Best Baby and Safety Gates

We looked at functionality, strength, and real user reviews to pick the best gates to keep your wee ones safe.
Best overall
On-the-go pick
Baby + pet pick
Best extra wide baby gate
Style pick
Summer Infant baby gate product image
Summer Infant Multiuse Gate
  • pro
    Hardware or pressure mounted
  • pro
    36 in. tall

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

With over 40,000 ratings on Amazon, this Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Baby Gate is a favorite of parents everywhere. Our research found the hardware-mounted baby gate expands wide to fit entrances up to 38.5 inches wide, keeping your baby safely corralled in baby-proof rooms.

The Regalo Easy Step also features a safety lock that's easy for parents to use, even with an armful of laundry or toys, but tricky for toddlers and babies to figure out. The slats are small enough to avoid little legs and arms from getting stuck. It makes a great pet gate as well.



Compare the best baby gates

Product
Best for
Price
Maximum width (without extension)
Extension size
Tools required
Learn more
Best overall 38.5 in. 6 in.
Icon Yes  LightYes
On-the-go pick 35 in.2.75 in.
Icon No  LightNo
Baby + pet pick36.5 in.4 in.
Icon No  LightNo
Best extra wide gate192 in. N/A
Icon No  LightNo
Style pick48 in. 8.75 and 4.25 (2 included)
Icon No  LightNo
Stair pick48 in. N/A
Icon Yes  LightYes

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Best baby gate reviews

1. Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate: Best overall

Best overall
regalo baby gate

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate is Amazon’s top seller, and we can see why: Regalo delivers simple installation, a walk-through door, and a one-touch safety lock—all at a price that won’t break the bank.

Of all the gates we looked at, it’s the easiest to set up (and take down). This gate features easy pressure mounts, and it comes with hardware and wall cups in case you want to mount it permanently.

pro
Pros
pro Pressure or hardware mount
pro Durable steel construction
pro Good value for the price
con
Cons
con Narrow gate
con Latch that kids can figure out

As noted in its name, this gate features a convenient walk-through door, but the gate is fairly narrow, which makes the door a tight (or impossible) squeeze for a large number of users.

This baby gate has a 6-inch extension to fit wider doorways. It works for openings from 29 inches to 34 inches and others 25 inches to 38.5 inches. However, it doesn't work for those between 34 and 35inches.

The one-touch safety latch is great for parents who’ve got their hands full. Unfortunately, as kiddos get bigger and brighter, many of them are able to figure out the latch, which means this gate may only work for a year or two.

2. Munchkin Easy Close Baby Gate: On-the-go pick

On-the-go pick
munchkin easy close baby gate

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Many baby gates tout easy one-hand operation, but few deliver as well as the Munchkin Easy Close Baby Gate. Among parents and caregivers, this gate stands out every time for how easy it is to open. We also like the self-closing feature that ensures the gate always stays locked.

It features a childproof dual locking system that’s easy for grownups to use but tough for kids to crack.

pro
Pros
pro Equipped with double lock handle
pro Safe for top of stairs
pro Sturdy enough for toddlers
pro Easy to open with one hand
con
Cons
con Tough on drywall
con Too narrow for many spaces, requires extenders
con Bottom bar is a trip hazard

The biggest complaint about this gate is its width. Most users needed to buy the optional extenders to make the gate fit across an average-sized hallway. And, because this baby gate includes a bottom bar that stays in place when you open the walk-through door, it can be a tripping hazard for adults passing through.

3. Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Gate with Pet Door: Baby + pet pick

Baby + Pet pick

If you’ve got both kiddos and pets, this pet-friendly Carlson Baby Gate is the best. It costs a little more than most of the baby gates on our list, but the price is worth it for the convenience.

In addition to the walk-through door that makes it easy for adults to pass through, this gate also features a pet door that’s the perfect size for cats and smaller dogs.

pro
Pros
pro Built-in pet door
pro Easy lock latch
con
Cons
con Gaps that smaller pets can get through
con No safety certification

It has an easy, one-touch release that makes getting in and out a breeze—even with an armload of groceries or a squirmy two-year-old. Keep in mind that the bars on this gate are wide-set, which means that smaller pets and kittens can make it through even when the pet door is closed.

Also, because the pet door is made for animals to access at will, you’ll need to lock it down when you’re using the gate to corral your baby.

4. Regalo Super Wide Gate: Best extra wide baby gate

Best extra wide baby gate
Regalo Super Wide Gate

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Regalo Super Wide Gate does more than create a barrier between typical doorways—it can safely transform a great room into a playroom or operate as a standalone playpen.

