baby mine store

  • gates
    • Munchkin easy-close tall-and-wide baby gate
    • North States 72-inch wide deluxe décor baby gate
    • Summer Infant multi-use extra-tall walk-through baby gate
    • Regalo 192-inch super-wide modular baby gate and play yard
    • Summer Infant Banister and Stair Baby Gate
    • Evenflo soft and wide portable baby gate
  • Rockers
    • Fisher-Price infant-to-toddler rocker
    • Baby Delight portable infant rocker
    • Graco Everyway Soother with removable rocker
    • 4moms mamaRoo4 high-tech baby rocker and swing
    • born free KOVA baby bouncer and rocker
  • Strollers
    • gb Pockit Lightweight Stroller
    • Graco Modes Stroller
    • born free LIVA lightweight stroller
    • Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System
    • Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
    • Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
    • Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller
    • Graco DuoGlider Double Stroller with Tandem Seating
    • Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller
  • Infant
    • Baby Einstein Neptune’s Ocean discovery jumper
    • Evenflo ExerSaucer Jump and Learn stationary jumper
    • Baby Einstein Neighborhood Symphony activity jumper
    • Evenflo ExerSaucer Jungle Quest Jump and Learn jumper
    • Baby Einstein Journey of Discovery activity center
  • Toddler
    • Manhattan Toy Tree Top activity center
    • VTech® Touch and Learn activity desk deluxe
    • VTech® Smart Shots sports center
  • Carrier

Best baby gates

madison-laine-baby-mine-store-co-founder

I remember my first baby gate – it was when my sister and my baby nephew came to visit with me three years ago. I was living in a town house with stairs then.

You guessed it – baby gate is really about caring for the safety of the precious toddler in your house. The toddler can be your child, your nephew or your niece, or your friends’ kids.

10 Best Baby Safety Gates in 2022
    1. Top Pick for doorways and stairs: Munchkin Easy Close XL Metal Baby Gate
    2. Runner-up & Angled-wall: North States 72″ Wide Deluxe Décor baby gate
    3. Best Walk-through deco baby gate: Summer Infant multi-use deco extra tall baby gate
    4. Best modular and super-wide baby gate: Regalo 192-inch super wide adjustable baby gate
    5. Best baby gate for stairs with Banisters:
      Summer Infant Banister and Stair Gate with Dual Installation Kit
    6. Best retractable, portable and light-weight baby gate: Evenflo Soft and Wide baby gate
    7. baby-toddler-baby-gates-bms

    8. Best baby gate with a pet door: North States MyPet 38″ Wide baby gate with passage
    9. Best extra-wide walk-through pet gate with a pet door: Carlson Extra Wide Walk-Through Pet Gate with Small Pet Door
    10. Best Portable Pet Gate: North States MyPet Paws 40″ Portable Pet Gate
    11. Best extra-wide indoor outdoor pet gate: Carlson 3-in-1 Extra Tall Weather-Resistant Outdoor 144-Inch Wide Pet Gate
Why, When, Where, How
Baby Safety Gates
  • Why do you need a baby gate? Baby gate is one of the fundamental safety items to child-proof your home.
  • When should you install a baby gate? You want to install baby gates as soon as your baby becomes mobile. Babies start crawling about six-month old.
  • Where should you install a baby safety gate? Use baby gates to limit access to certain areas in your home. For example: top of stairs, bottom of stairs, hallways, doorways, fireplace.
  • How to choose the best baby gate? Choosing the best baby gate is really about choosing the best safety gate for your specific needs. You pick the type of baby gate based on your installation location.

How do we choose the best baby gates?

The most important evaluating factor for us is safety, follow by functionality and quality.

We must confess, we are a squad of practical moms with sense of styles. So, every baby gate featured here must also meet our “beautiful and functional” criteria.

It has to function as good as it looks.

We also like options and flexibility. Our favorites are baby gates with multiple configuration options.

