Best Child Safety Gates 2020

Once your baby gets more active crawling, pulling themselves up and especially walking then you need to fit some child safety gates. Some of the common spots to fit them are at the top and/ or bottom of stairs, in front of the kitchen or on your child’s bedroom. All of these doorways or hallways will have different fitting requirements and measurements so you need to make sure you’re getting the best baby safety gates for your money.

In the UK, doorways may not be standard dimensions (especially if you have an older property) so you need to take measurements to find out if you need a narrow or wide fit gate option. Retractable stair gates are also a good choice if you have a difficult space to fit a gate in (for example in an open plan house) or if you want them to be less intrusive.

You also need to consider what fitting method would suit you best. Pressure fit safety gates are easy to fit as you don’t need to do any drilling, however, you will have a bottom bar that can be a trip hazard for little children (and you!) Screw-fit gates will leave holes to fill after you remove them, but they are less obstructive when the gate is open.

Take a good look at all the options we recommend below and you should find the best safety gate to fit in 2020!

Best Overall Child Safety Gates
Best Pressure Fit Stair Gate
Best Wide Stair Gate
Best Narrow Stair Gate
Best Extendable Stair Gate
Best Retractable Baby Gate
Best Wooden Stair Gate

We also have a travel stair gate review, if you need a baby gate when you’re away.

Best Overall Child Safety Gates

BabyDan Guard Me Auto-Retractable Safety Guard

If the thought of your toddler taking a tumble down a set of stairs sends chills down your spine, then you will love the BabyDan Guard Me Auto-Retractable Safety Guard. Classy, retractable and auto foldable, this toddler gate fits in the narrow corridors in the home to help you secure hallways, stairs, and corridors. Regardless of the size of the opening you need to secure, this gate provides you with an elegant and safe solution.

Unlike other products on the market, this retractable toddler gate is made of PVC-free plastic to safeguard the health and safety of your growing child. The stable composition of the gate eliminates the risk of injuries. The inability to see what is beyond the partition lowers the curiosity of your little explorers in their home.

Easy to fit, these child safety gates from BabyDan secure doorways of 55-89 cm. Each unit ships with three additional pieces to let you extend the standard 55 cm to 89 cm. If you have a bigger space, you can buy an optional 24cm extension kit to achieve the maximum 113.5 cm.

The ingenious fitting mechanism on the toddler gate enables you to mount it on the outside or inside of your door frame without compromising child safety. A simple press on the one-handed release mechanism is all it takes for the gate to retract against the wall to the point of being invisible. Since it’s wall mounted, you don’t have to worry about trip bars that could send your toddler sprawling to the floor.

Happy and satisfied buyers of these toddler gates on Amazon have this to say about their purchase:

“Strongly recommended – our 4-year-old has given one of these gates a thorough workout over the past 8 months, and it’s shown no signs of damage or flimsiness whatsoever. Great build quality, clear instructions and very easy to use (simple to open/close one-handed if necessary).”

And

“We reached the point where we needed to install baby gates, and after some research picked these. They’re really good. When open they really don’t get in the way, they’re easy enough to use that you can close or open them with one hand, and they keep your child safe. Recommended.”

BabyDan No Trip Beechwood Safety Gate

If you have children of different ages in the home and need a simple yet effective way to secure doorways and stairs, you can’t go wrong with the BabyDan No Trip Beechwood Safety Gate. The quick release mechanism on the wall-mounted toddler gate means it poses the least amount of inconvenience to the older children.

Using minimal effort, an 8-year old can remove and reattach the child safety gate as they go about their playtime. A quick release mechanism coupled with the lightweight nature of the barrier means it poses the least amount of inconvenience when moving around the home.

Wall mounted, the Beechwood child safety gates are ideal when you need to secure stairways as it poses no tripping hazard. Measuring 74.5 cm in height, this gate will fit openings that measure 72.5 – 78.5 cm. One added advantage of this product is that it opens in both directions making it ideal for busy doorways.

Each unit ships with detailed installation instructions to walk you through the installation process. You only need to position the included template correctly before drilling the holes in the door frames. In fact, the entire process can take all of 15 minutes to accomplish. After your little one no longer needs barricading in, you only need a bit of wood filler, light sanding and a touch of paint and your doorframe is as good as new.

