth it. The information here should be more than enough to find the ideal baby gate to suit your situation. If you still having trouble, shoot me a question in the comments below and I will see if I can recommend something just for you – Because I care like that.
You know the drill: Leave me any questions, wisdom, love or hate in the comments below. Stay awesome!
Featured image source: parent.guide
Last update on 2022-01-17 at 15:09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Highly don’t recommend the Regalo top of stairs gate. Had it for two weeks when daughter noticed and pointed out all metal gate had broken plastic hinge and door was hanging. Worst of all, all the company said was we will pass it on to our engineers. Worst experience ever with that gate and its companies customer service!
Hi Brent,
Sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience with Regalo. If it broke within 2 weeks it still would have been covered by Regalo’s 90 day warranty, did you lodge a warranty claim? I hope this experience does not stop you from using a baby gate as they are incredibly useful and effective when they work.
I personally use the North States baby gate, their higher end gates are great quality. I cannot comment on their customer service as nothing has gone wrong (touch wood it doesn’t!) but it has survived my first child and it looks like it may even survive a second.
Keep being awesome!
Looking for that baby gate alarm. Any one know where to get this??
Cheers!
Hi Larry,
Sounds like you have a jail break issue you need to fix! Currently there is only one alarmed baby gate available on the market, the GMI GuardMaster IV. A quick google search should bring it right up. I have never used or reviewed this product so unfortunately I will not be able to give you the heads up about any quirks that may be involved with this baby gate.
Keep being awesome!
do you know of a full size meshed safety gate to keep the cats out of babies room? The only thing I can think of using is a light weight security door but in rental properties this is impossible without landlords permission! Thanks.
Hi Jane,
Cat’s are notoriously difficult to keep out of rooms. The easily squeeze through baby gate gaps or can clear them in a single bound.
Have you tried an automatic cat spray? Unlike a screw in gate or door, you wont have to ask for your landlords permission. I used one to stop our cat from sleeping in the laundry hamper and it was surprisingly effective.
Keep being awesome!
Is it possible to use the extension of another company gate onto a Bright Two safety gate? The extension of Bright Two gates aren’t available where I live.
Hi Maliha,
I could only speculate as to whether or not another brands extension pieces would fit a Bright Two safety gate. Based on my experience with different brands, the extension pieces are not interchangeable. Unfortunately you may have to buy a new baby gate if the one you currently have is not long enough to fence off the gap.
Keep being awesome!
Good information. I am not a fan of the step over gates. I find that my baby can push them over without any difficulty. I will be sticking to baby gates with doors in the future.
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for weighing in. I completely agree with you and I hope all the other parents out there strongly consider not buying this type of baby gate. It may seem like a great deal but you are setting yourself up for disappointment. For another $10-20 you are able to buy a walk through gate that is much sturdier and will last much longer than the poorly made step over type.
Unfortunately I cannot warn everyone. Spread the word so that other parents don’t make the same mistake!
Keep being awesome!
With your write up I was able to find the ideal baby gate for me. I am very satisfied and could not have done it without your great information. I was wondering if you could recommend any baby gates that are suitable for sliding doors… The patio kind. You’re the best!
Hi Alice,
Thanks for the kind words and I hope you are happy with your baby gate purchase. I have not come across any baby gates that are suitable for patio doors. I am in the process of updating this guide and will keep an eye out. If I find one I will let you know!
Keep being awesome!
I am looking for a tall baby gate to go in a bedroom doorway. Any recommendations? I prefer pressure mount.
Hi Nicole,
If you want a taller than normal baby gate then the Regalo easy step is a great option. At 41 inches high it can even keep some cats out (older fatter ones anyway). Just be sure to measure your door. While Regalo claims it fits doors from 29 and 34 inches wide, You will need the included wall cups for it to hold tight at 34 inches, otherwise your baby (or pet) will be able to knock it down. Like all Regalo products, it comes with a 90 day limited warranty. It is definitely one of the tallest baby gates out there.
Keep being awesome!
You said in another reply above that you do not recommend Regalo but in this reply you do. Which one is it?
