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Jan 19, 2024

Best Baby Gates 2023

There are few things more terrifying to a parent than seeing their kid take a

There are few things more terrifying to a parent than seeing their kid take a dangerous tumble down the stairs. The best baby gates allow us to keep kids away from stairwells and other danger zones in the home, while offering adults and older children the freedom to move around as needed. A baby gate is an essential safety item for your little one. Our top pick for the best baby gate is the Safety 1st Ready To Install Baby Gate for its ease of use, wide berth and ability to be installed just about anywhere.

The best baby gates keep babies away from dangerous stairwells and other dangers in the home.

Baby gates come in a range of types, styles and price points, with some designed to blend into your décor and others meant to block off the trickiest spots like the top of the stairs.

Overall, you’ll want to "always make sure the type of gate you buy fits and will last the time the gate is needed and rated for," says child-proofing expert Alex Lund, founder of SafetyNook. He recommends gates that are members of the American Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association's (JPMA) certification program, and if your budget allows, Lund says a new baby gate is better than a used hand-me-down. "Secondhand gates can be missing parts or have recalls in the past," he points out.

Ready to add a little more safety and security to your home for your little one? Consider the best baby gate options below to help you breathe a little easier. After reading this article, you might want to see more of our baby safety gear favorites, including the best tested baby monitors, best baby thermometers and the best white noise machines for babies.

Amazon

Dimensions: 42 x 2.25 x 30 inches | Mount type: Hardware | Closure: Latch | JPMA certification: Yes

It's difficult to find a baby gate to use everywhere. Pressure-mounted gates can tip over and create a fall hazard at the top of stairs, for example. But you can use the Safety 1st gate anywhere you have walls. The gate is hardware-mounted, so it's not going anywhere, whether you use it on stairs or in other areas that you want to block off. It also has a no-threshold design—meaning, there's no bar across the bottom to otherwise create a tripping hazard. It's also JPMA-certified, and has an arm you can move up and down to dictate which way the gate swings.

My husband and I installed this gate on our stairs after our baby started crawling sooner than expected, and I really appreciate the design. We can get in and out with no problems, including our older children, while the 7-month-old remains safely contained. The gate easily adjusts to fit a range of doorways and entryways, from 29 to 42 inches in width.

What the reviews say: While the Safety 1st gate isn't the cheapest option out there, many parents say it's worth the cost. "I wish I bought this sooner but I tried cheaper gates that were incredibly frustrating," one wrote. "This is absolutely worth it. Saves time and money and is actually easy to install." Others rave about how sturdy it is: "The baby stands up and shakes the gate and it doesn't budge."

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Amazon

Dimensions: 47 x 1 x 30 inches | Mount type: Pressure | Closure: Top and bottom latch | JPMA certification: Yes

My family has been using this Regalo baby gate at the bottom of our stairs and to block off our playroom for years, and it's held up incredibly well. The gate is pressure-mounted, making it easy to get a snug fit, whether it's set up between two walls or a doorway. There's also an extensive kit to add an extra four or 12 inches, just in case you need extra space. This metal gate is easy to wipe clean in case of accidental spills or a rogue toddler with a marker. It also just looks chic. I like that the gate has a latch at the top and bottom to keep the entire area secure, and it's JPMA-certified. At less than $50, this gate fits within most budgets.

What the reviews say: People repeatedly talk about how easy this gate is to install and adjust, and I can confirm that, too. "Within five minutes, I had this thing tightened up and installed just fine," said a five-star reviewer. "The swinging gate works like a champ and the locking mechanism is easy to use." Chimed in another: "The handle/locking mechanism is easy to use and very manageable using it one-handed."

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Amazon

Dimensions: 40 x 30.5 inches | Mount type: Hardware | Closure: Trigger latch | JPMA certification: Yes

This baby gate from Munchkin means serious business. It's made of aluminum for a sturdy feel, and, due to its hardware mount and lack of a bottom bar, it works great at the top of the stairs. Pre-set index positions and an integrated tuning system allow you to adjust your gate to a just-right fit, even when the walls aren't level. A double-locking system on the handle helps you get in and out with ease, but is tricky for younger children to navigate. It swings open in either direction and the width adjusts from 26.5 to 40 inches to create a just-right fit. It is pricey but includes a limited one-year warranty.