Made of European Beechwood, each unit is lightweight yet solid to provide you with a classy and practical way to secure your doorways and keep your little ones safe. The minimalist design makes the toddler gate an elegant addition to your home without compromising your child’s safety and wellbeing.

The child safety gate measures 78.5 x 3 x 74.5 cm and weighs 2.3 kgs.

Delighted parents have this to say about their security gates on Amazon:

“Bought 2 of these as the price seemed very good. Upon opening both packages, no damage or any marks were found, contents very well laid out and instructions easy to follow. I had put both up in 25 minutes. Well-built and I would highly recommend them to anyone, why pay more for an excellent product. It is WOOD and not imitation plastic wood effect rubbish. Lightweight but strong.”

And

“Finally, a safety gate that does the job! After trying many different safety gates from various brands, big and small, this BabyDan No Trip Beechwood Safety Gate is the clear winner!”

Lindam Sure Shut Axis Pressure Fit Safety Gate

The Lindam Sure Shut Axis Pressure Fit Safety Gate is really affordable. Nevertheless, that doesn’t make it a ‘cheap’ option for securing your doorways and spaces. In fact, the pressure fit mechanism on the toddler gate makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a quick and no mess installation.

These safety gates make use of pressure and wall pads to fit snugly between your spaces, eliminating the need to drill holes in the walls or doorframes. Each unit ships with a comprehensive installation manual. A detailed installation video is available on the company’s website. By following the instructions correctly, you can have it installed in less than five minutes.

Since it comprises a supportive U-shaped frame, you should not install this gate at the top of a stairway as the bottom bar might pose a tripping hazard. Nevertheless, it makes an ideal choice when keeping your little one from going upstairs or to put on their bedroom. A quick, one-handed release makes it suitable for busy doorways as it only takes a quick press on the release button to open the gate. You can set it to open and swing both ways or restrict it to one direction at the bottom of a staircase.

The child safety gate boasts a robust steel construction for continued use. The standard gate fits openings of 76-82 cm with the option of extending it to 117 cm with the optional extensions that come in various sizes.

“Love this gate as it’s so easy to open and close one-handed…. Very easy to install. Simply pull it shut to lock it. Press top and bottom with one hand to open. If we ever need another, we’ll be buying this one again from the same supplier. Excellent service.”

And

“This is a very good gate for a good price. Does the job and seems to be of good quality. Fits perfectly and very easy to put together.”

Best Pressure Fit Stair Gate

Pressure fit stair gates are usually the most cost-effective way of installing multiple baby gates in your house. They can be easily fixed and removed leaving just small marks that can be easily repainted. These are three of the most reliable gates that you can buy on Amazon.

BabyDan Premier True Pressure Safety Gate

A pressure fit stair gate is the perfect option if you like a safety gate with no screws needed. This is exactly what the BabyDan Premier True Pressure Safety Gate brings to the table. It measures 73 cm in height making it the perfect baby gate and even a toddler stair gate. In addition to this, you can also lessen the chances of installation mistakes simply because it has an indicator telling you if the gate has been fitted in the correct manner.

The BabyDan Premier True Pressure Safety Gate is an ideal option for children 0 to 24 months old. This means that the moment your child learns how to crawl, you can already rely on this baby gate to protect your child. It also has additional extensions sold separately which makes it possible for parents to extend the safety gate up to 119 cm.

The BabyDan Premier True Pressure Safety Gate has also been designed for different types of openings as long as it measures from 73.5 to 79.6 cm.

For the measurements of the BabyDan Premier True Pressure Safety Gate, it measures 73 x 73.5 x 4 cm. It also weighs 4.6 kg.

Customers are really happy with their purchase of this baby gate:

“I originally bought one, it worked so well I bought another. The first one has been working well for a month, it is sturdy, well made and I don’t foresee any problems.”

And

“Great product. Easy to put up and very easy to use… Would recommend this product as have had other brands’ safety gates in the past in previous houses and they were no where near as good.”

Lindam Easy Fit Plus Deluxe Pressure Fit Safety Gate

Another great option if you are looking for a good pressure fit stair gate is the Lindam Easy Fit Plus Deluxe Pressure Fit Safety Gate. For starters, the company has been around for over 25 years in the industry. They’ve received over 60 awards for their products and the Lindam Easy Fit Plus Deluxe Pressure Fit Safety Gate consistently brings peace of mind to parents. This option works both as a toddler and a baby gate with its superb design. It offers strong steel construction that can withstand both a toddler and a baby’s rough play.