Here are our top-rated baby gates:

Preview Product Price
Munchkin® Easy Close XL™ Pressure Mounted Baby Gate for Stairs, Hallways and... Munchkin® Easy Close XL™ Pressure Mounted Baby Gate for Stairs, Hallways and... $114.39 View on Amazon
Toddleroo by North States 72” wide Deluxe Décor Gate: Perfect safety solution for... Toddleroo by North States 72” wide Deluxe Décor Gate: Perfect safety solution for... $119.99 $91.52 View on Amazon
Summer Multi-Use Decorative Extra Tall Walk-Thru Baby Gate, Metal, Bronze Finish -... Summer Multi-Use Decorative Extra Tall Walk-Thru Baby Gate, Metal, Bronze Finish -... $89.99 View on Amazon
Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard, 4-In-1, Bonus Kit, 4... Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard, 4-In-1, Bonus Kit, 4... $109.99 $99.98 View on Amazon
Summer Banister and Stair, Top of Stairs Baby Gate with Dual Installation Kit, Cherry... Summer Banister and Stair, Top of Stairs Baby Gate with Dual Installation Kit, Cherry... $89.22 View on Amazon
Evenflo Soft and Wide gate, Emery Evenflo Soft and Wide gate, Emery $53.99 $39.99 View on Amazon
North States MyPet 38' Wide Petgate Passage: Secure gate with Small Lockable pet... North States MyPet 38" Wide Petgate Passage: Secure gate with Small Lockable pet... View on Amazon
Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Pet Gate with Small Pet Door, Includes 4-Inch... Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Pet Gate with Small Pet Door, Includes 4-Inch... $44.99 $39.99 View on Amazon
MYPET North States 40” Paws Portable Pet Gate: Made in USA, Expands & Locks in... MYPET North States 40” Paws Portable Pet Gate: Made in USA, Expands & Locks in... $59.50 View on Amazon
Carlson Pet Products 3-in-1 Extra Tall Weather-Resistant Outdoor 144-Inch Wide Pet... Carlson Pet Products 3-in-1 Extra Tall Weather-Resistant Outdoor 144-Inch Wide Pet... $213.69 View on Amazon

Best Baby Gate Reviews by product purpose:

1. Munchkin Easy Close XL Metal Baby Gate – TOP PICK

Munchkin® Easy Close XL™ Pressure Mounted Baby Gate for Stairs, Hallways and...
Munchkin® Easy Close XL™ Pressure Mounted Baby Gate for Stairs, Hallways and...
  • Measures: 36" tall and 29.5" - 51.6" wide with the included (1) 2.75", (1) 5.5" and...
  • Pressure mounted installation; includes hardware option for added safety
  • Door locks easily with simple push to close feature. latex-free.
$114.39
View on Amazon

Product Details

Specification
Model: Munchkin Easy Close XL Wide Bronze Baby Gate MK0009-111

  • Fits opening 29.5″ to 51.6″ wide.
  • Height: 36″ tall. This gate is 6″ taller than standard gate.
  • Door width: extra-wide 22″ walk-through.

Design and material: Clean-line, strong steel, bronze color finished.

Installation Options
Mounting type: Pressure-mount with hardware-mount parts included.

  • Hallways
  • Doorways
  • Top of Stairs
  • Bottom of Stairs

 Tip:  For stairways installation, use the four wall cups with sticky pads and screws for added safety.

Reasons to buy:

  • This Munchkin Easy Close XL Metal Baby Gate (view on Amazon) has an extra-wide 22″ walk-through for easy in and out access.
  • Strong steel material, quality built and beautiful clean-line design.</li
  • Extra tall 36-inch door.
  • Extra wide range to fit opening 29.5″ to 51.6″
  • Multiple use: This gate is well-suited for top of stairs, bottom of stairs, hallways, or doorways installation.
  • This metal baby gate is pressure mounted or hardware mounted for added safety.
  • Flexibility to set the door to open to right or left.
  • Double-locking system. A smart and excellent safety feature – hard for a child to open, easy for an adult to operate.
  • Simple operation. Door locks easily with a simple push to close mechanism. Easy and convenience always get our votes.
  • Flexibility in installation configuration. Include extensions of one 2.75″, one 5.5″ and one 11″.
  •  Tip:  If you need just a few inches wider than 51.6”, this gate is designed to fit up to 54″ wide with additional extensions are purchased

Read our full review of Munchkin easy-close tall-and-wide baby gate.