What the reviews say: Impressive durability comes up a lot with reviewers of this beefy baby gate. "It's been seven years since I bought this gate. Two children and two moves later, it's still strong," shared one. "Considering how many of our baby items have been demolished over the years, this gate was well worth the extra cost up front." Shared another happy customer: "It is SUPER sturdy and durable."

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Amazon

Dimensions: 55 x 33 inches | Mount type: Hardware | Closure: Double-locking button | JPMA certification: No

A retractable baby gate closes off an area of your home when you need and you can roll it up when you don't. This option from Momcozy is made from a sturdy mesh. It's also easy to use: Just press the button to lock it in place and push the button when you want to unlock it. It can all be done one-handed—a nice perk, since you’ll probably have a baby in the other. Choose from black, cream, gray and white shades to match your decor. You can also choose from among several widths for this baby gate, including this 55-inch one or a 71-inch one, as well as taller version of the gate at 41-inches tall.

What the reviews say: There are a lot of repeat gate purchasers who ended up with the Momcozy. "I've used a lot of different gates and this design is probably the best," said one. "I really like that it rolls up and gets out of the way when not needed." Shared a fellow fan: "Love how when not in use it takes up very little space."

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Amazon

Dimensions: 52 x 2.1 x 30 inches | Mount type: Pressure | Closure: Triple-locking system | JPMA certification: No

Got a wide doorway or hall you need to block off? This Toddleroo baby gate can extend up from 30 to 52 inches wide with the help of three extensions. The gate has an auto-close feature and secures easily with a push. The gate is pressure-mounted and goes up easily with tension knobs that you can twist for a perfect fit. It also looks nice thanks to a graphite and wood finish. Another nice perk: The gate swings both ways for your convenience.

What the reviews say: The automatic closure is a big hit with parents. "Love how it automatically closes behind you with minimal effort," said a happy customer. "Easy to open and easy to install!" Others raved about the two-way swinging gate: "Love the convenience that the gate opens both ways."

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The Home Depot

Dimensions: 42.5 x 2 x 30 inches | Mount type: Hardware | Closure: One-handed latch | JPMA certification: No

If you have an outdoor deck with stairs, you may want to install a baby gate to keep crawling babies and toddling, well, toddlers safe. This Cardinal Gates option is designed for the outdoors thanks to a powder-coated finish that can stand up to the elements; it's rated as rustproof, too. The gate has a latch you can secure (and open) one-handed, along with a stop bracket to keep it from swinging open over stairs—a potential safety hazard. This particular gate offers 10.5- and 21.75-inch extenders, allowing you to secure a wide area, from 27 to 42.5 inches in width. Choose from white, black or brown shades.

What the reviews say: Reviewers repeatedly say that the latch takes a little time to figure out, but that this gate is sturdy and effective. "The catch on it is a little tricky, but this gate does the job and also looks nice," said a happy customer. "Looks great in place and very pleased with the quality," shared another.

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Home Depot

Dimensions: 42.5 x 2 x 29.5 inches | Mount type: Hardware | Closure: Latch | JPMA certification: No

In a perfect world, you’d install your baby gate in a symmetrical area. In reality, sometimes you need to close off spots that are a little tricky. This Cardinal Gates option has wall mounts that angle up to 30 degrees to allow you to put a barrier in tough spaces. It offers a one-handed latch system to get in and out easily, while baffling your little one. Made of metal, this gate has powder coating to prevent rusting and extends from 27 to 42.5 inches in width.

What the reviews say: Parents with tricky spaces say this is the gate to use, especially at the top of the stairs or in other doorways. "Easy to install with clear directions. The gate is secure and sturdy, which is what we needed for the top of the stairs," wrote one. Another five-star review offered: "Great gate! Easy to install and use. Much safer to use than gates that have a bar that stays in the doorway even when the gate is open. This gate completely swings out of the way when open."

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Safety 1st

Dimensions: 42 x 2 x 24 inches | Mount type: Pressure | Closure: Middle latch | JPMA certification: No

This Safety 1st gate adjusts to fit doorways and openings between 28 and 42 inches wide, and locks into place with a pressure-mounted latch. The whole thing goes up easily without any tools. Simply adjust it to the desired width and lock it into place. While it may be annoying to open the full gate (there's not a walk-through option here) for daily use at home, this lightweight (barely 4 pounds) and affordable baby gate offers a solid safety net during a visit to the grandparents’ house. It's non-marring bumpers protect your in-laws’ walls from getting scratched or scuffed. The durable bamboo frame helps this gate stand up to years of repeat use—something I can attest to. This gate has protected my kids from tumbles down the stairs at my parents’ house for nearly a decade.