It can even be extended with the Lindam universal 7 cm, 14 cm, and 29 cm extensions. In addition to this, it can be installed in just five minutes which makes it a great option for individuals who aren’t really handy when it comes to using tools.

It fits widths of 76 cm to 82 cm and can even be extended to 117 cm. This means that you can use this toddler stair gate regardless of the opening that you have in your house. It is also the ideal option for doorways and for the bottom of the stairs.

As for its design, the Lindam Easy Fit Plus Deluxe Pressure Fit Safety Gate can only be opened by adults with its squeeze and lift handle. It also has a double locking option which keeps your children off areas that they shouldn’t be exploring.

The Lindam Easy Fit Plus Deluxe Pressure Fit Safety Gate measures 4.5 x 75 x 75 cm. It weighs 998 g.
As for what customers have to say about this product, take a look at these testimonials:

“I installed two of these gates by myself, on the bottom and the top of the stairs. I like the bottom lock feature, that just add a bit more security if the older child learns how to open the top latch.”

And

“It’s very sturdy, it would be difficult to move this gate when closed and fitted properly. Much better than cheaper ones I’ve bought.”

Here’s a quick guide to the Easy Fit Plus Safety Gate:

Safety 1st Securtech Auto Close Metal Gate

This pressure fit stair gate can extend up to 136 cm if you decide to purchase the extensions. What people love about this toddler stair gate is the fact that it can be installed without complications. It makes use of four-point pressure fit gate technology perfect for people with no inclination towards becoming a handyman. The safety gate also swings closed from any angle so you can be reassured that your children are also safe.

The gate has a highly adaptable design that fits different home designs. And with its one-two way opening, it doesn’t restrict the user to stick to just one direction.

It has a second locking system at the bottom of this pressure fit stair gate. Just turn the lever vertically and the gate will simply open in one direction.

The dimensions of the Safety 1st Secure Tech Simply Close Metal Gate measures 3 x 73 x 72 cm. It weighs 4.4 kg.

Since this safety gate became popular, here are some reviews from users:

Easy to fit with lots of options to fit most situations. Easy to open for an adult and it feels safe.”

And

“Fits well, feels sturdy, easier to install than other baby gates, its a bit low, great for the price.”

Best Wide Stair Gate

If you have a wider than standard space that you need to fit a baby gate into then you will need to find a wide stair gate. The three below cover all the options so you should find the one you need to cover the wide gap.

Dreambaby Chelsea Xtra-Wide Gate Set

The Dreambaby Chelsea Gate is extra wide- fitting openings from 97 cm to 108 cm without extensions. The gate can get even wider though covering areas up to 135 cm using the extensions. This means that there shouldn’t be an area in your home that this gate can’t block. If there is an area too wide for this stair gate, then you can even buy extra extensions making this gate be able to reach across 308 cm. The gate is made of quality metal and is very stable.

This child safety gate uses a pressure mounting system to fix to the wall or doorway. The gate connects tightly and is easy to install. It doesn’t damage walls and can be moved around the house wherever you may need to take it and since it is so wide it should work anywhere. The gate part opens in both directions making it easy to get through. Also, it is easy to operate with one hand so you can be carrying your child and still manage to open and close the gate easily. This gate is great for children or pets.

Thanks to being easy to use and so wide it is no wonder that the Dreambaby Chelsea Gate is a popular option with top Amazon reviews. Customers say things such as:

“I have so so many baby gates, and this one is the best for my super wide kitchen entrance.”

And

“Our grandson can push and pull the hand lock, but cannot lift the door to open it past the security catch. Good door, safe, and easy to install and remove when not needed, leaving no unsightly screw holes. Would recommend.”

BabyDan Configure

The BabyDan Configure is a flexible child safety gate that uses a three-panel system so you can secure awkward spaces making them safe for your toddler. There is the Configure M door panel that measures 72 cm and two side panels that measure 33 cm each. This means it can expand across an area of 138 cm. The gate on this model is also wide measuring 52 cm making it easy to walk through. The gate can be positioned anywhere in the Configure M section making it great to use this gate as a room divider.

The gate is easy to set up as well, which is a plus. It connects directly to the wall which makes it nice and stable. The wall fittings you need to connect it are included. The wall fittings are also quick release, so if you need to move it out of the way you can. The gate can be opened in both directions so you can place it in a high traffic area.