2. North States 72″ Wide Deluxe Décor Baby Gate – Runner Up. Best baby gate for angled-walls.

Sale
Toddleroo by North States 72” wide Deluxe Décor Gate: Perfect safety solution for...
Toddleroo by North States 72” wide Deluxe Décor Gate: Perfect safety solution for...
  • LARGE & WIDE: 30" height & 38.3-72" width; This warm white hardware mounted gate is...
  • STYLISH & DEPENDABLE: The exclusive warm white finish of this baby gate will...
  • SAFE & LOADED WITH CONVENIENT FEATURES: Safety gate opens easily with one hand &...
$119.99 −$28.47 $91.52
View on Amazon

Product Details

Specification
Model: North States 72″ Wide Deluxe Décor Baby Gate.

  • Fits opening 38.3″ to 72″ wide.
  • Height: 30″ tall.
  • Door width: extra-wide 25.5″.

Design and material: Tri-panel, metal, soft white color finished.

Installation Options
Mounting type: Hardware-mount. Mounts on straight or angled walls.

Applicable for installations for:

  • Hallways
  • Doorways
  • Fireplace
  • Angled walls

Reasons to buy:

  • This North States 72″ Wide Deluxe Décor Baby Gate (view on Amazon) is our top pick for hardware-mount to straight or angled-wall.
  • Beautiful, functional and versatile.
  • Heavy metal frame, quality built, beautiful tri-panel design, soft white color.
  • An extra-wide wide 25.5-inch walkthrough for easy access.
  • 30-inch tall door.
  • Hardware mounted to straight or angled wall.
  • Large opening: ideal for any large opening in the house, 38.3″ – 72″.
  • Applicable for hallway, doorway, top of stairs, bottom of stairs installations.
  • One-hand operation. No worries when you have to carry your baby or a basket of laundry in one-hand.
  • Convenience. When the gate is not in use, it can easily swing out from both sides.
  • Easily removable. It’s stress-free when you need to detach the gate from the hardware – thanks to its clever detach-mechanism.
  • Safety. Double-locking system – hard for a child to open, easy for an adult.

Read our full review of North States 72″ Wide Deluxe Décor Baby Gate.

3. Summer Infant multi-use deco walk-through baby gate. Best auto-close baby gate.

Summer Multi-Use Decorative Extra Tall Walk-Thru Baby Gate, Metal, Bronze Finish -...
Summer Multi-Use Decorative Extra Tall Walk-Thru Baby Gate, Metal, Bronze Finish -...
  • ACCOMODATES MOST OPENINGS: The Summer Multi-Use Decorative Extra Tall Walk-Thru Gate...
  • EASY INSTALLATION: Easily install this baby gate on stairways with the included kit,...
  • AUTO-CLOSE FEATURE: For added hands-free convenience, this safety gate is equipped...
$89.99
View on Amazon

Product Details

Specification
Model: Summer Infant multi-use deco extra tall walk-through baby gate.

  • Fits opening 28.5″ to 45″ wide.
  • Height: 36″ tall.
  • Door width: 17.5″ walk-through.

Design and material: Arch-door, metal, bronze color finished.

Installation Options
Mounting type: Pressure-mount with hardware included.

  • Hallways
  • Doorways
  • Top of Stairs
  • Bottom of Stairs
  •  Tips  For stairways installation, use hardware mounted option.

Reasons to buy:

  • This Summer Infant deco walk-through baby gate (view on Amazon) is the most beautiful Arch-pass-through baby gate with bronze color finish.
  • Perfect for doorways. Stands at 36 inches in height and spans a range of 28.5″ to 45″ wide.
  • Multiple uses. This Summer Infant is designed for top of stairs, bottom of stairs, hallways, or doorways installation.
  • Walkthrough door. The door will close automatically behind you.
  • Double locking mechanism for added safety.
  • Pressure mounted for easy installation for hallways. Use hardware mounted when it’s installed on top of stairs or at the bottom of stairs.

Read our full review of Summer Infant multi-use extra-tall walk-through baby gate.

