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Top 10 Best Secure And Safest Baby Gates – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

April 17, 2018 Kids

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Do you have a baby who has just started crawling, walking, or moving around the house? Are you concerned about the safety of your child and want to keep them away from any type of accidents, fireplaces, and other areas of the house? Well, then it is a baby gate that you are looking for!

A baby gate can be installed in different areas of the house in order to block your baby from gaining access to accident-prone areas. You can also use these gates and convert them into a safe play area for your child while you are engaged in your own work. Baby gates are extremely safe options and give you immense peace of mind by ensuring your child’s safety. What more? If you have a pet in your house and you are looking forward to keeping the pet away from your child or confine it to a particular area, the baby gate could be handy too. Given the importance of baby gates, there are several varieties available in the market. Each one is unique with its own features, advantages, and disadvantages.

What are the Different Types of Baby Gates Available in the Market?

There are many brands that manufacture Baby Gates and there is also a variation in different types of baby gates available in the market. Do you what are the different types of baby gates available in the market and which is the safest type? Well, here is the answer to your question

There are basically two different types of baby gates which are presently available in the market and the details of these two types of gates are mentioned below

Hardware Mounted Baby Gate – The first type of gates available in the market are the hardware mounted baby gate. These gates are attached to the door frame with the metal hardware but the problem is that these doors can be a little expensive. In addition to this, the Hardware Mounted baby gates are not portable as they can’t be folded. If you need something for securing the stairs then you must buy Hardware Mounted Baby gates as they are highly reliable and secure. They are a little expensive when compared to Pressure Mounted Gates but the price offers you with the peace of mind.

Pressure Mounted Baby Gate – The size of this door can be adjusted as per the door frame and hence it offers a lot of flexibility. In addition to this, the pressure mounted baby gate is basically designed to squeeze in between two hard surfaces. These gates are quite economical to purchase and they are also quite sturdy if you have a toddling child. In addition to this, pressure mounted gates are very much portable and it is easy to move the gate from one place to another. The only problem with these pressure mounted gates is that these gates are not as secure as Hardware Mounted Baby Gates.

Based on my personal research and observation, I bring to you my pick of the top 10 best baby gatesalong with the features, specifications, pros, and cons of each type of baby gate. I have also listed a few guidelines as well as suggestions that will help you to make the correct and wise choice for your baby.

Following are the top rated baby gates you should look.

1) Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate, White, Fits Spaces Between 29 inches and 39 inches Wide

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Specifications and Features:

The product has the following features and specifications:

• As the name suggests, this particular baby gate is able is able to fit in spaces which are somewhere around 29 inches to 39 inches wide.
• If you need additional width size, you can expand the size to as wide as 60 inches but you will have to purchase additional extensions separately.
• The product can be moved easily in different parts of the house and as such, can be put anywhere where you like it.
• The shipping weight is around 10 pounds while the product dimensions are 39*2*30 inches.
• The product has been certified as safe by Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association and American Society of Testing Materials.

Let us now look into the pros and cons of the product:

PROS:

• The product offers great value for the price. It is extremely affordable.
• You need not step over the product which makes walking through the baby gate really easy.
• It is considered one of the best pressure mounted baby gates.
• The baby gate can be used in multiple locations of the house such as with hallway, staircase, doorway, etc.

CONS:

• The baby gate is not a very good option for your pets as the pets will remain confined to the gated area.
• One of the other disadvantages of using this gate is that the door does not shut automatically. You will have to do the same manually.
• If you have to use the gate at the top of the stairs, there are high chances of the gate not working because of the pressure mount feature of the product.

2) Kidco Safeway Gate, Top of Stairs Gate, White

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Specifications and Features:

Following are the main features of this brand of the baby gate:

• This top of the stairs baby gate comes with a shipping weight of around 8.3 pounds and has the dimensions of 29.5*23.2*1.9 inches.
• The product has specifically been designed to be installed on top of the staircases.
• This is the best top of stairs baby gates for the year 2017.
• The baby gate is made up of steel and boasts of being lead-free
• The hardware is a hinge side hardware which can easily be mounted on a surface that is not flat.
• Another important feature of the baby gate is that it has one handed operation
• The door does not shut automatically.
• The Kidco Safeway Gate for the top of the stairs can expand from somewhere around 28 inches to as much as around 43.5 inches.

Let us now look into the pros and cons of the product:

PROS:

• The product is highly affordable and is worth every cent and dollar spent on it.
• It is versatile in usage and is safe enough to get attached to the railings, walls, and other areas of the house.
• The make of the product is really sturdy and hence the baby gate ensures durability too.
• The hinge is adjustable and you can adjust it as per your requirements.
• The baby gate really works well on different angles so you can adjust the product accordingly.