The fact that this is a configurable system makes it easy to use in a lot of situations and is probably why the Amazon reviews are so good. Customers really like this product and say:

“This is excellent – very flexible system”

And

“We had a gap that was not in a straight line that we needed to block off. …. Really straightforward to alter angles between the panels, put together and affix to the wall.”

BabyDan Wide Pressure Gate

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly wide stair gate, than the BabyDan Wide Pressure Gate may be the one you need. It can expand from 86 cm to 93 cm making it good for most wider areas. The fact that it is a pressure gate also makes it easy to use. It is made out of top quality metal and when fitted correctly is nice and stable. To help make sure it is fitted correctly it has a pressure gauge so you will know when you have it connected right. You can just take this gate straight out of the box and start using it with no drilling.

The fact that it is a pressure stair gate also makes it easy to move around the home. You can use it in any area that you need to which makes it convenient. On top of that, the gate opens both directions and it also opens easily with one hand so you can be carrying things and still be able to open the gate. The gate has a wide opening as well, so it is not hard to walk through. The gate measures 73 cm high which means only the most accomplished climbers will be able to get over it!

Thanks to the great quality paired with the lower cost it is no wonder that this child safety gate is popular on Amazon. Customers tend to really love it and say:

“My inlaws have an unusually large stair so this fit perfectly. It’s a brand I know and trust. Fit together really well and easily”

And

“The gate can fit a variety of sizes of opening and has extending pieces so you can vary the size. It was easy to assemble and simple to fit – just a matter of turning 4 nuts to fit the space. The gate is sturdy and is easy to open with one hand. A great product.”

Best Narrow Stair Gate

We had this problem in our house (a Victorian terrace): our stairs and upstairs landing were very narrow. Here’s some of the best narrow stair gates that we could find to make even the narrow spaces safe for your curious toddler.

Bettacare Extra Narrow Stair Gate

The Bettacare Extra Narrow Stair Gate a metal gate with a stylish design that should look perfect in your home. It is designed to fit doorway and hallway openings of between 61.5 and 65 cm. The Bettacare Extra Narrow child safety gate is designed to not only keep your child out but to keep them safe as well and thus the anti-pinch system will prevent any unnecessary injuries. The gate also includes an auto shut mechanism, which means that it will swing close and lock if left open.

With a stylish and modern white colour, this gate should easily match your décor. The gate also includes a childproof safety lock and this means that the child should have no way of opening the gate.

As an added benefit, the Bettacare Extra Narrow Stair Gate can be installed in any way. The gate is capable of opening to both sides and if you need to have some extensions, this gate can also be extended for wider areas like the hall way. The gate itself is also quite light but, at 5 kgs, it should prove to be immovable for your baby.
The gate can also be self-installed and all the parts and the instructions are carefully contained in the package. Wall cups and self-adhesives are included in the packaging and this will cover every aspect of the installation that you need.

The dimensions of this stair gate are 61 x 3.5 x 77 cm

On Amazon, this stair gate is quite popular and this is what many people are saying:

“Brilliant good quality better than I could have hoped for :)”

And

“Worked well for us. One of the few pressure gates I could find that fit this narrow doors.”

Safetots Wide Walkthrough Narrow Gate

The Safetots Wide Walkthrough Narrow Gate is a durable and high-quality metal gate that has been designed to keep your family safe. The gate is pressure fitted so it can be fitted easily using limited DIY knowledge. The stair gate is designed to fit into most narrow hallways and stair openings. The wide walkthrough design ensures that most of the gate is the door so you don’t loose any of the already tight space by fitting the gate.

The childproof safety lock ensures that your child cannot open the gate and the fact that it can open both ways improves the functionality.

The Safetots Wide Walkthrough Narrow Gate also features a self-testing pressure indicator and this is a great way for you to test the pressure and ensure that the gate is fully locked into place. The gate only weighs in at around 4.2 kgs and this should make the installation process that much easier.

The gate can be extended to 100 cm as well if you plan to move it to a less narrow position and there are various different extensions that you could add on. Having these extensions will improve the versatility and since it is installed with a pressure system, it will be easy to move the gate around the house. The normal sized Safetots Wide Walkthrough Narrow Gate is designed for hallways width of between 62.5 and 69.5 cm.

