As a new parent, you’re doing everything possible to make sure that your infant’s first years of life is happy, healthy, and safe. From the bottles that you buy to the crib that you invest in, everything that has to do with your little one needs to be the best quality.
A baby item that many parents consider to be of utmost importance is a baby gate. From keeping your crawler from tumbles down stairs to keeping the curious toddler from waddling into the kitchen, a gate is necessary.
The best baby safety gate can allow your infant freedom to crawl and explore while helping you to prevent accidents. Older babies or newly mobile toddlers tend to go anywhere and everywhere once they discover their new freedom and having a way to keep danger zones blocked off is highly important.
With several different options to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you and yours? The following baby gate reviews will help to give you an idea of what is available. You can choose the one that is within your budget range, that provides the features you want, and one that fits perfectly in different spaces.
Our Top 10 Best Baby Gate Recommendations
| Product | Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|
#1 - 1 – KidCo Safety Gate
 | Durable
| 5.0 stars out of 5 |
#2 - Evenflo Soft and Wide
 | Machine Washable
| 4.5 stars out of 5 |
#3 - Easy Swing & Lock Gate
 | Attractive Design
| 4.0 stars out of 5 |
Table of Contents
- Our Top 10 Best Baby Gate Recommendations
- 1. 1 – KidCo Safety Gate
- 2. Evenflo Soft and Wide
- 3. Easy Swing & Lock Gate
- 4. Munchkin Easy Close
- 5. Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate
- 6. Summer Infant Deluxe
- 7. Regalo Top Of Stairs Expandable Metal Gate
- 8. Summer Infant Multi-Use Deco Extra Tall
- 9. Evenflo Easy Walk Thru Top Of Stairs
- 10. Deluxe Décor Gate
- What Features You Need To Focus On
- Width/Adjustments
- Material
- Installation
- Design
- Latch
- Conclusion
1. 1 – KidCo Safety Gate
The KidCo Safeway Gate allows for easy, one-hand opening which is important for safe use. With a quick-release hardware function, you can move it one from area to another. It has a directional stop, so you don’t swing it out over the stairs. The hinge side hardware makes it unique from other products, as you can install it at an angle if need be.
Made from heavy-duty steel, you can trust that the KidCo is durable enough to withstand banging and pressure. Although its simple white finish may not be the most attractive design, its functionality is worth it. Its overall width is 43.5 making it wide enough for many larger spaces. It also includes a template for easily installation.
Pros:
- It has a sturdy build
- The KidCo fits in wide spaces
- It can be installed at an angle
- It has a wide opening
- It is made from strong materials
Cons:
- The latch is easy for older toddlers to figure out
- The included screws are flimsy and unreliable
2. Evenflo Soft and Wide
Not every gate is big enough for the wide spaces that you need them for. The Evenflo Soft and Wide allows for adjusting to be able to fit wide openings. What is unique about this Evenflo is its smooth and soft design. While other gates are made from wood and metal, this machine washable one helps to keep your child safe from bumps. It also helps you to keep it clean.
With neutral colors and style, it can look great in a variety of home interiors. You don’t need tools for installing this Evenflo as it has non-marring rubber bumpers. These bumpers also help to keep your home safe from damage. Other options require drilling holes or screwing in the gate to the wall, so this is a great feature. It’s highly affordable and is easy to move from one room to the next. It can fit doorways from 38 inches to 60 inches.
The mesh is transparent, so you can see your infant from another room. It can be used in different spaces and areas of your home.
Pros:
- The Evenflo is machine washable
- It is perfectly portable
- It is low-priced
- It is safe for infants and toddlers
- It fits in wide openings
Cons:
- It doesn’t open easily
- It may not be sturdy enough for older toddlers or pets
3. Easy Swing & Lock Gate
A simple option, the Easy Swing & Lock Gate does what its name implies. It adjusts to openings of 48” wide allowing for versatile use. The extra secure hardware mount means that when installed properly, it’s is reliable for stairway use. It doesn’t swing out over steps and it can self-lock.
For those who are afraid of tripping while carrying baby, there is no threshold bar on this gate. Its bronze finish makes it a classy-looking beauty that can easily match your home’s décor. While some people may want a more detailed infant stair barrier, the simple, minimalist design is attractive to many.
Its great price makes it a steal of a deal for those shopping on a budget for a reliable option for their little one’s safety. While the set-up takes a while, once installed correctly, you can depend on its stability.