This gate comes with eight 24-inch-wide detachable panels, so you can customize it to work around a fireplace, across a wide room opening, on the deck, around the Christmas tree, and more.

pro
Pros
pro Perfect for larger play areas
pro Easy to set up and take down
pro Customizable
con
Cons
con Less stability
con Flimsy plastic joints

Best of all, the whole thing folds up flat for easy storage when you don’t need it. Unfortunately, the very thing that makes this gate so customizable also makes it less stable. Only the very end portions of the gate are secured to the wall, which makes the middle panels a little wobbly.

It is made of steel, but the joints that hold the individual panels together are made of plastic. Not only does this make the connections somewhat flimsy, but many customers have had the plastic split or break after repeated use.

5. Summer Infant Multi-Use Walk Through Gate: Style pick

Style pick
Summer Infant baby gate product image

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you’re a décor-conscious parent and the standard plastic and metal baby gate options don’t fit your style, Summer Infant has some great options for you. 

Along with most of the standard baby gate features (like a one-hand latch), this gate also has a sleek art deco design that will complement almost any space. These gates can be pricier, but many customers don’t mind paying a little extra to get something that looks nicer in their home.

pro
Pros
pro 3 extension pieces included
pro Auto-close feature
pro Tools optional
con
Cons
con Stylish design only available in bronze

6. North States Easy Swing & Lock Gate: Best stair gate

Best gate for stairs

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Toddleroo from North States is ideal for blocking off wide areas near stairs. It swings completely open, so there’s no tripping hazard, and it locks shut automatically.

Its hardware mounting requires a drill for your wall, so it may not be the right gate for temporary use. But it's a durable gate that keeps babies, toddlers, and pets away from stairs for years.

It also comes in a bronze or linen finish, so it blends in well with most decor.

pro
Pros
pro No bar to trip over
pro Auto-close feature
pro Hardware mounted gate
pro Bronze or linen finish
con
Cons
con Not for temporary use

Other baby gates we considered

Retractable baby gates

Retractable baby gate
Easybaby retractable gate (1) (1)

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Retractable baby gates—like this one from EasyBaby—offer a stylish alternative to a traditional plastic or wood gate. Pull the gate into position and lock it when you need your baby to stay put. Retract it when it's not in use so it stays neatly out of the way. 

But no matter which retractable gate we looked at, there were users issuing warnings: fabric-style gates can be ripped (yes, even by babies), enterprising children and pets can wiggle underneath them, and the retraction mechanism is powerful enough to cause injury if it's unlatched by a toddler. 

Although these reports represent a small percentage of issues, it makes us think retractable gates are best used when a child is under direct supervision. Think of them as a barrier that reminds your kid not to go toodling out of sight, not necessarily a fool-proof containment solution.

Safety 1st Natural Bamboo Gate

Pressure mounted baby gate
Safety 1st bamboo baby gate product image

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Safety 1st Natural Bamboo Gate is a simple no-fuss option for eco-friendly households.

This is a pressure mounted gate that doesn’t have a walk-through option. If you’re using it near stairs or in a high-traffic area, this could cause problems since you’ll have to step over the gate every time.

Some reviewers report that using this gate for pets can be troublesome since the plastic netting can be chewed through.

Types of baby gates

pressure mounted baby gates

Pressure-mounted

These baby gates use a tension system to stay upright. The plus side of pressure-mounted baby gates is that they’re easy to move around. They also don’t put holes in your walls or require much assembly. However, they won’t be able to stand up to strong pressure or someone falling over them. If your child is strong enough, they could push this gate over.

hardware mounted baby gates

Hardware-mounted

Hardware-mounted baby gates are the safest solution. They use caps that you screw into the wall to anchor the gate. With this kind of fortification, the odds of knocking over your baby gate are very low. They’re extremely sturdy and can still be moved around your house if you install caps in different locations.

walk through baby cribs

Walk-through

You’re probably familiar with those simple wooden gates that easily block an entryway but require you to step over or take down the gate to pass through. Walk-through gates eliminate those hassles with a built-in doorway that lets you walk through the barrier without having to take down the gate.

pet friendly baby gate

Pet-friendly

While your child is rampaging around your home with newfound legs, you won’t want to inhibit your furry children from roaming the house. Some baby gates have small openings for cats to get through. Some have larger gates you can open for dogs. Just make sure the opening is smaller than your child, or the gate will fail to do its job!

Tips for baby and safety gates

When it comes to choosing the right safety gate and installing it correctly, these are the tips you need to know.

Make it fit

Most baby gates are adjustable or expandable. This should make finding the perfect fit easy, but it can actually make things trickier.

