Play DeFense with These Kiddie-Corralling Gates
Vote for the Best Baby Gate
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As your little ones begin to explore the world around them, maintaining a safe environment becomes a top priority. Baby gates are an essential tool for safeguarding your baby and preventing access to off-limit areas of your home like stairs and fireplaces. We’ve pulled together a list of some of the best and most popular baby gates based on their functionality, installation/assembly, stability, ease of use, and style. If you already have a gate on our list that you use to corral your little explorer, then vote for your favorite below!
Best Baby Gate of 2024 Nominees
Baby Delight Span Expandable Folding Gate
This JPMA-certified expandable gate comes in three sizes and is great for families who travel. It collapses to fit into its own carrying bag and requires no extenders or tools to install (pressure mounted). The gate is composed of a see-through mesh wall and a fabric frame that conceals the handles for a cleaner look.
Cardinal Gates Stairway Special Gate (SS-30)
While this may be billed as a pet gate, the Stairway Special is JPMA certified with a toddler-proof latch that still allows for one-hand operation. Specifically designed for the top of stairs, its sturdy lightweight frame can be used anywhere. The door swings in both directions but includes an optional stop bracket to prevent opening over stairs. Bonus: it’s one of the few gates without a trip bar.
Cumbor Baby Gate (29.5-40.6")
This straightforward self-closing option from Cumbor offers a wider opening (23.6 inches) than many gates. It can be pressure or hardware mounted and is built to withstand 150-pound impact. It includes handy features like two-way swing, a lock-open option for when you’re going back and forth, and single-hand operation.
Dreambaby Nottingham 2 In 1 Gro-Gate
This solid wood gate helps amp up your farmhouse vibe, and with hardware and pressure mounting options and an extender-free range of up to 41 inches, it boasts some versatility too. When the hardware is mounted, the door can swing in both directions. With either option, the door swings wide, and you can operate the latch with one hand.
Evenflo Barn Door Walk-Thru Baby Gate
This stylish option provides your home with a solid, durable safety gate and a touch of farmhouse chic. You can operate the latch with one hand. The dual-swing, self-closing door can be locked or allowed to swing freely. Safety features include a color indicator that signals when the gate is locked and a door stopper that prevents the gate from opening out over stairs.
Munchkin Loft Baby Gate
A sleek, modern aluminum gate, the Loft from Munchkin comes at a higher price point but provides a durable option with secure hardware mounting (though it has a quick release for easy take-down). Its width adjusts to fit openings 26.5 to 40 inches, and it can account for uneven walls with its Integrated Tuning System. Gate features also include a dual-swing door with a double-lock handle and no trip bar.
Perma Child Safety Easy Fit Retractable Baby Gate
This retractable gate comes in three different sizes (as well as multipacks), and the see-through mesh comes in a range of colors. You can mount the gate indoors or outdoors since it can be attached to wood or brick. The gate features a toddler-proof three-function lock with a quick-unlock option.
Qdos Crystal Clear Acrylic Gate - Pressure Mount
A prime example of "pretty proofing," this stylish gate is both JPMA and ASTM certified and replete with understated contemporary style. Composed of a professional-grade transparent acrylic panel, this 30.3-inch-tall gate keeps your baby safe without disrupting your home’s aesthetic. A glow strip at the bottom alerts you to the gate’s presence in the dark, and a color-indicator latch clarifies whether the gate is closed.
Qdos
Qdos Extending Safegate
Perfect for top-of-stairs installation, the Qdos Extending Safegate offers hardware mounting, sturdy construction and no trip bar. The entire gate swings for a wide passage, and a one-way stop prevents it from opening over the stairs. It also goes above and beyond North American safety standards. Of course, you can also mount the gate in other locations with an opening of 25.6 to 40.9 inches.
Qdos
Regalo Easy Step Safety Gate
Both JPMA and ASTM certified, this lightweight but durable gate can be either hardware or pressure mounted. You can adjust each spindle rod separately for a secure fit, even on uneven walls or surfaces. The gate comes with a six-inch extension and offers a price point that families will find affordable.
Regalo Baby
Regalo Super Wide Baby Gate and Play Yard
A great option for homes with an open floor plan or angled/uneven areas, this versatile gate can span up to 192 inches and causes minimal wall impact. The system consists of eight panels and can be converted into a small playpen. The gate features a one-hand lock and can swing both ways.
Regalo Baby
Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate
This versatile gate is JPMA certified for both top and bottom of stairs, can be mounted indoors or outside, and can even be installed at an angle. Retract-A-Gate offers a quiet slide with a gate that you can tuck away when not in use, and the see-through mesh makes it easy to keep an eye on your tyke. When mounted square, the gate resists 200 pounds of push pressure.
Safety 1st Easy Install Auto-Close Gate
This budget-friendly option comes both in a single gate and a two-pack for more savings. A magnetic latch auto-lock lets the gate swing close and lock on its own, and the color-coded safety indicator signals when the gate is locked. The gate opens easily with one hand and can swing both directions.
Toddleroo by North States Deluxe Décor Baby Gate
If you’re looking for a gate that can fit irregular spaces or openings, this hardware-mounted gate provides a great, lightweight but sturdy option. Both JPMA and ASTM certified, the Toddleroo gate offers user-friendly features like easy one-hand operation, stay-open lock, and a wider gate opening (25.5 inches) as well as stylish touches like a rounded arch and matte bronze finish.
Toddleroo
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Our nominees are researched and selected as the top products in their category. You can vote once per category, per day. Motherhood independently selects the products and services we cover and recommend. We do not exchange currency, goods or services to be listed.