Pros:
- It has a clean, attractive design
- It is sturdy and stable to last a long time
- It self-locks for added peace of mind
- It’s affordable
- It doesn’t have a bar at the bottom
Cons:
- It isn’t very easy to install
- You may need to use wall anchors for this option
4. Munchkin Easy Close
If you’re a parent who is looking for a drama-free, simple safety door, the Munchkin may be an ideal option. The push-and-close locking mechanism is simple to use and keeps infants and toddlers from getting through. It also has a dual-locking feature that allows the door to open outwards or inwards for easy use.
It can be pressure mounted for easy installation and fits up to 35” wide. You can also purchase extensions from Munchkin for this gate, if needed. It also includes wall anchors for added stability. The Munchkin Easy Close is the best pressure mounted baby gate.
Pros:
- The handle is very easy for parents to use
- It is easy to install and will only take a few minutes
- The gateway is nice and wide
- It is affordably priced to help with the budget
Cons:
- It closes loudly so make sure you are gentle at night time
- It has a lower bar that is easy to trip on
5. Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate
One thing that you can depend on from this Regalo option is that since its made from steel, it can stand up to a lot of use. Babies often like to make their safety gates a target for throwing toys, but the Regalo won’t give in to pressure. While this gate itself only opens up to 34”, it has an extension kit which makes it a viable option for doorways up to 40” wide.
For those who hate fussing with installation, the pressure mounts make it easy to move from place to place. With a lever handle, moms and dads can get through the gate quickly should the need arise. If you are using this option for your four-legged infants and not just baby, you’ll be happy to know that they won’t be able to chew through the metal construction.
Pros:
- It is a strong and durable option
- This Regalo is priced fairly
- The steel construction is ideal for pets
- It can be adjusted with the extension kit
- It has a pressure mount installation
Cons:
- The white color isn’t as attractive as other options
- The opening is narrow so it might be a squeeze
6. Summer Infant Deluxe
The beautiful antique finish on this oak gate lends a charming touch to a necessary infant product. It helps it to look good in nearly every home and with any décor. It allows for adjustment to up to 48” wide and can be used in doorways or staircases.
With a swing stop, you don’t have to worry about the gate swinging out towards the stairs. This provides added protection for your infant and for you. The comfort grip handle allows for opening with one hand but is still complicated enough to prevent curious munchkins from getting through. If you are looking for one for pets, this may not be the best, as they may chew on it.
It can be hardware mounted and comes with a Precision Fit template which allows for measurement-free installation. Best of all, this best walk through baby gate is offered at an amazing price.
Pros:
- It is an attractive product that will suit any home
- The Summer Infant is highly affordable
- It doesn’t have a bottom bar
- It can fit in wide openings
- It’s easy for parents to open bit not your kids
Cons:
- Installation of the Summer Infant is complicated
- It is flimsier than some other options
7. Regalo Top Of Stairs Expandable Metal Gate
This option is considered to be the best baby gate for stairs in many households. With it specifically designed for stairway use, you can depend on it for stair safety. Unlike some options, the Regalo includes a kit for mounting it to the wall or banister and it also comes with a stable stopper in the middle.
The Regalo has a wider gate opening than other options, so it’s easy to fit through it while carrying things. As a completely white option, it may clash with your décor, but fortunately it does a great job of keeping your child safe. Many would think it is the best stair gate on the market for an affordable price.
Best of all, the Regalo Top of Stairs has been deemed safe by JPMA and passes ASTM standards. It’s also PVC free, so you can be sure that you’re using a safe product for your little one.
Pros:
- It has a durable steel build
- It can be adjusted to fit different openings
- It is highly affordable
- The Regalo is lightweight enough for easy portability
- It’s probably the best baby gate for bottom of stairs or top
Cons:
- The latch is tricky to handle at first
- It is difficult to install, so make sure you take your time
8. Summer Infant Multi-Use Deco Extra Tall
Metal gates are fast becoming popular in the world of infant safety. Whether it’s because they look good or because they are highly reliable, you may want to consider the Summer Infant for your home. It can fit openings up to 48” wide, making it ideal for doorway use. It’s also taller than most options, for added safety. This is especially beneficial if you have pets or adventurous toddlers who like to “explore.”
It has a dual-locking mechanism and it automatically closes after you’ve walked through so you can be sure it closes, should you forget. It has a removable door stopper which is convenient for stair use and also allows it to swing inwards, instead of outwards over the stair.
The bronze metal finish gives it a classy look and helps it to look great almost anywhere. Best of all, it’s offered at a great price.
Pros:
- It looks good and will suit any home design
- The Summer Infant can fit in wide doorways
- It has a C to last for years to come
- The lock is easy to open with one hand
- It is easy to adjust width and placement
Cons:
- The latch needs to be set just right to work properly
- The opening is a bit too narrow
9. Evenflo Easy Walk Thru Top Of Stairs
A one-hand release handle makes this easy for parents to get through, but a bit too difficult for your toddler to figure out. It also has swing stop and can swing in either direction. To help you be sure that it’s completely safe, there is a green/red lock indicator for extra peace of mind.