4. Regalo 192-inch super-wide baby gate and play yard. Best modular and super-wide baby gate and play yard.

Sale
Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard, 4-In-1, Bonus Kit, 4...
Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard, 4-In-1, Bonus Kit, 4...
  • SUPERWIDE: Fits opens up to 192 inches wide and stands 28 inches tall
  • 2-IN-1: Can convert from a super-wide gate to an 8-panel play yard. No tools require,...
  • CONFIGURABLE: Each panel can be adjusted to fit almost any opening. Great for wide...
$109.99 −$10.01 $99.98
View on Amazon

Product Details

Specification
Model: Regalo 192-inch super wide adjustable baby gate and Play Yard.

  • 192″ wide – consists of eight 24” wide panels.
  • Height: 28″ tall.
  • Walkthrough door.

Design and material: Modular and Linear design, metal, white color finished.

Installation Options
Mounting type: Hardware mount. Panels connect to hinged-posts.

Applicable to install as :

  • A barrier between two areas
  • A Super gate for a wide opening
  • A Fireplace barrier
  • A Free-standing as a 8-panel play yard
  • A Landing gate at the bottom of stairs

Reasons to buy:

If you’re looking to fence off a large area between two rooms, this Regalo 192-inch modular super-wide baby gate (view on Amazon) is one of the best choices in the market.

  • Modular design. Super-wide – 16-feet wide with various configuration options using the eight 24-inch panels.
  • Multiple installations. A baby gate, a play yard, a super-wide barrier between spaces.
  • Strong and durable. All-steel frame construction.
  • Smart design. The panels connect to the hinged posts. Imagine the many configuration possibilities.
  • Contained area. You can create a 19 sq. feet area using the 8 modular baby gate panels.
  • Easy set-up. The modular design allows for quick fold-down, compact storage and easy set-up.
  • Flexible and adaptable. You can convert this Regalo baby gate from a fireplace barrier to a play yard easily.
  • Walk-through door with double-lock lever handle mechanism.
  • Hardware mount. Connect modular panels to hinged posts.
  • PVC-free material. Non-toxic powder coating.
  • Safety standards. Approved by ASTM.
  • Warranty. Limited 90-day warranty by Regalo.

ASTM = American Society for Testing and Materials.

 Tips : Take this modular Regalo baby gate on your road trip to visit with friends and family. You can quickly set-up a contained area for your baby. You and your hosts will get peace of minds – having your baby play in a safe play yard.

Read our full review of of Regalo 192-inch super-wide baby gate and play yard.

5. Summer Infant Banister and Stair Gate with Dual Installation Kit. Best baby gate for stairs with Banisters.

Summer Banister and Stair, Top of Stairs Baby Gate with Dual Installation Kit, Cherry...
Summer Banister and Stair, Top of Stairs Baby Gate with Dual Installation Kit, Cherry...
  • ACCOMODATES MOST OPENINGS – The Summer Banister and Stair, Top of Stairs Baby Gate...
  • EASY INSTALLATION: With the dual installation kit, this baby gate accommodates...
  • SAFE AND SECURE: Have peace of mind knowing your baby or pet can explore safely with...
$89.22
View on Amazon

Product Details

Specification
Model: Summer Infant Banister and Stair Gate with Dual Installation Kit, model # 07180C

  • Fits openings 32” to 48” openings.
  • Height: 33″ tall.
  • Self-locking door.

Design and material: Adaptable for single or dual banisters.

Honey-oak wood. Chocolate-color accent.

Installation Options
Mounting type: Hardware-mount using installation kit included.

  • Top of Stairs with banister.
  • Bottom of Stairs with single or dual banisters.
  • Fits stairs with opening 32” to 48” when using the banister kit included.
  • Banisters between 2.75” to 5” diameter thick.
  • Also works for Doorways – just use the gate without the kit.
 Installation Tip:  Never exceed 3 inch for a gap on hinge side or bottom of gate.

Reasons to buy:

  • Best banister-to-banister baby gate, works for either single or dual banisters stairs.
  • There is no drilling required for a square banister. It works on round banister – drilling needed.
  • Good looking traditional style for wooden banister stairs.
  • Reliable banister kit to use for safe and easy mounting at the top or bottom of stairs.
  • This wooden baby gate works for range of diameter 2.75” to 5” thick banisters.
  • Durable material. Honey oak wood with chocolate accent.
  • Good height: 33” tall door.
  • Good range of opening for most types of stairs and space. It can accommodate opening 32:”-48”.
  • Suitable for doorways installation.