Hi mom2b
Excellent question, If you give me a second, I will explain:
Since posting my original comment, it was brought to my attention that Regalo have updated their product. My Sister was using a pre-2013 model. I am currently in the process of updating this guide (should be finished early September) and with it you will see that my stance has changed somewhat on the Regalo range. Not the entire range mind you, but some of them. The extra tall included.
Also:
If you want the tallest baby gate you are pretty much forced to buy Regalo. Seriously, check out the other brands “extra tall” offerings:
– Summer Infant Multi-Use Deco Extra Tall Walk-Thru Gate – ONLY 36″ TALL
– KidCo Gateway Extra Tall and Wide Auto Close Pressure Mount Gate – ONLY 36″ TALL
– Munchkin Easy-Close Extra Tall and Wide Metal Gate – ONLY 36″ TALL
All other baby gates claim to be extra tall but come in at a level 36″ while the Regalo has them beat by an extra 5″. While it may not seem like much it can be the difference between a child being able to scale it or a cat leaping over.
Thanks so much for your question and If I can help you in any other way please let me know!
Keep being awesome!
Dreambaby has 39″ height gates
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for the heads up, I will have a look at the Dreambaby extra tall baby gate when I update this guide. It’s thanks to people like you that help me create my guides.
Keep being awesome!
Hi! Are there any screw-in extra tall gates that you can recommend for a wide opening (65 inches)? I’m trying to keep kids in and cats out of a playroom. Thanks!
Hi Liz,
Unfortunately, the wider wider the baby gate the shorter the height. The tallest baby gate I have come across that would fit your wide doorway is 31 inches (Kidco custom fit) which is only 1 or 2 inches taller than a regular extra wider gate so you are better off just choosing a wide baby gate you like. This height will almost certainly keep your young kids in. Unfortunately, unless your cat doesn’t like to jump or is a fatty catty, it is unlikely to keep a cat out.
To solve the cat problem, why not try this cat spray? It has an automated sensor that sprays the cat when it comes close so you can just set it up and wander off. I use it to keep my cat out of the washing hamper with great success (kitty sure loves that hamper). Maybe setting up two of these either side of your door, angled in would solve the problem? Just some food for thought.
Keep being awesome!
I am looking for a top of stair tall gate. I think Regalo Baby Easy Step Extra Tall Safety Gate 41” would be suitable. but not sure this can be used as a top of stare gait. Could you confirm that it is safe to use and anything helps to make the gate more stable?
Hi Rakesh,
Excellent question. The extra tall gate from Regalo can be both pressure mounted and hardware mounted. Included in the box are 4 wall cups that allow you to secure the baby gate to the wall. Of course this means that you will have to have a flat surface either side of the stair opening to screw into.
Just be mindful that the gate does have quite a narrow doorway (the bit you actually walk through). While this may not be a problem for most people, if you carry a washing basket or bags of groceries up your stairs then squeezing past can cause a little bit of trouble.
Keep being awesome!
Hi, after reading your reviews on gates I think I’m looking for a custom gate to keep my daughter away from the tv/tv stand. Any suggestions?
Hi Lise,
Excellent question. Be sure to take into consideration just how high your TV actually hits. Most custom baby gates start around the 27 inch mark and are available in both hardware mounted or stand alone where the baby gate can support its own weight and stand upright without leaning against a wall.
Check just how high your TV cabinet is as there is a good chance that your baby gate will block off a portion of your TV screen (which will quickly get annoying when you want to see exactly what Rick and Amber are up to now). If your TV is lower than the average sized baby gate then you will want a stand alone so that you can remove it when you watch TV. This may get tiring but your baby will soon outgrow the need for the baby gate and you can get back to your usual TV watching schedule.
So if you can get away with a hardware mounted baby gate then I strongly recommend the North States Super Yard (30 inches high).
If you want a free standing gate that you can remove at will then the Richell Free Standing Pet Gate isn’t a bad choice, it comes in smaller sizes too but just be sure to choose the HL version which sits at 27 inches. While it is designed for pets, it is also just high enough to keep babies out. Just be sure to avoid putting anything neat the gate that your baby can use to climb over.
There are also cheaper accordion style free standing baby gates which are good but I cannot seem to locate the brand that I used to use and I cannot comment on the others since I have not used them.
Keep being awesome.
Thanks for your answer. but is Regalo Baby Easy Step Extra Tall Safety Gate 41” is pressure mounted not hardware. Is it safe? Could they push or slide it off or stable enough?