What the reviews say: This gate's sturdiness and movability is a big pro with owners. "Most sturdy gate I have experienced," shared one fan. "Install was easy, and very easy to lock." Others say it's easy enough for adults to step over, in case you don't feel like fastening and unfastening the gate. "The height is good. I have no problem stepping over it multiple times a day," said a five-star reviewer.

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Amazon

Dimensions: 7.3 x 29.5 x 38.4 inches | Mount type: Hardware | Closure: Clip-on | JPMA certification: No

Sometimes you just need to keep baby contained while you get through something important, like cooking dinner. This adorable expandable baby gate from Skip Hop allows you to create a 20-square-foot movable baby-proof area to give you a minute without stressing that your little one is up to no good. It features six mesh panels emblazoned with a cloud print, that allow you and your child to see each other. There's also a detachable clip-on play surface that baby can play with while they’re inside. Getting in and out is a breeze thanks to a hinged door panel you can open with one hand.

What the reviews say: Parents are big fans of how soft the mesh panels are on little ones’ delicate heads. "My rambunctious child kept banging her head on the colorful plastic play pen panels I initially purchased," one shared, before calling this gate, "the best thing ever invented." A fellow fan pointed out that it's also easy to clean. "My son got to his lotion and smeared it all over the mesh and it wasn't a hassle to clean up," they said.

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Amazon

Dimensions: 33 x 55 inches | Mount type: Hardware | Closure: Latch | JPMA certification: No

Hallways can be tricky spots to cordon off and, in a perfect world, you’d have something that's easy to slide open and shut on demand. The EasyBaby retractable gate screws into the wall and rolls back into a petite package when it's not in use, so you don't have to constantly work your way around a bulky gate. It comes highly recommended by our updates editor who is mom to a toddler. One-handed operation—just push and turn the latch clockwise to unlock it—allows for easy maneuvering as needed. The gate's mesh fabric also provides just enough give that baby won't hurt his head in case of accidental collisions.

What the reviews say: Shoppers repeatedly rave about how diminutive this gate is when it's not in use. "When open, it does a very good job of nearly disappearing into the background," one said. Shared another: "It is very sturdy, easy to install and use ."

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A baby gate is an important safety tool for your home, and that's why it's so important to get the right device from the start. To choose the best baby gates, we spoke to parents for their top picks and pored over online reviews of the bestselling gates. We also tapped into our own experience as parents, using a number of these baby gates in our homes, such as my top pick: Safety 1st Ready To Install Baby Gate. I also interviewed several pediatricians and safety experts to determine the best features to look for and then considered the types of doorways and stairwells parents need to gate. From there, I considered elements such as safety features, ease of use and, of course, cost. This article is also regularly updated and reviewed for accuracy. It was last updated in February 2023.

Experts say the answer is typically: yes. "If there are areas your child can get into that you don't want them to, you need a baby gate," says Gina Posner, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. Those areas usually include stairways or rooms that aren't properly baby- or toddler-proofed, adds Gary Reschak, a pediatrician at Northwestern Medicine at McHenry Hospital. Still, he points out, a baby gate is "not infallible and is not a substitute for parental supervision."

It depends. There are a lot of excellent baby gates on the market and a lot of what makes a gate the "best" comes down to your personal needs in terms of your child, and also the particular area that you’re trying to block off from baby. From my personal experience with several baby gates in different homes, the Safety 1st Ready to Install Baby Gate is the best. It's sturdy and easy to use—and can go at the top of stairs as well as in other areas of your home. It's also JPMA-certified, a highly suggested certification to look for, according to Lund of SafetyNook.

Think about your personal needs, along with where you’ll be using the gate in your home. "That will depend on the setup in a house—do the parents want pressure-mounted gates that are self-closing, and always stays closed, or prefer a more open home with a gate that can be left open when a toddler is not around, and maybe a pet needs access?" Lund says. Consider if the gate should be easily removed (like when you visit the grandparents), how large a space you’ll need and whether you’ll use it outdoors, he says.

Reschak also says your gate needs "to be secure enough that toddlers cannot manage to operate the locks on them."

At the top of the stairs, it's best to use a gate that attaches to the wall, Posner says. "You don't want the baby to push it down," she points out. Reschak agrees. "A toddler can dislodge [pressure-mounted] gates with enough momentum," he says.