Read our full review of Summer Infant Banister and Stair Baby Gate with Dual Installation Kit.

6. Evenflo Soft and Wide baby gate. Best retractable and adjustable baby gate for travel.

Sale
Evenflo Soft and Wide gate, Emery
Evenflo Soft and Wide gate, Emery
  • Pressure-Mounted With Rubber Bumpers That Won't Damage Walls, Providing a Secure,...
  • Completely Assembled for Immediate Use. No Tools Required
  • Lightweight and Portable
$53.99 −$14.00 $39.99
View on Amazon

Product Details

Specification
Model: Evenflo Soft and Wide baby gate

  • Fits opening 38″ to 60″ wide.
  • Height: 27 1/2” tall.

Design and material: Portable, Lightweight, retractable. See-through fabric, emery color.

Installation Options
Mounting type: Pressure mount using tension rod mechanism.

  • Hallway
  • Doorway
  • Lightweight barrier for opening ranged from 38” to 60”

Reasons to buy:

  • Fully assembled. No tools are needed to set it up or take it down.
  • Color and design look neutral in most living spaces.
  • Lightweight and portable. This Evenflo baby gate has a small footprint.
  • The rubber bumpers will not damage walls.
  • Tension rod allows custom fit without causing blemish to the walls.
  • Best for doorways with opening 38” to 60”.
  • Easy step-over for adults – it stands at 27 1/2 inches tall.
  • Soft and washable material.
  • Ideal to pack for travel. You can set up this soft gate in 5 minutes without damage to any walls.

Read our full review of Evenflo soft and wide portable baby gate.

7. North States MyPet 38″ Wide Petgate Passage – Best baby gate with pet door.

North States MyPet 38' Wide Petgate Passage: Secure gate with Small Lockable pet...
North States MyPet 38" Wide Petgate Passage: Secure gate with Small Lockable pet...
  • WORRY FREE SAFETY: Keep your pet contained and your home safe with this extra tall...
  • LOADED WITH FEATURES: This pet gate features a door with a large, one-hand operated...
  • STYLISH AND DEPENDABLE: The MyPet Petgate Passage is made of heavy-duty metal and...
View on Amazon

Product Details

Model: North States MyPet 38″ Wide Petgate Passage.

Specification
  • Material: Metal.
  • Color: Matte Bronze
  • Pet door: 9.5″ x 8″.
  • Walk-through door: 21 inches (extra wide)
  • Weight: 14.8 pounds
Installation Options
  • Mount Type: Pressure mount
  • Width: 29.8 inches to 38 inches
  • Expandable pressure mount up to 65.6 inches
  • Height: 30 Inches
  • Locations: Doorways, between rooms (multiple units)

Reasons to buy:

    • Convenient two-way, walk-through gate.
    • One-hand operation that makes use of an easy locking mechanism.

North-States-MyPet-38-inch-wide-petgate-passage-easy-one-hand-operation

  • Requires no tools to install.
  • Can be combined with multiple units to enclose larger spaces.
  • Durable metal design and construction helps it to stand up to even a larger dog.

Reasons to avoid:

  • Pet door is on the small size, so it isn’t useful for big breeds.
  • While the gate is easy to install, it isn’t easy to put together.

Summary:

This well-made North States MyPet 38″ Pet gate has a perfect pet door for a small pet. This safety gate can even stand up to more destructive, larger breeds. A fantastic piece of engineering, it’s an ideal choice for those who want a gate that looks great while still providing them with protection and security.

8. Carlson Extra Wide Walk-Through Pet Gate with Small Pet Door – Best extra-wide walk-through pet gate.

Sale
Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Pet Gate with Small Pet Door, Includes 4-Inch...
Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Pet Gate with Small Pet Door, Includes 4-Inch...
  • EXTRA WIDE: Expands to stairways and openings between 29-36.5 inches wide. Stands 30...
  • SMALL PET DOOR: Patented small pet door is 8 x 8 inches. Let’s small pets pass...
  • ADJUSTABLE: Includes a 4-inch wide extension kit. Perfect for doorway, hallway and...
$44.99 −$5.00 $39.99
View on Amazon

Product Details

Model: Carlson Extra Wide Walk-Through Pet Gate with Small Pet Door.

