Best Baby Gates

A child is a force of nature onto themselves, and when they learn to walk and run, they will surprise even the most veteran of parents with just how much trouble they can get into. As much as we wish our children to be free, there are some places in a home that they just shouldn’t get to explore quite yet: stairs, rooms with sensitive electronics, or even when you simply need to contain their fiery energy at times. Whether you’re a parent yourself, or have a frequent visitor with a child, having a baby gate on hand can ensure the little one’s safety. Let’s explore the top five best baby gates and see what they can do for you.

BEST OVERALL | Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate

Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate

High-traffic areas in homes can be troublesome when it comes to wrangling the youngest family member, and fighting with a traditional baby gate can often become more work than convenience. With Regalo’s Easy Step Walk Thru Gate, not only are you looking at an option with durability and strength, but also an attractive, unobtrusive design that allows easy adult access down a hall or into a frequently used room like a nursery. Adjustable for openings between 29” and 39”, the all-steel construction can be mounted via pressure for a temporary set-up, or wall-mounted as a more permanent fixture. The easy-open gate lever features a safety latch for one-touch operation, so when you’re carrying the littlest one, you don’t have to fight your gate. Reclaim your hallway and your freedom with little effort. The Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate has an MSRP of $32.00, but check the current Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate – Amazon price here.

BEST DESIGN | Regalo Home Accents Extra Tall Walk Thru Gate

Regalo Home Accents Extra Tall Walk Thru Gate

For an attractive baby gate that doesn’t interrupt your home’s decor and still functions as a solid, well-designed safety tool, Regalo hits the high points again with their Home Accents Extra Tall Walk Thru Gate. It features an easy-open gate that latches shut with just a touch of pressure, so you don’t have to worry if all you have is a hip to nudge it closed. The extra height, standing 37” at the top bar, allows for those adventurous children that discover climbing early. The black steel construction means long-lasting durability and stability, while still offering both pressure- and wall-mounted options for openings between 29” and 44” wide. Attractive cherry wood accents allow for a touch of fashion with the staunch functionality and, should you need them, 4” and 6” matching extensions are included. For an option that marries style with function, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better option. The Regalo Home Accents Extra Tall Walk Thru Gate has an MSRP of $79.99, but check the current Regalo Home Accents Extra Tall Walk Thru Gate – Amazon price here.

EASIEST TO USE | Summer Infant Retractable Gate

Summer Infant Retractable Gate

When extended, the wall-mounted Retractable Gate by Summer Infant is an excellently simple design that allows for the full width of your doorway or opening to remain available to you until such a time as you need to corral the little one. The strong mesh prevents ingress or egress without allowing climbing handholds, while the silver satin finish will blend into any home decor with ease. The Retractable Gate can be used at the top of the stairs or between rooms, and features a simple locking lever, preventing accidental deployment. Standing at 30” high, the gate can fit any opening up to 50”, making this an excellent option for any home. This innovative alternative to the traditional baby gate ensures that you’ll have full freedom of movement as needed at the touch of a lever, with little hardware to fight. The baseboard installation kit is included free. If you’re a homeowner that frequently entertains family members and their children, or have a few specific, recurring events that require a baby gate, this might just be your perfect fit. The Summer Infant Retractable Gate has an MSRP of $89.99, but check the current Summer Infant Retractable Gate – Amazon price here.

MOST VERSATILE | Safety 1st Pressure Mount Lift, Lock and Swing Gate

Safety 1st Pressure Mount Lift, Lock and Swing Gate

Safety 1st came up with a great option in the Pressure Mount Lift, Lock and Swing Gate, designed to be convenient for one handed use. When you’re carrying the little one or an armful of laundry, you need only lift the rounded handle to release the pressure and swing the gate open (when wall-mounted), giving you the full width of the opening to pass through. When pressure-mounted, the simple lift removes the gate entirely, allowing it to be replaced as necessary or removed for storage when not needed. Pack it up in the back of the car when visiting family or friends, and simply pop it into place once you arrive. The heavy-duty plastic design allows for a clear, visible barrier that even the smallest child cannot slide or climb through. An excellent option for preventing tumbles down stairs or for easy travel when visiting family for holidays, the Safety 1st Pressure Mount Lift, Lock and Swing Gate has an MSRP of $39.99, but check the current Safety 1st Pressure Mount Lift, Lock and Swing Gate – Amazon price here.

BARGAIN BUY | Evenflo Position and Lock Wood Gate

Evenflo Position and Lock Wood Gate

Quick and easy installation and traditional design are the hallmarks of the Evenflo Position and Lock Wood Gate. You might recognize this gate from your younger years, as it has been a favorite of many over time. The pressure-mount design features rubber bumpers that won’t mark your walls while still providing a firm, custom fit to resist pushing, and requires no tools to install. Simply measure, lock, and leave the baby gate in place to prevent wandering adventurers from getting where they shouldn’t be. The locking bar prevents tampering by even determined toddlers, and the wood is easily marked for easy reference if you frequently move the gate from room to room. Standing at 23” tall, this gate fits openings between 26” to 42”. This is an excellent choice for a family that has a room or stairway that needs to be restricted constantly and won’t see a lot of foot traffic. Available in Tan, Pink, and Blue, Evenflo continues a tradition of classic design that is still popular today. The Evenflo Position and Lock Wood Gate has an MSRP of $19.56, but check the current Evenflo Position and Lock Wood Gate – Amazon price here.

BOTTOM LINE

Laundry room, stairs, or tech cave, there are some places where the precious one shouldn’t be, and these baby gates are the best first step to keeping them safe and sound. No matter what your needs, there’s a baby gate that will do the job well. Traveling doesn’t need to be a struggle, and high-traffic areas can remain so without any great effort. One of these gates do the job, and do it well, no matter if you’re raising a runner, climber, or the next great explorer! And while we’re on the topic of safety, check out our Best Baby Monitors right here!