The dimensions of this gate are 62 x 2.5 x 73 cm

This gate has been available for a long time now and users on Amazon are really starting to gravitate towards it. Here are a few things that people have said:

“They worked well on our narrow stairs and have stayed up well even with people going through them all the time. Good product”

And

“Arrived a lot sooner than I expected, brilliant product and excellent service. Thank you”

Safetots Chunky Wooden Screw Fit Stair Gate

The Safetots Chunky Wooden Screw Fit Stair Gate is one of the most affordable narrow stair gates that you could find. The gate is not designed from metal like the others, but rather from high-quality wooden materials. The gate must be screwed in when you are installing it and this might require some added tools, but it will be really stable and secure once you have.

The Safetots Chunky Wooden Screw Fit stair gate also includes a safety lock, but one of the main things that makes it stand out is the fact that it can be operated with one hand. This means that you could still open and close it when you are carrying your baby or child.

This gate can also be expanded and the wooden design does make it really affordable. The gate is also quite tall and this will ensure that your toddler or any pets cannot climb over. In terms of the sizing, the gate is designed for hallways of between 63.5 and 105.5 cm. This large gap will give you much-needed versatility and allow you to use it in most hallways and doorways.

The dimensions of this child safety gate are 63 x 4 x 71 cm

Here is what a few buyers on Amazon have said:

“Very good quality in a natural wood. Easy to assemble.”

And

“Great product, we really struggled to find a gate to fit our door frame, this does the job as it fits the smallest to the largest.”

Best Extendable Stair Gate

An extendable stair gate is really useful when you’re not quite certain of the dimensions of the area you need to fill or if you want the versatility of being able to move the stair gate around as your child grows. A lot of stair gates come with extender kits that you can buy as extra, however, all three of the gates below need no extra purchases and will extend to a good width.

Lindam Extending Metal Safety Gate

If you need a classy and stylish way to keep your energetic toddler from tumbling down the stairs, you can’t go wrong with Lindam Extending Metal Safety Gate. This extendable stairgate fits doorways measuring between 64.5 cm and an impressive 102 cm without the need to buy extensions. An innovative extension mechanism enables you to barricade any space in the home without compromising on safety or aesthetics.

This toddler safety gate boasts an innovative hinge mechanism to let it fit snugly in any space you need to barricade. The provided template takes out any guesswork when drilling the holes to fix the hinges. Better yet, the main gate is separable from the hinges. Hence, you can remove the gate when the kids are not around for added convenience and easily slip it back when you need to.

The patented tilt and lift spring opening mechanism on this extendable steel gate make for an easy one-handed opening and closing. This is particularly convenient when you’re holding your precious little angel or even carrying groceries or laundry. The gate opens both ways, making it ideal for busy spaces with lots of foot traffic. The absence of a crossbar at the bottom eliminates any tripping risk hence you can use it the top and bottom of a staircase.

Living up to the manufacturer’s reputation, this extendable metallic gate boasts a long lifespan. The strong steel composition will serve you faithfully from when your child is small up to when they start running around the house.

The extendable gate measures 102 x 6 x 73.8 cm and weighs 4.8 kg.

Delighted customers on Amazon have this to say about their purchase:

“Easy to fit. Easy to use and peace of mind that the necessary control is in place. Doesn’t look out of place once it’s installed.”

And

“Brilliant. Easy to fit. Solid build quality. We put this one our infant’s bedroom doorframe to stop him wandering onto the landing if he were to climb out of his cot – which it looks like he’ll be able to do very soon!”

Safety 1st Wall Fix Metal Extending Gate

If you are in the market for an adaptable toddler gate that fits securely on the wall, the Safety 1st Wall Fix Metal Extending Gate is right on the money. This gate makes the ideal companion when you need to keep an energetic toddler from wandering into the kitchen or down your stairs. The screw fitted hinges fit securely into the wall of any space you wish to barricade. The sturdy screws eliminate any free movement when the gate swings open from either side.

The innovative tilt and lift opening mechanism lets you open and close the gate single-handedly, making it easy to get around the house. It also enables you to lock and open the gate from either side without compromising safety and functionality. Moreover, you can remove the entire unit from the hinges when the occasion calls for it. A simple, adult operated release mechanism on the hinges lets you remove the gate and fix it back when you need to block one section of the house.

It is easy to adapt the Safety 1st Wall Fix Metal Extending Gate to fit any space that you need to barricade in the home. It’ll help you secure areas as small as 62 cm wide to those measuring 102 cm – all without the need to buy additional parts. A clever extension mechanism lets you customise the gate to fit your specific needs without damaging the gate or compromising on safety. A secure locking mechanism on the frame of the gate eliminates any movement after setting the unit to the desired length.