Specification
  • Material: All-steel metal construction
  • Color: White
  • Safety gate dimensions: 29” – 36.5” wide, 30.5” tall.
  • Small pet door dimension: 8” x 8”.
  • Weight: 10 pounds
Installation Options
  • Mount Type: Pressure mount
  • Locations: Doorways, hallways, bottom of stairs
  • No tools required for installation

Reasons to buy:

    • All-steel design is incredibly durable and dog-proof.
    • Sturdy small pet door.

Carlson-Extra-Wide-Walk-Through-Pet-Gate-with-small-pet-door

  • Fairly easy to remove and to re-install.
  • Extra-wide design is great for bigger spaces.
  • Walk-through system is easy to use thanks to a simple lever.
  • Easy for virtually anyone to use or to install.

Reasons to avoid:

  • Pet door can’t come off permanently.
  • Gate does tend to wobble if it isn’t installed correctly.

Summary:

If you’re looking for something that’s easy to operate, you’re going to love this Carlson safety gate. It is designed with both your pet’s comfort and your ease of use in mind. Easy to move out and re-install without damaging your walls. It has an efficient lever-based system that makes it easier to walk through than many other gates in its class.

9. North States MyPet Paws 40″ Portable Pet Gate – Best Portable Pet Gate.

MYPET North States 40” Paws Portable Pet Gate: Made in USA, Expands & Locks in...
MYPET North States 40” Paws Portable Pet Gate: Made in USA, Expands & Locks in...
  • WORRY-FREE SAFETY: Keep your pet contained and your home safe with the MyPet Paws...
  • CONVENIENT AND PORTABLE: This gate is 23" tall, fits a variety of openings between...
  • PERFECT FOR MODERN HOMES: This portable petgate features rubber bumpers that protect...
$59.50
View on Amazon

Product Details

Model: North States MyPet Paws 40″ Portable Pet Gate.

Specification
  • Material: Plastic
  • Color: Light Gray
  • Made in the USA
  • Dog age range: All ages
Installation Options
  • Mount Type: Pressure mount
  • Width: 26 inches to 40 inches
  • Height: 23 Inches
  • Locations: Doorways, between rooms
  • Accommodates up to 4″ molding

Reasons to buy:

    • Absolutely worth the price for what you get.
    • Very easy to set up, take down, and move.
    • Sturdy curve handle

North-States-MyPet-Paws-40-inch-Portable-Pet-Gate-curved-handle

  • Expands to cover a fairly wide range of spaces.
  • Short enough for most adults to step over without a problem.
  • Surprisingly high-quality build for a plastic gate.

Reasons to avoid:

  • Does not feature a lockable pet door.
  • Short enough that some dogs may be able to jump over the gate.

Summary:

North States does an amazing job with this plastic safety gate. Not only is it fairly easy to use, but it’s very easy to transport and can stand up to punishment. If you’re looking for a portable safety gate, this North State is one of the best in the market today.

10. Carlson 3-in-1 Extra Tall Weather-Resistant Outdoor 144-Inch Wide Pet Gate – Best extra-wide indoor outdoor pet gate.

Carlson Pet Products 3-in-1 Extra Tall Weather-Resistant Outdoor 144-Inch Wide Pet...
Carlson Pet Products 3-in-1 Extra Tall Weather-Resistant Outdoor 144-Inch Wide Pet...
  • Do not use abrasive cleaners or bleach. Clean by sponging with warm water and a mild...
$213.69
View on Amazon

Product Details

Model: Carlson 3-in-1 Extra Tall Weather-Resistant Outdoor 144-Inch Wide Pet Gate

Specification
  • Material: All-steel metal construction
  • Color: Black
  • Width: Up to 144 Inches
  • Height: 36 Inches
  • Convertible from gate to play yard
Installation Options
  • Mount Type: Wall mount
  • Locations: Indoors, outdoors, room divider

Reasons to buy:

    • One of the few truly extra-wide and extra-tall gate options.