CONS:

The baby gate has the following demerits:

• Installation of this baby gate can be difficult. You will need to drill into the railings.
• As per the experience of a few users, the screws and other tools which are a part of the product and aid in the installation are not good enough. You might have to purchase additional tools from outside in order to install the baby gate.
• Since it does not shut automatically, it sometimes is troublesome.
  

3) Evenflo Soft and Wide Gate

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Specifications and Features:

Following are the main features of this baby gate:

• The weight of the product is 7.3 pounds and the dimensions are 35.4*6.4*2.5 inches.
• The gate is somewhere around 27 inches tall.
• The product can expand from 38 inches to around 60 inches.
• The baby gate boasts of easy installation as no additional tools are required in order to fix this brand of the baby gate in your house.
• The gate is made up of mesh and fabric which are known to be gentle for the baby’s skin.

PROS:

• The baby gate is available at affordable rate.
• It is soft on your baby’s skin.
• Another reason why you should go for this brand of the baby gate is the fact that different fabrics with which the gate is made of are
• It is extremely light-weight and hence it is easier to carry the product in different parts of the house.
• The rubber with which the gate has been constructed is non-marrying. This ensures that when you carry the gate, no damage is caused to your house.
• Besides, the baby gate is fit for use in any parts of the house as its neutral styling goes with different types of colors, decorative items, etc.

CONS:

• It is not a very good gate for use by the pets as they will not be able to move freely within the gate.
• Being pressure-mounted, it cannot be used on top of the stairs.
• You cannot just pass through the gate which makes it a little uncomfortable at times.

4) Summer Infant Multi-Use Deco Extra Tall Walk-Thru Gate, Bronze

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Specifications and Features:

• The baby gate is 36 inches tall.
• It is fit for all those openings the width of which is somewhere around 28 to 48 inches.
• The doors of the product lock
• The product has a bronze metal finish
• It is pressure mounted.
• The product weighs 21 pounds and has the dimensions of 48*0.5*36 inches.

PROS:

• If you are a parent using this model of the baby gate, it is not required for you to bend too much in order to open the gate.
• You need not turn around and wait for the gate to shut. It can shut automatically. So that’s a huge advantage it offers.
• Although the brand is a little expensive as compared to its other competitors in the market, with the specifications and ease of use it offers, it’s completely worth the price.
• Finally, the door stopper of the product has been made removable. As such, it becomes more convenient to use the baby gate on the top of the stairs.
• The gate can be easily tweaked.
• This is a multi-purpose baby gate which can also be used for pets easily.

CONS:

The product, however, is not free from the disadvantages. Following are the cons of the product that you should be aware of:

• Sometimes, in order to put this baby gate on top of the stairs is a very clumsy and painful affair as the bar which is stretching at the bottom of the product is just not high enough.
• The gate sure closes automatically. However, it is extremely noisy when it does so.

5) The North States Superyard 3 in 1 Arched Décor Metal, Matte Bronze

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Specifications and Features:

• The product comes with as many as six removable panels which are also adjustable as per your requirements.
• The baby gate is 30 inches high and can cover an area of about 10 square feet.
• Designed as an arched shape, this baby gate can be spread across two different spaces in the house.
• The item weighs around 36 pounds and comes in the dimension of 30*2*151 inches.
• The product has the feature wherein you can increase or decrease the 3-in-1 panel as per your space.
• There is a double locking system and can be used as a play area for both toddlers as well as pets.

Let us now look into the pros and cons of the product:

PROS:

• The 3-in-1 panel is very versatile and you also have a number of options available at your disposal.
• The excellent height offered by the product ensures that the child or your pet is absolutely safe and does not climb over the baby gate.
• The double locking gate system provides extra safety and security to your child and pet.
• The baby gate can be hard mounted on the walls which ensure extra safety.
• Usually, the 10 square feet area of the baby gate is easily expandable and can increase up to 19 square feet.
• The product is safe enough to be used on various indoors and outdoors surfaces giving you more options.

CONS:

• A few users find the baby gate quite expensive.
• Sometimes, it is difficult for pets to get through the baby gate. Pets can only move in after you have opened the door of the gate.

6) Safety 1^st Eco-Friendly Nature Next Bamboo Gate, Bamboo and Black, Fits Spaces Between 28 inches and 42 inches Wide

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Specifications and Features:

• The item weighs around 4.3 pounds and comes in the dimension of 24*26*2 inches.
• The unique feature of this baby gate is that the panel is made from plastic which is 100% recyclable.
• The baby gate has a height of around 24 inches.
• There is a bamboo frame and the product is pressure mounted as well.
• This baby gate can be used in a number of doors and openings and the extension is 28 inches to 42 inches.