The toddler gate measures 60 x 3 x 73 cm and weighs 4.3kg.

Happy customers on Amazon have to say about their purchases:

“A really great gate. I used mine upstairs on the top stairs it’s really strong and sturdy. The fact that it can extend is really good because i think it could be suitable for any type of stairs”

And

“Easy to fit and works very well. Very sturdy, variable size works great. Have installed four of these in various locations around the home, both in our house and at grandma’s.”

BabyDan Multidan Extending Metal Safety Gate

The BabyDan Multidan Extending Metal Safety Gate is a really affordable option. The friendly price tag makes it an ideal purchase for parents looking to install multiple toddler stair gates in the home. You can fit these extending gates at both bottom and the top of a staircase and keep your toddler from wandering around the house unaccompanied.

Screw mounted on the walls, this extendable stair gate will fit and provide a stylish and classy barrier in any part of the home. The hinges fit snugly on the walls to hold the removable gate firmly in place. The adult operated quick release fittings on the hinges let you put the gate away when not in use to pose minimal disruption to your movements around the home.

It fits spaces of between 62 cm to 106.5 cm to suit your particular needs with relative ease. Just adjust the unit to the desired measurement then lock it in place using the innovative adjustable mechanism on the frames. The optional stop pins make a handy feature when you need to put it at the top of a staircase.

A dual locking mechanism makes for a convenient one-handed opening when you need to open the gate. The safety gate opens in both directions, making it an ideal way to secure doorways and other high-traffic areas in the home.

The extendable stair gate measures 107 x 3 x 75 cm and weighs 4 kg.

Happy buyers on Amazon have this to say about their safety gates:

“ It is sturdy, very easy to adjust its length and so easy to put up.”

And

“It was very easy to attach and is very sturdy. There is no way my toddler is going to be able to pull this off. He has tried… I also love the fact that this is non-trip.”

Best Retractable Baby Gate

If you want your stair gate to be virtually hidden when not in use or you have an awkward space to fit a gate across than a retractable baby gate is probably the answer. Take a look at three of the best we could find.

Safetots Advanced Retractable Safety Gate

The Safetots Advance Retractable Safety Gate is a roller blind type stair gate that needs to be fixed to a wall or doorway using the included screws. The gate automatically retracts into the holder once you have released the lock. Just pull the panel across when you need to shut off access.

The material for the safety gate is strong and durable so your child will be unable to tear or break it (even if they do try) and they won’t be able to climb over it. Due to its design, the gate has no bottom bar and so no tripping hazard.

This retractable baby gate fits areas that are 0 – 120 cm wide, which is good for most standard walkways. The gate measures 90 cm tall, so it will keep your child from climbing over it and it only weighs 2 kg so it will not put a lot of strain on your walls. One cool thing about this gate is due to the material used it can be placed outside as well.

Amazon reviews are good with customers saying:

“ No more trip hazards, no more gate getting in the way, just use and retract when you don’t need it. We’ve had lots of comments from visitors about how great they are.”

And

“This solved a problem where a straight gate wouldn’t fit. Its nice and tidy and easy to install. Very happy.”

Dreambaby Retractable Safety Gate

The Dreambaby Retractable Safety Gate is another great option on the retractable baby gate market. It can be used to block off areas that are 12 – 140 cm so a bit wider than the Safetots gate. The mounting brackets can mount on the inside or outside of the doorframe as well to help get a little extra stretch out of it if needed. The great thing about this gate mounting to the wall is it makes it so there are no tripping hazards when walking through it. It also comes with two sets of mounting brackets, so if you need to move it between two different doorways, you can easily do so.

The gate part is a mesh material that will keep your child away from any dangers. It is easy to retract and walk on through. Bear in mind that you will need two hands to operate the gate so can’t be carrying something while trying to walk through. When not needed you can leave it retracted so it doesn’t get in the way like a physical gate would. The locking system is automatic, so it makes sure it is locked behind you so your child cannot sneak through the toddler gate.

Take a look at the installation guide below if you’ve bought the Dreambaby retractable gate.

The retracting mechanism can be loud as the gate rolls back so if you’re wanting to use it on or near your child’s bedroom it might wake them when you retract or close it.