Hi Rakhesh,
While the Regalo Extra Tall IS pressure mounted, it comes with mounting cups that can be screwed into the wall. The gate is then “locked in” using these cups. Technically when mounted in the cups the gate becomes hardware mounted. If the cups are installed correctly and your walls are perfectly parallel then the baby gate seems to hold up to a good old fashioned baby temper tantrum. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully when installing.
Keep being awesome!
Hello
Found your guide very helpful, I am looking for something to go from my kitchen island to the wall as well as something to go from the other side of the island to a cabinet. I don’t want to use hardware because it will ruin my cabinet. do you have any suggestions?
Hi Khadeejah,
It all depends on whether your kitchen island to cabinets and kitchen island to wall are all perfectly flat, without any handles in the way. A pressure mounted gate will work if the distance is not too great but you will be unable to open any cabinets or drawers that the gate leans against. Unfortunately without seeing a picture I can only guess as to what would be the best baby gate for your situation.
Keep being awesome!
We are grandparents and we have our 1 year old over often. which gate do you recommend for the bottom of a stairway?
Hi Renee,
It would all depend on the bottom of your stairs. If the bottom step sticks way out you could always go with a Super Yard, this baby gate is not only a ply pen but can mount around unusually shaped stairs. So you are effectively fencing off not only the bottom of your stairs but some of the area around it.
If you can mount the baby gate between your wall and banister/baluster then most hardware mounted baby gates will do the job, you can use a y-spindle or banister mounting kit according to the shape of your stairs.
While many parents still use pressure mounted gates at the bottom of the stairs and hardware mounted at the top, I prefer to keep both hardware mounted. I have heard many stories of toddlers hanging off the baby gate at the bottom of the stairs when suddenly the gate would slip, sending the toddler to the ground with the baby gate on top of him. Even if this doesn’t hurt him (on carpet you might be lucky, tiles not so much) it gives the baby free access to the stairs.
Keep being awesome!
Hello, some great information here. I have a question about top of stairs gates. We have a door down to the basement but it doesn’t stay firmly closed so we are going to get a gate. I can’t seem to find anything about using a gate and having a door. The issue with the door can’t be fixed easily I should add.
I’d love to hear you thoughts.
Thanks,
Ian
Hi Ian,
That is a great question. Without seeing your problem specifically I can recommend a couple of solutions:
1. You remove the door completely and hardware mount a baby gate between the door frame.
2. You fix the basement door open so that it cannot be moved and install a baby gate.
3. Try installing a Bow Wow Barrier. It’s a fabric gate for dogs that can be used on the front door. The door can be fully closed or partially opened without removing the gate. I would give the company a call to discuss it’s suitability for what you want to use it for however.
If you can get away with either of the first two options then just remember: it’s only temporary. Your little one will be past this stage before you know it. When that happens you can remove the baby gate and be on your merry way.
Keep being awesome!
Hi , I have purchased 3 different baby gates for the top of my stairs and I am having no luck. My stairs are a closed wall on one side (fine, no problem) but the other side is a wall with a railing and unfortunately the hand rail goes up a little to high. While I can hard mount the gates to the wall (on both side, luckily), but which way should I have the gate swing open. I live in a cape style house so my top landing is very small. Should the gate swing open to the landing? Other wise my option is to have it open to the staircase, which would then have it hit the hand railing each time it swings open, essentially (in due time) destroying the railing. Any suggestions!!! Thanks!
Hi Tracy,
Isn’t it frustrating when your house just doesn’t fit the norm. I like to avoid baby gates opening out over stairs. If your baby was to run past you it is a surefire recipe for a tumble. If you can get away with this even with your smaller landing then it will be much safer for you and your baby and won’t ruin your lovely rail either.
I am having a little trouble picturing your staircase so correct me if this is wrong:
If this is the case, could you get away with a hardware mounted baby gate that can have y-spindles attached? It may offer you a tiny bit more room (which may make all the difference) So you would be mounting one side of the gate against the wall and pressing against the smaller vertical sections of your rail (known as balusters or stair sticks) on the other side. Of course using this method you would have to double check that your balusters can take a baby gate pressing against them as some older wooden balusters pop right out.
