If you’re searching for a baby gate and don’t even know where to start- you’ve come to the right place! We’ve broken down the top baby gates of 2020 to ensure you know exactly what you’re getting and that it’s right for the space you need.
If you’re in a hurry-
✔This is the BEST baby gate of 2020 based on reviews, price point and quality.
Types of baby gates for stairs
There are 2 main types of baby gates you can choose from;
Hardware mounted
Both sides of hardware mounted gates need to be screwed into the wall to secure the gate. Even though it’s not ideal to put holes in the wall, hardware mounted gates are the safest and most secure option!
Pressure mounted
These gates use pressure and tension to stay up, meaning if you have the correct measurements you won’t need to do any drilling. Keep in mind that pressure mounted gates should never be used at the top of a stair case.
Then you can decide on which style you need for your home:
- Swing through, a door that swings open
- Step over, a baby gate you can step over instead of opening
- Stair gates, those specifically for stairs
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Best freestanding: Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard
“Would give 10 stars if i could! Best deal and well made! I like that 95% of this is metal and the small plastic parts can be replaced if needs be. Super easy to use. It does weight more than i had hoped for at 15-20lb and is taller than the descriptions.”
Best retractable: Perma Indoor/Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate
“Great product for little ones! Works well for our 72 inch hallway. You have to read directions.”
Best hardware mounted: Summer Multi-Use Decorative Extra Tall Walk-Thru Baby Gate
“For everyone who just wants to know if this is a good buy and worth the money, yes it is. It is well constructed, looks very nice and is infinitely sturdy.”
Best pressure mounted: Regalo Easy Step 38.5-Inch Extra Wide Walk Thru Baby Gate
“We have two of these now, and they work great. They’re easy to set up. They have a slight learning curve on opening them one-handed, but it’s not bad.”
Best for top of stairs: Toddleroo by North States Easy Swing & Lock Baby Gate
“All in all it is not the prettiest and most elegant of set ups but is definitely sturdy enough for our munchkin for hopefully 2 years when we can finally take them down.”
Best tall: Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall Arched Décor Walk Thru Baby Gate
“We were slightly concerned because of that the gate would not be strong, but after a week of use and a few slams of the gate from an upset 3 year old it stands strong! I also love the height of it and that my daughter cant climb over it.”
Best with door: Regalo 56-Inch Extra WideSpan Walk Through Baby Gate
“Without locking it, the door is easily opened with one hand; with the lock it’s a little harder to do so but still possible with some practice.”
Best farmhouse style: Summer Rustic Home Safety Gate
“Everyone that comes to our home always mention that our baby gate is so unique and looks expensive. The gate is easy to install, stays in place tight and any accessory fits it perfectly.”
This baby gate is extra wide making those long open spaces easily gated. It converts from a super wide gate to an 8 panel play yard with no tools required! Each panel can be configured to fit any opening making it perfect for wide spaces, hallways or angled openings.
Durable steel makes it a long lasting choice. This Regalo baby gate folds flat for easy storage. A safety locking feature and wall mounts means safety is a top priority.
Height: 28″
Width: 192″
Warranty: 90 days
If you’re searching for easy installation, the Perma retractable baby gate has got you covered! Featuring a versatile home safety solution for those high traffic areas, the one handed operation allows you to open and close while holding your child. Functionality is the number one focus of the Perma retractable gate making it perfect for indoor or outdoor use, babies or pets.
Height: 33″
Width: 71″
Warranty: 1 year
The Summer Multi-Use Decorative Extra Tall Walk-Thru Gate for Baby can accommodate most openings by offering hardware mounted or pressure mounted options. his safety gate is equipped with an auto-close feature that gently closes the door behind you and a hold-open feature that keeps the door open for added hands free convenience. Have peace of mind knowing your baby or pet can explore safely with Summer’s Multi-Use baby gate and never worry about the door swinging open with the removable door stopper. Stylish and good for babies or pets!
Height: 36″
Width: 48″
Warranty: 90 days
The Regalo Easy Step Baby Gate is easy to use and set up with the pressure mount design. An extension kit and 4 pressure mount spindle rods make this baby gate fully adjustable. Perfect for doorways, hallways and bottom of the stairs use. The Regalo Easy Step gate can quickly be removed for easy storage.
**Please note, before installation there will be a gap between the gate latch and the frame which is NOT a defect and it is NOT bent. This gap will be eliminated once installed.