Let us now look into the pros and cons of the product:

PROS:

• The baby gate is a very affordable purchase.
• The bamboo used for making the baby gate is highly durable as well as renewable.
• The baby gate is very much portable and as mentioned above is portable as well.
• What makes the installation of this product really easy and frill free is the fact that you can just install it and you need not drill any holes.

CONS:

The product, however, is not free from the disadvantages. Following are the cons of the product that you should be aware of:

• The baby gate cannot be used for pets like the other baby gates.
• You cannot just walk through this gate if you want to go to the other side of the room. You have to step over it which becomes a little inconvenient.
• The height of the baby gate is really small when you compare it with the other competitors. With a height of just 24 inches, it becomes a little less safe.
• The baby gate has a feature of pressure mounting. However, pressure mounting might not be very safe at times for baby gates.

7) Dream Baby Chelsea Extra Tall and Wide Auto Close Security Gate in Black

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Specifications and Features:

The baby gate has the following characteristics:

• The item weighs around 20.6 pounds and comes in the dimension of 41.7*2.4*40.4 inches.
• If you do not buy any additional extensions, the product can expand from 38 inches to 42.5 inches.
• It has a feature of being pressure mounted.
• The product has been certified as safe by Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association and American Society of Testing Materials.
• The product boasts of sturdy construction and there is a 2-inch width near the bottom of the baby gate.

Let us now look into the pros and cons of the product:

PROS:

• If you buy additional extensions, you shall be able to expand the gate to as wide as 70 inches.
• The sturdy construction makes it very safe and secure for your child.
• You need not shut its gate manually. It can swing shut automatically. You need not take any extra care to shut the gate and ensure the safety of your child.
• The product is worth the price and will give you complete value for the price that you pay to purchase the baby gate.
• There are two directions in which the gate of the product can open from.
• The product is great for use in stairs of your house as well.
• Opening the gate is really easy and you can just slide open the same with your hands.
• Not only is it a great option for your baby but you can also ensure the safety of your pets by choosing this product.

CONS:

• The small parts of the gate such as bolts, nuts, etc. tend to fall off really easily. Hence, you will have to check the gate at frequent intervals in order to ensure the safety of your child and pet.
• It cannot be kept open at 90 degrees as its other competitors in the market can.
• Many customers have also pointed out that the closing mechanism of the gate is not very smooth. While one of the doors shuts easily, the other one takes a long time and tends to stop working after a couple of months of purchase.

8) Cardinal Gates Auto-Lock Gate, White

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Specifications and Features:

The baby gate has the following characteristics:

• This is considered one of the best baby gates for use at the bottom of the stairs.
• The weight of the item is around 2 pounds while the shipping weight is around 7.8 pounds with the dimensions of 3*40.5*29.5 inches.
• Another important feature of this brand of the baby gate is the fact that it has an auto-lock gate system which is considered one of the best for areas with very high traffic.
• In case you do not want to open the gates of this product towards the stairway, you have that option as well. There is an optional stop bracket for that purpose.
• The auto lock is made of aluminum and also is coated beautifully with powder.
• The height of this baby gate is somewhere around 29.5 inches. Besides, another important feature of the baby gate is that it has an adjustable width which can expand from anywhere between 26 inches up to 40 inches wide.
• The product has a good bar spacing as well.
• It is a versatile product and can be used in several of the spaces in and around the house such as doorways, staircases, amongst others.

Let us now look into the pros and cons of the product:

PROS:

• As already mentioned, the product is extremely versatile to be used in and around the house.
• The latch of the door is not easily found by the kid and thereby it ensures greater safety and security.
• The product is available at affordable rates.
• It is one of the best baby gates which can be used at the bottom of the stairs.
• In order to ensure more safety of your child, the product has an optional bracket where you can prevent it from opening into the stairs. This way you can stay relaxed about the safety of your child.
• This is a baby gate which you can use even if the staircase and the stairway are You can install it at an angle of 30 degrees.
• There is no step over bar towards the bottom of the baby gate which is a great thing to have.

CONS:

• The installation of this baby gate could become quite difficult and assistance for the same may be required.
• It does not shut itself automatically unless you swing the door forcefully. This could be troublesome at times.