Carlson-3-in-1-Outdoor-144-Inch-Wide-Pet-Gate-weather-resistant

  • Can convert to a six-panel play pen.
  • Larger gate is good for bigger pets.
  • Wall mount is extra-secure, making it good for big dogs.
  • Incredibly durable steel design works well inside and outside.

Reasons to avoid:

  • Wall mounting means more installation work.

Summary:

This Carlson 144 inch-wide safety gate is our top pick for an all-weather outdoor gate. You can configure it as a small outdoor fence for your dog. If you are installing it indoors, this Carlson can be converted to a room divider or a play pen. If you are looking for something that can cover a lot of space, this is definitely the gate for you.

Buying Guide for baby gates

If possible, plan for baby proofing your home before your baby can crawl. Make use of baby gates as a barriers to unsafe areas.

baby-nick-crawling-baby-mine-store

Think about the hazards in your home. How you would limit access to them. What kind of baby gates do you need? Are they in doorways, stairways? Do you need extra-wide, extra-tall safety gates?

Why do you need a baby gate?

Baby gate is one of the fundamental safety items to child-proof your home. Ask any parents, they will tell you that child safety is always priority one.

There are many safety reasons to limit toddler access to unsafe areas. For example, it is wise to:

  • Create a contained space to keep them safe inside a play yard. You can keep an eye on their movements easier in a fenced area.
  • Block access to stairs to prevent accidental falls.
  • Block access to hazardous objects such as fireplaces, wood stoves, heaters, etc.

When should you install a baby gate?

  • You want to install baby gates as soon as your baby becomes mobile.
  • Babies start crawling about six-month old. They are naturally curious. Given the chance, they will explore every corner of your home.
  • Baby gate is most effective to child-proof your home for toddler between six-months to two-year old.
  • Of course, each child’s agility, curiosity and natural inclination to avoid danger varies.

When will baby gate become ineffective?

  • It goes without saying that babies will amaze you with their dexterity and intelligence.
  • A baby gate will only be effective if the baby can’t open it.
  • Generally, a two-year-old will be able to open a baby-gate.
  • Of course you can no longer use the gate when your child can climb over.

Where should you install a baby safety gate?

We all want to baby proof every room, but that may not be possible. It may be wiser just to limit access to certain areas or hazards in your home.

Obvious areas to use baby gates: top of stairs, bottom of stairs, hallways, doorways, fireplace.

Use baby gates to fence off non-child-proof areas.
 Did you know? 
    • About 50% of homes in the US have stairs. And, stairs are a top source* of home accidents.
    • According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, there are 3000 stairs-related injuries per day in the US.

*Source: Reuters report on injuries on stairs in 2017.

How to choose the best baby gate?

Choosing the best baby gate is really about choosing the best safety gate for your specific requirements.

So, let’s first find out what are your needs.

  • Where do you want to install your gate? Hallway, doorway, top of stairs, bottom of stairs. You pick the type of baby gate based on your installation location.
  • Do you want to just fence off an area to create a contained space?
  • Based on how wide is the area, you may need an extra-tall or an extra-wide baby gate.
  • How often do you plan to use it throughout the day? Walk-through gate? Easy-to-open gate?
  • Do you need a portable gate or a permanent gate? Do you need to take it down at night?
  • Do you need a multi-functional gate? Are you thinking about configuring it to a play yard sometimes?
  • Can you do a hardware mount onto your wall? Or, a pressure-mount is your preferred choice?