Height: 30″
Width: 38.5″ (will not fit 34″-35″)
Warranty: 90 days
The Toddleroo Easy Swing & Lock Baby Gate is built from long lasting, kid-tough heavy-duty metal with vertical bars that are difficult to climb, keeping your child safe and secure. Keep your little ones safe with this hardware mounted gate that’s perfect for large openings and stairways. The matte bronze finish and durable steel construction makes this gate durable and stylish.
This Easy Swing and Lock gate opens effortlessly with one-hand operation and swings closed and locks with a gentle push. One direction swinging means no swinging open over the stairs.
Height: 31″
Width: 47″
Warranty: 1 year
The Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall Baby Gate is fashioned with high-end bronze finishes and a sturdy metal frame. The simple pressure mount set up and no tool requirements make it very easy to set up. The easy close handle features a one touch release safety lock.
This Easy Step Extra Tall baby gate is perfect for hallways, doorways, open spaces or bottom of the stairs.
Height: 36″
Width: 35″
The Regalo Extra Widespan baby gate has a pressure mount design that is quick to set up and easy to use. It includes a 4, 8 AND 12-inch wide extension kit and 4 pressure mount spindle rods making it easily adjustable.
This Extra Widespan baby gate is perfect for doorways, hallways and stair bottoms. The gate can quickly be removed for easy storage.
Height: 30″
Width: 29″-56″
Warranty: 90 days
Keep your home stylish and safe with the Summer Rustic Home Safety Gate. The sliding barn door style design with rustic wood and metal frame make for farmhouse style aesthetic while keeping baby safe. The extra-large walk-through door features a comfort grip handle with a one handed release. The Summer Home Safety Gate installs in 3 easy steps with no measuring required.
Height: 30″
Width: 29″-42″
Warranty: 90 days
Are pressure mounted baby gates safe for top of stairs?
No, pressure mounted gates are not safe for the top of the stairs. Because they’re not secured to the wall, they can be pulled down causing accidents. Always used a hardware mounted gate at the top of the stairs.
Can you put a stair gate at top of stairs?
You can absolutely put a stair gate at the top of the stairs but only if you are using a hardware mounted gate. Pressure mounted gates are not strong enough to be placed at the top of the stairs.
Do you put baby gates at top and bottom of stairs?
If you’re going to be leaving your child to play on the bottom floor, place a baby gate at the bottom of the stairs so they can’t climb up and fall down. The same goes for the top floor- if you’re going to have baby playing up there, install a gate at the top so they can’t fall down the stairs.
Just make sure to use a strong, hardware mounted gate at the top of the stairs. Pressure mounted are not secure enough for the top of the stairs.
What is the best retractable baby gate?
How do I make a baby gate for top of stairs?
Made by Mitch has a great video detailing how you can make your own DIY baby gate for the top of the stairs:
Are retractable baby gates safe?
Retractable baby gates are safe if you use them correctly. Do not use a retractable baby gate at the top of a stair case.
What age take down baby gates?
It’s not so much the age but the ability. If your child has learned how to open or climb over the baby gate, it’s time to take it down. At that point it may be more of a hazard than help anyway.
Do you really need baby gates?
If you have a baby or toddler who is mobile, the answer is definitely YES. Babies and toddlers are very good at getting into potentially dangerous things in a short amount of time.
If you have stairs or rooms you don’t want accessed by a baby or toddler, a baby gate is essential.
How do you baby proof open stairs?
If you have an open stair case, you’ll definitely want to add risers to close them off with a baby in the house.
The video below shows you how to baby proof an open stair case:
Where should I place baby gates in my house?
According to Consumer Reports, you will need a hardware mounted gate for the top of the stairs and pressure mounted gates for less hazardous areas such as between rooms.
Most common areas for baby gates:
- Top of stairs
- Bottom of stairs
- Laundry room
- In front of fireplace
- Bathroom
- Office
Can you get a top of stairs baby gate that’s no drill?
Even though you might be tempted to save your walls or feel intimidated by installing a hardware mounted gate, you’ll have to do it anyway.
The top of the stairs NEEDS to have a hardware installed gate- anything that isn’t securely attached poses a threat to anyone who leans on the gate.
best baby gates for stairs 2020
Best baby gate for top of stairs with only one wall
The best baby gate for the top of stairs with a banister and a wall is the