Keep being awesome!
Hey there! I’m wondering if you have any recommendations for a baby gate with a hold open feature. (Preferably pressure-mounted) We want to mount at top and bottom of stairs, but we don’t want to strand our pooch all day when no one is home. I’ve seen mixed reviews on dream baby and it’s the only brand I’ve come across with this feature so far.
Sure do Rebecca,
The North States Easy Open that I mentioned earlier in the guide actually has this feature (I love this gate). Straight from the instruction manual:
Definitely trumps the model by Dream Baby and is worth checking out.
Keep being awesome!
Thank you so much! Picking a couple up today!
Awesome, I hope you are just as happy with the baby gate as I was. Please let me know your experience :)
I’ve been using the Kidco G1100 pressure mounted gate and it’s still in great shape.
I would’t recommend it on the top of the stairs though.
Hi Sammy,
Excellent recommendation. My neighbor actually used this gate to stop her Yorkies from running through the house and out the front door when she came home from work. It seemed incredibly well made although I did notice that it was on the noisy side when closed (did you notice this?). Not something you would want to walk through in the middle of the night, it would definitely wake up everyone else in your house.
Keep being awesome!
Hi Jess,
I just tried opening and closing it 3 times to see if I hear that noise…….
I see what you mean but it really does it’s job well, keeps my 2 kids out of the danger zone and I don’t have to worry about the gate falling. It’s made really strong.
The creaking wouldn’t bother me also because of the fact that this gate is not next to the bedrooms so nobody would be waking up from it.
Thanks for getting back to me Sammy,
Thanks for clarifying, I just wanted to make sure that it wasn’t just her baby gate that made this noise (some baby gates can be quite loud if they are not assembled correctly). It definitely is a well made baby gate and I completely agree with your analysis, if you are not installing it near where people sleep then it is a great baby gate for keeping kids out of the “danger zone” as you put it. Speaking of which… I should watch Top Gun again.
Keep being awesome!
Have you heard anything about Lascal KiddyGuard gates? They look great but are expensive and before spending that much money on FIVE gates I want to make sure I do my homework.
We’re looking to install gates at the bottoms & tops of stairs as well as the entrance into the kitchen. We have an almost three year old and a four month old. We’re moving from an apartment to a house and we’ve only needed one gate until now.
Munchkin’s Loft is also very attractive but after reading reviews about the difficulty people had with its installation… not sure.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
Hi Margot,
It must be a big house if you need 5 gates. I don’t mean to call you over protective but are you sure that you need this many? Here is a Great guide on when to give up the baby gate. Now I understand every parents situation is different and if you need that many baby gates then let’s at least make sure you have the best.
I am actually in the middle of updating this guide (will likely be finished tomorrow or the next day) and actually cover the Lascal Kiddie Guard (it sorta sucked) and came across a similar and much better solution – The Retract-A-Gate (which worked out to be cheaper for me with shipping from amazon rather than their own website). Made right here in the USA, it is definitely worth a look if you want a cheaper but better option to the Lascal Kiddie Guard.
The munchkin Loft is a VERY attractive baby gate and is one I used at home. I cannot comment on the installation difficulty as my husband took care of that and unlike me, he is very handy. Once up it definitely does look amazing and is very easy to use. My question is this: The lascal and munchkin are two VERY different baby gates (one mesh, the other metal). How did you come to pick out these two. If you chose the Munchkin because of the look (and who could blame you) the Summer Infant Decorative Wood and Metal is another great looking alternative, but it is pressure mounted (unlike the loft which is hardware mounted).
Another solid hardware mounted baby gate is the Cardinal Gates Auto-Lock (they also do a stairway “special” model that can mount at angles up to 30 degrees which may help make installation easier depending on your staircase). While these baby gates wont win any design awards (they are the plain white type you are familiar with) they are easy to install, use and are incredibly durable and if you are looking for a hardware mounted baby gate to fit a standard sized opening then this is my go to recommendation.
If you need any further clarification, or want to add some details so I may be able to further help you please reply to this comment and I will be happy to help :)
Keep being awesome!
Haha! I might be erring on the side of over cautious.