Here is a complete baby-gate checklist to aid you in your evaluation:

  • Location. Where will the baby gate be installed? Will it be in a hallway, a doorway, at the top of stairs or bottom of stairs? Fireplace barrier? A contained space?
  • Dimension. How wide is the space for the baby gate? Do you need to order extensions for those safety gates? How tall will the baby gate need to be?
  • Will it be permanent or temporary in that location? How will the gate be installed? Are you willing and able to permanently mount the gate to the wall or door-frame? Or do you want a pressure fit gate that can easily be moved? Or, do you want a portable retractable gate?
  • Door swing. For a baby gate with a door, do you want the door open to the right or left? What is the space available to accommodate the door swing?
  • Access. How about your own access through the baby gates? Hopping over is not always most convenient for adults, especially if you are carrying something. Do you need walk-through door?
  • One-hand operation. How often do you need to pass through this gate daily? Will you be carrying something? How difficult it is to open the gate?
  • Auto-close door. Do you prefer a door to close automatically behind you?
  • Ease of installation and removal. How much time and effort do you want to spend on this task?
  • Multi-functional. Does your baby gate need to support multiple configurations? Do you want a room barrier to be convertible into a play yard?
  • Durability. Steel frame is most durable and strong. If you expect to be using the same gate for multiple children in years to come, metal or wooden frame are good choices.
  • If you are looking for a temporary solution to travel with you, a lightweight portable gate is worth considering.
  • Style. Do you prefer particular designs or materials? For example, do you want it to match the decor of your home? Or do you want it to be of a particular material such as metal, wood or mesh fabric?
  • How many gates do you need? Know the dimension and type you need for each installation. For example, one for hallway, one for top of the stairs, another one for the bottom of stairs. A portable play yard for travel?
  • Budget. Let’s face it, budget is always a real consideration. If money is no object, always choose the best gate for your baby and situation. We feature gates from below $50 to about $100. Each price range has its own merits based on your needs.

Recap of the best baby safety gates:


munchkin-easy-close-xl-wide-baby-gate

Top Pick:

Munchkin Easy Close XL Wide Bronze Baby Gate MK0009-111 (View on Amazon) is our overall best baby gate for doorways and stairways. It gets our votes for both style and functions.

Designed for: hallways, doorways, bottom of stairs, top of stairs.

The extra-tall of 36″ and the extra wide-range of 29.5″ to 51.6″ are icings on the cake!


North-States-72-inch-wide-deluxe-décor--baby-gate

Runner up:

North States 72″ Wide Deluxe Décor Baby Gate (View on Amazon) is the best baby gate for angled-wall installation.

The tri-panel design allows for multiple configuration: hallways, doorways, fireplace, and angled walls.

This is a hardware-mount unit on straight or angled walls.

And, it offers one-hand operation!


summer-infant-multi-use-deco-walk-through-baby-gate

Best auto-close baby gate:

Summer Infant multi-use deco walk-through baby gate (View on Amazon) is the best automatically closed baby gate with door.

It is also the winner for best-looking deco-style arch-door.

We also love its multi-location options: hallways, doorways, top of stairs and the bottom of stairs.


Regalo-192-inch-super-wide-adjustable-baby-gate-and-play-yard

Best modular and super-wide baby gate and play yard:

Regalo 192-inch super wide adjustable baby gate and play yard (View on Amazon) is our top-rated super-wide baby gate and play yard. We love its modular and linear design. The PVS-free and non-toxic powder coating win our vote for being environmentally responsible and safe for all.

We also love its multi-configuration options: a baby gate, a play yard, a super-wide barrier between spaces. This is the most flexible and adaptable baby gate on our list.


summer-Infant-banister-baby-gate-and-kit

Best baby gate for stairs with banisters:

Summer Infant Banister and Stair Gate with Dual Installation Kit (View on Amazon) is our best baby gate for stairs with banisters. It works for single or double banister stairs. It can accommodate 2.75” to 5” thick banister, square or round banisters.

It is made of beautiful and durable honey oak wood. It can accommodate 32”- 48” opening. This wooden baby gate is designed for top of stairs, bottom of stairs and doorways installation.


evenflo-soft-and-wide-baby-gate

Best portable and lightweight baby gate:

Evenflo Soft and Wide baby gate (View on Amazon) is our best portable and lightweight-fabric baby gate. We like that it is fully assembled. You don’t need any tools to set it up or take it down.

We all appreciate no damage to walls with this pressure-mount tension-rod mechanism.

It is budget friendly. This is our go-to for travel with our baby to friends’ houses.

Your baby’s safety is always priority one.

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baby mine store is founded by three best friends: jenny, sara and madison. we are parents of infants, toddlers and young children. this site is about parents helping parents to create the best environments for our kids.

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