Here are a couple of Amazon reviews:

“Really good strong and just right for my purpose”

And

“Easy enough to install and isn’t as ugly and noticeable as a traditional baby gate.”

BabyDan Guard Me Auto Retractable Safety Guard

The last retractable baby gate that we will look at is the BabyDan Guard Me Auto Retractable Safety Guard. It is the most budget friendly gate on this list, but that does not mean that it is lacking in quality. This gate is a little smaller only covering doorways from 55 -89 cm but if your doorway is in that range than this is a great gate option for you. If you need a little more length, then you can get an extension kit to help it reach 113 cm. This stair gate is made of PVC plastic and folds in panels unlike the other two that are mesh. It mounts to the wall in a similar way as them though, but because it is in panels it can be mounted at an angle, which can be handy.

This retractable baby gate is easy to open with one hand and once started will open the rest of the way automatically. Since it is wall mounted, you do not have any trip hazards either like pressure fit stair gates. When this gate is open or retracted you can barely see it so it blends into the environment that you are in. This gate is a little heavier than the others since it is made of panels but is still only 3 kg so your wall will be fine holding it. The mounting is easy and it is simple to use.

Thanks to being so budget friendly without losing quality it isn’t a surprise that Amazon customers love this product and say:

“It folds away neatly when open, creates a sturdy barrier when closed and is easy to open/close using one hand. The fitting is also pretty straight forward”

And

“It’s easy to fit, easy to open and closes automatically and smoothly after you. It takes up very little space when open. ”

Best Wooden Stair Gate

A wooden stair gate is an aesthetic choice to fit in with the design of your house. They are just as durable and safe as the more common metal baby gates and are a similarly low price if you choose wisely.

BabyDan Multidan Extending Wooden Safety Gate

This extending toddler stair gate fits openings from 60 to 102 cm so it should fit most hallways or stairs. It is also 73 cm in height which is a perfect deterent even for toddlers. This means that even if you purchased the BabyDan Multidan Extending Wooden Safety Gate when your child was a baby, you can use it for quite a long time.

It also features a side walk-through section with no-trip bar. And because it was designed well for different homes, it even has stop pins for mounting at the top of the stairs. It also has the quick-release fitting that makes removal easy when you have to transfer home or if you are going to reinstall the toddler stair gate in another part of your home.

The dimensions of the Baby Dan Multidan Extended Wooden Safety Gate are 53 x 4 x 70cm, and it weighs 3.4 kg.

Here are some of the things that customers have to say about this toddler stair gate.

“I’ve lived in two houses with this gate, one had a very wide stair at the top, which it fit perectly, and now i have to place it in a more narrow passage (not quite narrow enough for standard size) which it also fits fine. Still in perfect condition after almost two years of being attacked by my toddler and walked into by various adults who weren’t expecting it.”

And

“Well made and easy to assemble. Excellent templates for mounting the hinges and catches make for tear free hole and screw positioning. Good value for money. I recommend it.”

BabyDan No Trip Beechwood Safety Gate

The BabyDan No Trip Beechwood Safety Gate is a lovely minimalist looking pale wood gate that should fit seamlessly with most house styles. It will blend especially well if you have bare wood doorways and stairs. The clean lines and lack of bottom bar mean you can fit the gate at the top of stairs and on busy walkways. The gate needs to be screwed to the wall or doorway but fixings and an installation guide are included.

This toddler stair gate features a one-handed opening so you can be carrying your child or shopping and still manoeuvre through the stair gate.

It also has a quick release fitting and a quick to install option. The quick release fitting can only be operated by an adult which means that your child will have no way of getting the gate open once you have locked it.

The gate will fit a gap 72 – 78.5 cm wide.

Here are a couple of Amazon reviews of the baby gate:

“Superb gate, very slimline with a good range of width adjustment. What’s nice is the wood feel and the minimalist design, it’s hardly noticeable open or closed.”

And

“Really impressed. This gate fitted a tight spot nicely. The wood gives it a modern feel as well. Happy with the instructions to install the gate.”

Best Child Safety Gates Round Up

When you’re looking for the best child safety gates it can be daunting to know where to start. With so many different styles, fittings and sizes available you can feel defeated before beginning. Hopefully, our easy guide to the different types of baby gates you can buy has narrowed down your search. As long as you take good measurements of the gap you need to secure, you should be able to find the best stair gate for your family.