It’s not an exceptionally large house. Here’s where I’m thinking of putting them: bottom of first floor stairs & top of same set (second floor), bottom of second floor stairs & top of same set (third floor/roof balcony), and one in the kitchen. To me five seems necessary. Thoughts? I”ve got an almost three year old and a four month old, if that helps deem number of gates necessary.
Yes, Munchkin Loft and KiddyGuard are very different. Originally I liked the retractability and non-baby gate look of the KiddyGuard. It’s discreet. I’m not sure how safe it is or strong under the relentless curiosity and ever-growing strength of my toddler. The Munchkin Loft, on the other hand, matches the modern look of the house, plus it’s a traditional ‘gate’ gate.
Unfortunately I’m a US expat (living in Japan), so I’m pretty sure Retract-A-Gate is unavailable to me.
You use Munchkin’s loft, right? Is it easy to pull the gate from the wall-mounted fittings, as shown in the demo video?
Thank you so much!
My Mistake, I read the original comment of almost three year old and four year old. Whoops, my apologies. A baby gate is definitely needed for the younger one. You older child is fast approaching the stage where they will be able to open (or climb) a lot of baby gates. So just be sure to teach your oldest why the baby gate is there and safe behavior when walking through (and to definitely not leave it open so your youngest can crawl on through.)
If the retract-a-gate appeals to you you should contact the manufacturer directly (they have great customer service and reply pretty quick) they may be able to sort out a special deal where they can ship them out to you, especially given that you want to purchase multiples. The one problem with this would be international delivery would be costly and if something goes wrong, the return shipping would be a nightmare.
My personal opinion would be to purchase something locally so that you can return it if you are not satisfied.
I just watched the video and I did not find it as simple to remove as the video makes it look. The video makes it look frictionless while I had to wiggle mine as I pulled it out (although this may have been a problem from how the gate was installed). While I could get it in and out, I ended up using the loft as a regular baby gate since you do have to find somewhere to store the darn thing when you remove it.
Here is something a lot of parents dont mention: Then there is remembering to put it back when you are done. I would wake up in the night having a mini-panic attack as to whether or not I had returned the gate to it’s location. If you constantly panic that you didn’t lock your front door or that you left the stove on then a removable baby gate may not be ideal for you.
Regarding getting the gate count down, are you able to use a extra large baby gate like the Northstates 3-in-1 play yard and fence off both the top of the first set of stairs and the bottom of the second set of stairs in one go? Just a thought as it may save you some money blocking off two areas with one gate.
Keep being awesome!
Hi Jess,
I love your post! My own point of view, baby gates are life saver because we live in a 2 story house and you know what children are like with stairs. It’s sturdy and no matter how much you slam it, it doesn’t move. You will be glad to know that, Actually I also write about baby gates too on my blog.
Hi Kayla,
Baby gates sure are excellent at baby proofing aren’t they? Rather than figure out how to baby proof a single object you simply block off access to the whole room or walkway. Spiffy stuff. I had a look at your blog, pretty cool. Keep up the good work!
Keep being awesome!
I am looking for a baby gate that will be good for the top of stairs, one side with flat wall and another side with wood post/banisters.
I prefer the gate is movable. In this case, when baby is not at upstairs or is sleeping, we are able to remove the gate.
Any recommendations would be highly appreciated.
Hi Sue,
The Retract-a-gate mentioned in the Narrow Gates section above is also a great top of the stairs choice. Since it retracts, you will not have to move it when not in use. To mount it to the banister you can either use a piece of wood and some zip-ties or buy the banister adapter kit (which is just piece of wood and zip-ties but you pay $30 for the privilege). Go the DIY route and save some coin. It is a very good baby gate and I was impressed with the durability. It is a little on the pricey side but for the convenience of not having to lift out the gate each and every time (along with it being hardware mounted) it is definitely worth it if your budget will cover it. The 52″ is much cheaper than the 72″ but it depends on the distance between your banister and wall.
Keep being awesome!
Great tips! I am looking for a gate that will primarily be used to keep my 45 pound dog out of my 4 year old’s play room. We are trying to find something that our son can actually operate. We looked at some of the hands-free options (Summer Infant for example), but found that the foot pedal required a bit more force than our son could provide. I have seen some reviews for the Retract-A-Gate which does not look like it requires a great deal of force to open or close. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
I cannot say “thank you” enough for all of this information!! We are getting ready to move into a new home with many things that are new to me with a toddler (stairs, sliding glass door, high deck, etc). I was really stressing about how to baby/toddler proof all of these situations but you answered it all!! THANK YOU!!!