9) Munchkin Easy Close Metal Baby Gate, White

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Specifications and Features:

The baby gate has the following characteristics:

• The shipping weight of the baby gate is somewhere around 13.5 pounds.
• The product has the dimensions of 32*30*3 inches.
• The gate is certified by the JPMA.
• The gate is so designed that it can fit into openings which are as wide as 35 inches.
• The door can move in both directions due to the double locking mechanism.
• With additional extensions, it is possible to expand the baby gate to as much as 54 inches.

Let us now look into the pros and cons of the product:

PROS:

• The gate is extremely expandable and with additional extensions, it is possible to fit it in very wide spaces as well.
• The product is available at affordable rates.
• The locks of the baby gate have been certified to be extremely safe for the babies.
• Being JPMA certified, the Munchkin Easy Close Baby Gate is a good buy for the safety and security of your baby.

CONS:

The baby gate has the following disadvantages:

• The door does not swing and shut itself automatically. There is a latch mechanism which becomes a real problem for the parents and other users of the baby gate.
• When you go for the installation of this baby gate, you will notice that you require some amount of pressure for making it steady on the place. Hence, this gate may not be useful for all types of doorways. You can mount the baby gate only in those doorways which seem to be really sturdy and strong with very solid frames.

10) Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate

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Do not get confused with the name! Although sold as a pet gate, the Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate can easily be used as a baby gate.

Specifications and Features:

Following are the specific features of this product:

• This is a freestanding gate and there are side panels which do not require many installations.
• It can fit doorways which have an opening from around 39.8 inches to as long as 71.3 inches.
• The wire of the gate is around 0.144 inches
• The shipping weight of this gate is around 21.4 pounds with the dimensions of 39.8*17.7*20.1 inches.
• It has a very beautiful and intricate wood finish design which can fit and go with the different types of furniture at home.

Let us now look into the pros and cons of the product:

PROS:

• The product is 20 inches high. The main advantage of the same is that it is very simple to step over the gate and go to the place where you want to.
• With the given height, it is easier for your baby to walk past the gate without tipping over.
• It is versatile as the baby gate can be used for both pets as well as dogs.
• It is portable and you can either store the product or can travel with the same.
• It is widely expandable. In fact, you can expand the baby gate to as wide as 71.3 inches.
• The wood with which the baby gate is made of is highly durable and as such, it not only ensures the long life of the product but also offers great protection.
• The product offers great value for its price and is worth every cent spent.
• The baby gate is very stylish as well as functional. It complements the different colors and decorations of your house.
  

CONS:

• Since the baby gate can be used for keeping dogs as well, you must know that the wood with which the product is made of can make the dogs to chew the same. Also, as stepping over the product is extremely simple, large dogs may be able to do so easily.
• Besides, the product is really heavy and although it is portable, it becomes difficult to carry the baby gate.

The Buying Guide for Baby Gates – What To Look For It?

As a parent, you will always want your baby to be safe and will wish to prevent your baby from getting hurt. The same goes if you are the proud owner of a pet. You will realize that you need a baby gate for this purpose when your child is big enough to start crawling or walking or you have a pet who is big enough to reach anywhere in the house. However, the big question is which baby gate should you purchase? As seen above, there are so many brands and types of baby gates that are today available in the market. The challenge is to choose the right baby gate for the apple of your eye.

In the below paragraph, I bring to you a few guidelines which you should keep in mind while making a purchasing decision for the right baby gate. The needs and desires of each individual and each family are different. Hence, the final decisions shall rest on the needs and demands of your baby. The following guide presented by me will just help you take an appropriate decision and keep in mind certain qualities which you must look into while presenting a baby gate for your lovely child or that favorite pet of yours.

1) Sturdy Gates are Always Preferable:

When you have a baby in the house who has just started moving around, he or she will take all attempts to roam about in the house. Hence, when you keep a baby gate to keep the baby secure, ensure that the gate should be sturdy enough so that it can stand the amount of pressure your baby will apply to get out of it. They will try to pull, push, climb the gate to get out of it. If the gate is not sturdy and strong enough, it will give in the pressure and you will end up wasting your hard- earned money. All the above- mentioned baby gates stand sturdy and are highly recommended!

2) An Ideal Baby Gate is the One Which Can Be Opened With One Hand:

Another important criterion is whether you can open the baby gate with one hand or not. The reason behind this criterion is the simple fact that most of the times, you will be carrying your child on one hand. The locking mechanism should be such that when an adult tries to open it with one hand, it is easier to open while being sturdy enough at the same time so that it does not open when a child tries to open it.