Before buying, measure the height and width of the area you want to block. 

If you’re using a pressure-mounted baby gate, be aware that many appear to be warped or curved. But this is an intentional design feature that ensures a proper, solid tension fit.

To install retractable baby gates on banisters, hollow walls, or iron railings, purchase a special gate installation kit to ensure a safe, sturdy fit.

Measure the slats

Make sure the slats on your gate are less than three inches apart to prevent little arms and legs from getting stuck. You can avoid this concern altogether by purchasing a gate without slats, like our number three pick above.

And don’t forget about your four-legged family members. Pets can also get stuck in an opening between slats, so keep their heads and legs in mind when measuring as well.

Beware of unusual spaces in decorative baby gates. Users of this gate report rambunctious puppies and kitties getting their heads stuck in the bottom of the gate where the bars stop.

Test it out

Before you leave your baby to play near a safety gate, give it a test run to ensure everything is working properly—especially it's guarding your fireplace or Christmas tree.

After the gate is installed, test how sturdy it is. You want it to remain firmly in place no matter how much pressure your child places on it.

Check all locks and latches to make sure they work correctly. If you have older children in the home, teach them how to properly lock and unlock the gate so that no one accidentally leaves it open.

If your gate has a self-locking latch, test it to make sure it securely locks each time.

Light Bulb
Baby gate safety tip

Never let your child watch you step over the baby safety gate. Little ones love to copy us, and this is an open invitation for them to plot an escape.

Avoid putting risky ideas into your baby’s head by using the walk-through gate or opening the gate every time you pass through under their watchful eyes.

Watch which way it swings

Many baby gates include walk-through doorways that can swing both ways. This makes it easy for grownups to seamlessly move from room to room, but it can present a hazard for babies and toddlers—especially if the gate is used by stairs.

Gates placed at the top of the stairs should only swing away from the stairs. Child stair gates that swing out over the stairs can lead to an accidental spill if your little one somehow gets the gate open.

If you have a baby gate with a walk-through door that swings both ways, make sure you can lock it into the appropriate swinging position before placing it atop the staircase.

To be extra safe, only place gates with doors that swing one way at the top of the stairs.

Baby gates FAQ

We don't recommend using retractable gates for stairs. The fabric can rip, which would send your little one tumbling. 

Mesh stair gates and pressure mount gates are also unsafe to use on stairs. Stick with a hardware-mounted gate when blocking a staircase.

Before setting up your baby gate, identify a few hazardous areas in your home you want to keep off-limits to your kids or pets. Baby gates can fit at the top or bottom of stairs, entrances to kitchens, garages, or work areas that could be dangerous. You can also use your baby gate as a playpen to keep kids in an area rather than out of a room.

Yes. Simple pressure mounted gates stay in place by squeezing the side of walls or doorways. These aren’t as sturdy as screw-mounted baby gates, but they’re easy to take with you throughout your house or pack for vacations and visits.

Just like little humans, pets can get into trouble when you aren’t looking. Baby gates work well for pet owners, especially those with small dogs, by keeping them out of dangerous areas like the kitchen or near the fireplace.

Be sure to measure areas in your home for a baby gate that fits the space. For wider areas, you can get a baby gate with extensions. 

Safety certifications are also important for ensuring the gate has been tested and will be durable enough to handle years of use. Look for JPMA-certified gates from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association for the best products.

Babies and toddlers are a curious bunch. There are a few things to do before the baby arrives and after your little one starts walking.

Just to name a few, you should add cabinet locks, sliding door locks, and buy a car seat.

Check out our room-by-room guide to baby proofing

How we reviewed the best baby gates

""

Image: Regalo

Nothing’s more important than keeping your child safe, but knowing which products to trust can be difficult. That’s why for our baby gates review, we dug into the top-selling baby safety gates on the market to find the best ones for your family. We picked our top ten baby and safety gates from more than twenty gates initially considered.

Each gate was evaluated for durability, strength, ease of installation, multi-use functions, and price to make our list. We also looked at JPMA safety regulations and certifications and expert and parent reviews.

  • 18 hours researched
  • 22 products researched
  • 500+ customer reviews
  • 9 coffees consumed

Disclaimer

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Rebecca Edwards
Written by
Rebecca Edwards
Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. She has been a journalist and blogger for over 25 years, with a focus on home and community safety for the past decade. Rebecca spends dozens of hours every month poring over crime and safety reports and spotting trends. Her expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. You can find her expert advice and analysis in places like NPR, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, HGTV, MSN, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, and an ever-growing library of podcast, radio and TV clips in the US and abroad.

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