Hi, your reviews are great! I am looking for a gate that will keep my one year old twins contained, but that my four year old CAN open. I want him to be able to get to the bathroom quickly! Is there a gate that you think would be easiest for a preschooler (and grandparents) to operate?
Thanks!
Is there a gate with a pet door that can be used at the top of stairs – i.e not a tension gate?
Hi there
I need a gate to go across my daughters bedroom door (we are moving her from a cot to a bed. She can open the door by herself and with being able to get out of bed, I’m certain she’ll be attempting escapes frequently!)
The problem is the part of the doorframe where the gate would go is very narrow and I’m struggling to find a gate to fit it. Do u know of a gate with slim/narrow fittings or is there a gate which I could fit across the front of the frame rather than in between?
Thanks!
Unfortunately the only real solution to narrow doors is either making up a DIY option or choosing a retractable gate like the one mentioned earlier in the article (Click here to jump to that section. Fortunately, the retractable gates are very sturdy and incredibly difficult to climb.
Keep being awesome!
Hi Jess,
This is wonderful info. Any suggestions on a top of stairs gate that takes into account molding/trim neat bottom of wall? Our gate was never properly installed with my first and was really more of a way to slow you down than an actual safety device. #2 is 10months and #3 will be here in April so I need to get something safe and secure up asap. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks! :-)
I have a split staircase in the living room and I am having a difficult time choosing the right gate. I dont know whether I should place separate gates or one gate to cover both up and down the stairs. I wish I was able to upload a picture of the stairs as it seems using a gate will be difficult due to the bannister in the middle, the hand rail, and the bottom step going up sticking out further than the bannister. Please help!
Hi,
I’m looking for an extra wide gate for our outdoor courtyard which has stairs going down. Needs to be at least 67 in wide and would prefer extra tall. We initially used a wooden step over gate but we need something taller and sturdier now that we have an almost 2 year old.
Thanks!
I need a baby gate or know how to build one for a staircase that has no wall or beam on the one side to attach a normal gate to. The stairs are open the last 7 from the bottom and therefore a gate has nothing to attach to on its one side. Any suggestions?
I have an old house and he bottom of he staircase is 24″ high. Is there a short pressure mounted gate you can recommend? We have the cheap wood one now and it doesn’t quite work. We would also love to have one that opens!! We don’t want to mount a gate since the wood is original. I can send you a picture of you need one. Thanks!!
I need two extra wide gates, one opening is 144″ and the other is 119″. What is the widest gate you’ve come across besides regalo super wide 192″, anything else out there that might work for us?
Hi. I am looking for a gate that will go at the bottom of the stairs where there is a wall on one side and a banister on the other. It looks like the Dreambaby Swing Closed Security Gate with y-spindle adapters may work. However, we do not want to permanently mount it. It will be at my in-law’s home for when the grandkids visit and they do not want to have it installed all the time. Can these be pressure-mount installed? Thank you!
I’m in a bit of a pickle. I have a toddler that has broken 2 wooden ajustavle gates and now a safety first plastic pressure gate. He wakes up in the middle of the night and wanders and has figured out if he pushes on the gate or kicks it it will fall down and he has tried to take off through my front door. No matter how many times I say no that’s bad or tap his hands and say no he does it no matter what. In at my ends as to what to do. Please help me!!!
I have a 2.5 lb yorkie that was able to slip right through the spindles where door attaches to tension gate. Any advice to block without hindering the slide latch of walk thru door
We need a gate at the top of a very steep basement stair case that also needs to be accessible for cats. My concern with the one listed above for cats is that it is not secure enough. Any other alternatives or suggestions?
I am moving my daughter from her baby bedroom into a bedroom with double doors that opens inwards. I can lock one of the doors so only one swings open, but I am looking for a gate that I can operate with one or both doors closed. we like to close both doors when she takes a nap.
Thanks!
Christy
I am trying to find a gate that would work for both top of the stairs AND allow my cats access through. It seems the ones you have listed to allow pet passage are the pressure mount style that is not recommended for stairs. Any ideas?