3) Pressure Mounted or Hardware Mounted:

Most of the times, you will find yourself asking the question: should I go for the pressure-mounted variety or the hardware-mounted type of baby gate. Well, you will need to consider the pros and cons of both before making your choice

Go for the Pressure-mounted type in the following circumstances:

• You want your baby gate to be such that you can travel with it and also move it in different parts of the house.
• Do not use this type at top of the stairs. It is safe to use these in doorways, or at the bottom of the stairs.
• Be careful to install the baby gate in such a way that the mount of the gate is in the direction opposite to that of the child.

Go for the Hardware-mounted type in the following circumstances:

• If you want your baby gate to remain constant in one area, hardware mounted is the better option for you.
• If you want to use your gate for large dogs, you can go for the hardware mounted type.
• Be very careful to use these type of baby gates as they can damage your wall.

4) Anticipate Where You Want to Place Your Baby Gate:

As is seen above, there are various brands and types of baby gates. However, not all types are suitable to be placed anywhere in the house. When you are taking a decision of purchasing the gate, you need to anticipate well in advance which part of the house do you need to place the gate. For example, if you want a gate near the doorway of your house, you will prefer something that can swing open by itself. On the other hand, you do not want such gates in that part of the house which has walls on both the sides. Similarly, if you are planning to place your baby gate somewhere on top of the stairs, it should be such that the gate is devoid of step-over rails. Hence, buy the baby gate as per the area in the house where you want to place the same.

5) JPMA Certified Baby Gates are Always Preferable:

Well, who does not want a gate which has been certified safe by a reputed association such as JPMA or Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association? When you buy a product which is JPMA certified you can be rest assured that the product has been made keeping the safety of the child in mind. The few things which JPMA shall ensure about the baby gate are as follows:

• The distance between the floor and the gate is not more than 3 inches.
• The height of the gate is not less than 22 inches.
• The latch is safe and the rail at the top of the gate is strong and sturdy.

6) Ensure That The Doorway Is Not Too Wide:

Another thing to be kept in mind is the width of the doorway where you are planning to place your baby gate. As we see in the baby gates mentioned above, there are a few models where you can get additional extensions. However, in others, additional extensions are not available. Thus, the width of the doorway needs to be kept in mind along with the fact that whether or not the additional extensions are available.

7) Small Slat Spacing:

An ideal baby gate is the one which will have slats that are 6 cm apart or less from one another. This is important to ensure that your baby or pet does not get trapped in between the bars of the gate.

8) Gates With Wide Walk Through Are Preferred:

You will need to pass through the baby gate very often. Hence, in order to avoid troubles and too much of botheration, you should always go for those gates in which the door has a wide walk through. This is particularly helpful if you want to place the gate in an area where there is too much of traffic.

9) Look For Gates With Indicators:

There are baby gates in the market which have indicators that signal you if the gate is not closed properly. Always go for the ones where such a facility is available because that way you can be ensured of the safety of your child or the pet. A few indicators will have a screen with different colors to show whether or not the gate is latched appropriately, while there are others that will make a sound when the gate is open.

10) Go For The Baby Gate That Is Collapsible:

Finally, another important factor that you should keep in mind while purchasing a particular brand and type of baby gate is whether the model is collapsible or not. You will prefer the collapsible ones if you are looking forward to getting full value for the price paid. If your model is collapsible, you can easily store the same below the bed or in a closet. Once your baby is old enough, you will no longer need the baby gate and hence storage of the same for future use is the best option for you.

Precautions While Using a Baby Gate

Following are a few precautions which you should keep in mind take while you choose a baby gate:

• Do not think that if you are purchasing a baby gate, you need not pay attention to your child at all. Baby gates can only help in keeping the child away from areas you do not want your child to go. However, to ensure complete safety, you still need to keep an eye on your little one.
• If you have purchased a baby gate that swings in an outward direction, avoid using or placing the gate on top of the stairs. If you place such a gate on top, there is a risk that your baby will topple over the stairs or venture into the accident-prone
• Remember to check the age of your toddler as you are using the baby gate. The reason for the same is that most of these gates are recommended for toddlers who are a maximum of two years of age. Hence, it is not preferable to use them beyond this age. There are high chances that the baby will topple over after a certain age.
• Be very careful with the width of the slats which you will purchase for your baby. The objective is to protect the baby and not to trap him or her into the baby gate.
• Do not keep large and attractive toys near the gate. Doing so is harmful because it will attract the baby and he or she will try to reach to the toy. This can cause unwanted accidents and trouble.

We hope that the above post will help you in taking a wise decision while you choose a baby gate which is best suitable for your child. Please note that all the above rankings, guidelines, and suggestions are based on my personal views and judgment. It is just an attempt to help you guide in the process of choosing the right type of baby gate for your little one.