Because of the unique way the lock functions, it requires a certain level of weight and pressure. This means that your little one won’t be able to get through, no matter how adventurous or skilful they may be.
While it isn’t the easiest to install, once you have it in place, its sturdy build is durable and reliable. What you may appreciate about this option is the fact that there’s no bottom bar for you to trip over. The Evenflo isn’t as fancy as some options, but it is one of the best baby gates for staircase use. With a soft neutral color, you don’t have to worry about it being an eyesore with your home’s décor.
Pros:
- It has a simple release handle for easy opening
- It has a sturdy, durable build and won’t break easily
- The Evenflo is very affordable to not break the budget
- It has a neutral color to match any decor
- There is no bottom bar which means it’s less like to trip you up
Cons:
- It is difficult to install
- The safety latch tends to get loose over time
10. Deluxe Décor Gate
One of the best features that you can find in baby safety barrier is its ability to adjust to a variety of openings. The Deluxe Décor Gate can be placed in spaces that measure 38.3 to 72 inches wide. Because of this, you can use it in several different places to keep your little one from exploring the off-limit areas. Its classic aesthetics help it to combine well with your home’s décor and set-up.
The heavy-duty metal build keeps it from getting damaged easily and the matte bronze finish gives it a charming look. Its gateway is 25.5 inches, so you can fit a stroller or other items through its opening. For added protection, it has a baby-proof safety latch on both ends.
As functional and beneficial as this product is, it’s available at a great price which makes it the best wide baby gate around. If what you’re looking for is an attractive, quality, and functional gate, this is it.
Pros:
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Cons:
- It isn’t portable like other options
- The Deluxe isn’t very easy to install
What Features You Need To Focus On
With a safety gate being one of the most important items that you will invest in, at the start of parenthood, you will want a good one. How do you know what works best and what features to look for? If this is your first time buying one, you may feel overwhelmed. The following features are important both for safety and overall satisfaction.
Width/Adjustments
You may want to use a gate, not only for staircases, but also to keep your little one in a safe area while you’re in the kitchen or nearby. This may mean that you need a wide product that can create the barrier you need. When shopping, it’s best to find one that is versatile in how wide it can go, or at least one that offers the ability to invest in extensions. Look for an option that allows as many adjustments as you may think you need.
Material
When shopping for the best baby gate, there are some things to consider about the material. If you are looking for one for pets and babies, you may find that wood isn’t the best choice—as pretty as it is. Metal or steel is a good choice, as it offers durability and your dog won’t be able to chew on. It also does a good job at holding up, even against toddlers swinging their toys at it. You also want to avoid items with PVC materials and also look for ASTM and JPMA certificates when shopping.
Installation
There can be nothing more frustrated then trying to get your new baby barrier set up, only to find that it seems impossible to install. Make sure to find an option that includes detailed instructions or buy one that is pressure mounted. These are usually much easier to install. They aren’t everyone’s preference, as many feel they are easy to knock down, but when installed correctly, are just as sturdy as hardware mounted ones.
Design
From detailed metal work to simple mesh and rubber designs, there are as many variations in designs as there are babies. Consider your needs when shopping and what matters to you. If aesthetics and combining with décor are absolute musts, you may want to consider one that has a bronze finish or an arch at the gate. If functionality is more important, look for one that offers the features that you must have in this product.
Latch
This may the most important feature of all as a latch that doesn’t work on a baby gate makes it worthless. You want to find one that is easy for you to open, even with one hand, but that your toddler won’t be able to figure out. Some handles or easy-release while others require you to push a button and pull and push.
What matters more than anything is that it is a durable design. You could find the perfect one but if it stops working in just a few months, you may have to buy a new product. Also, latches that require some kind of pressure are a good idea. They can work with parent’s weight, but not an infant’s or toddler’s.
Conclusion
From design to material, there are several things to consider when shopping for a baby gate. Take your time on this product, as it is one of the most important items for keeping your child safe. Determine where you will need it before you buy it, so you can be sure that you find one that fits the space perfectly. Decide if you want one that looks beautiful or if you want it to have the perfect latch. When you find one that offers both, you’ve hit the jackpot of baby products.
Remember, your infant’s safety is worth the effort of trying to find the perfect option for your home and needs. The above top ten products are affordable options while offering excellent quality. From fancy designs to minimalist looks, there is something for everyone in our baby gate reviews