The link for the pressure gate wall saver has changed to:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00RYWO8BY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1453383710&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=pressure+gate+wall+saver&dpPl=1&dpID=21wp4T-K3NL&ref=plSrch
Hope that helps.
I’m looking for a gate to go at the top of a flight of stairs that can be mounted on one side without drilling into the wooden banister, and is less than 30″ tall. It also needs to be available in Canada and under $100. Any ideas?
Thanks for all your obvious hard work reviewing all these! So very helpful. What are your thoughts on a gate for the bottom of the stairs, where the pickets go all the way around the newel post? So we can’t attach it to the newel post like usually you would.
Hi Jess,
Thanks for this great guide.
I am trying to find a top-of-stairs gate that has a pet door, but is not pressure mounted.
The stairway is a pretty basic width.
We can’t seem to find anything that fits these requirements.
Any suggestions??
Thanks!
Hello!
I have a question do you know of any baby gates that have like codes to unlock them? Like that of a locker? Or even like a locking system. Not a locking system with a key though that is too much!
Thank you :)
Hello,
Any suggestions for baby gates that would work with a tri-level staircase? to the right of the front door we have two small flights of stairs that stem up and down from our main living area (to the left is an open floor plan with kitchen, dinning area and tv room.
Thanks!
I need a gate that would fit an opening about 24 inches wide. All I am finding is the standard 26 inches. Can you recommend a gate for me that I can put at the top of a 2 stair that leads to a landing that goes either outside or to my basement. Thank you.
Hi, we are currently renting and our landlord will not let us drill holes. Are there any baby gates we can put on the top of the stairs (wall to wall, not pillar style) without drilling any holes? I’m assuming we would need a pressure mounted one but I’m worried it is not secure enough if our baby leans on it.
Do you have any suggestions for a walk through pressure mounted gate for outside? The location doesn’t allow for hardware mounting. Bricks on one side and siding on the other. Thanks!
I am having a horrible time with gates and an extra smart and extra big girl for her age! My 2 1/2 year old is 39″ tall and has figured out how to open 3 different style gates now! I have not tried an extra tall one yet because they are so spendy and I fear she will be able to open that as well! Any suggestions for me? We only use a gate at the kitchen as the back entrance to the house has crazy stairs and goes out to the pool and high traffic area; and she’s just too curious still to be in the kitchen! I’m so frusterated!
Hi! Can you tell me which gate (for the top of the stairs) would be the most quiet when opening and closing? Our stairs are right beside the kids’ bedrooms. And it would need to be one that comes with an extension because our stairs are wide.
Thanks!!
Hi. Hoping I’ll get an answer because this post (fantastic, btw) is over a year old. I am looking for a bottom of stairs tension mount gate. It would go between the newel post of our bannister and the wall. I’d really hate to drill into my brand new newel post and also lose the option of removing the gate. I’d love to order the North States Supergate Easy Close right now. THE ISSUE: this gate will rest on top of our first step, so a threshold bar would be somewhat hazardous and very annoying. I can’t find a swing open tension mount gate without a threshold! Help!
I’m having the hardest time finding a hardware mounted baby gate with a pet door. Do these exist?
Yes, this! Need a wall mounted one for the top of the stairs, but need a cat door in in since the litter box is downstairs. Been looking everywhere with no luck :(
What do you suggest for stairs with wrap-around spindles at the bottom? Wall doesn’t start until about 4 steps up.
Hi can you please advise the best baby gate for my situation.
I have a circular staircase and it doesnt have any rails on one side until the 4th step. But does have a wall on the other side.
I can send a pic if this helps describe the staircase any better.
Your advice will be greatly appreciated. As im at al loss
What an incredibly thorough research job and so clearly communicated! Amazing article.
I’m rushing to pick a gate to go from wall to wall 14-15 feet (straight line fine, or ideally a flexible shape) to keep my small dog (he’s like 17″ tall from head top to paw bottom when standing) in tiled kitchen only and off carpet. So I can apply to any job instead of just ones that allow my dog or are walking distance away. Without any worries of carpet potty, leash-tangling or cage. So this gate is a life-changing choice for me as a job-seeker!
So based on your article am thinking only one 14-15′ wide is North States Super Yard 3-in-1…or Regalo 192″ Play Yard…except do really wish they were taller than 30″…and really hope they have a gate to walk through. Or maybe Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall can be 14-15′ wide?
Will look at those 3 closer. Happy to hear any advice!
Hi !
I have two sets of cement stairs outside (leading to the basement) with a wrought iron fence/railing. Do you have any suggestions for a gate at the top of these stairs?
Thanks!
Hi! Your article is amazing! However, I have a problem and I have been unable to find a solution. My parents have a mounted baby gate at the top of their stairs that swings open both over the stairs and over the landing. Their is only one place to mount it due to the banister on one side and wall on the other. The room then opens up to a large open floor plan. Is their a product to add to the gate to stop it from swinging over the stairs?
Great, thorough article. Have you come across any shorter baby gates that still has a door? At the bottom of our stairs there is a large hand rail leaving just 24 inches of room. While we could do some of the large format options you describe in an L shape, it isn’t ideal. Before we go that route, have you come across many “extra short” options?
I am having trouble finding an outdoor baby gate that will attach to stucco and a plastic? Separating wall any suggestions I live in an apartment upstairs but the entrance leading to our front door has a spacious Patio I would really like to find a secure gate please help
HELP! I have a cabin in the mountains. I have stairs going up and down next to each other. The stairs going up has a big window against the wall and the stairs going down only have the banister. What would you recommend for such a situation? I have a young toddler with a disability.
Do I need a baby gate at the top of stairs if there is a door at the top of the stairs?
Hi! I already purchased a gate for the top and bottom of my stairs before I read your recommendations. I wish I would have seen this website before hand. Anyway… Our gates have a metal bar that goes across the bottom that you have to step over or uncomfortably step on. Do you know of anything that is made to cover that so that it’s easier to step on or not trip over?
We are looking for a baby gate for the top of the stairs but with a pet door. We also want a gate without the bar along the floor so there’s no tripping hazards and are not pressure gates. We have not been able to find such a gate. I thought I’d see what you may be able to recommend.
At this point we are planning on putting in the gate we bought but it doesn’t have a pet door. We’re planning on raising the gate enough off the floor so that the cats can slide underneath it.
Recommendations? I have enjoyed reading your other recommendations and comments. Thank YOU for being AWESOME!
I’m looking for a sturdy baby gate that is extra tall like the Dreambaby Chelsea Extra Tall– but the door opening that I need to gate is 20″ wide (pretty narrow). Any ideas for a narrow, tall, and strudy gate for a climbing toddler.
Thanks!
My stairway at the top of the stairs opens Into a wide space With no way to mount inside a frame so I would need a front mounted baby gate if that makes sense. The 192″ one looked like it would mount from the front but it is so long. Any suggestions?
Hi There,
Great article! I’m looking for an extra wide (to 8ft) and extra tall (for super spider-man climber), with walk-through.
Do you have any recommendations?
Thank you in advance.
Alysia
I have a strange situation. The bottom of my staircase is a newel post and the other side is a glass picture window that nearly goes to the floor. NO WALL to mount the gate to. What do you recommend?
I absolutely love the Summer Infant Deco Baby Gate! I bought it last month and it was very easy to put up. It definitely looks more expensive than it actually is. A friend of mine gave me a gate she wasn’t using and my son figured out how to open it., so we decided to buy this one. So far he hasn’t figured it out.
Thanks for your feedback, Karen! Happy to hear you chose the Summer Infant Deco Baby Gate. It does look very nice for a reasonable price.
Very informative article! I never knew there were so many different kinds of baby gates. I decided to go with the North States Supergate “Easy Close” Metal Gate because I really didn’t want to have to put any holes in the walls. It has a great locking system and is easy enough to open with one hand.
Thanks, Michelle for your awesome feedback! I’m happy you chose the North States Metal Gate. They do make a very nice baby gate.
I have a very large staircase at the bottom and wasn’t sure how to block it. I saw the Regalo 192-Inch play yard and decided to buy it. It fits perfectly and I can also make it into an eight-panel play yard. It connects easily and with this, I didn’t have to mount anything to the wall.
Thanks, Stacey for your great feedback. I’m glad you chose the Regalo Play yard. It’s especially nice not to have to put any holes in the walls.