The Best Baby Gates of 2024

Your kid will most likely begin to move around between the ages of six and nine months, a milestone that is both thrilling and worrisome. When your baby reaches the crawling stage, his or her sense of exploration gains movement, so you'll want to prepare your home to keep everyone safe.

Using safety gates to keep curious crawlers away from potentially harmful areas of your home, such as staircases or the kitchen, while still allowing them to explore their surroundings, is a good idea. 

We analyzed overall design characteristics, ease of assembly, and usage, and confirmed that all recommendations met industry safety standards in order to select the finest infant safety gates. According to our tests, here are the best baby gates to purchase

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• Best Overall: Regalo Easy Step Extra Wide Walk Thru Baby Gate

• Best for Doorways: Munchkin Easy Close Pressure Mounted Baby Gate

• Best Extra Wide: Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate

• Best Retractable: Skip Hop 52-Inch Retractable Mesh Baby Gate

• Best for Travel: Baby Delight Go with Me Span Expandable Folding Gate

• Best Modern: Munchkin Loft Hardware Mounted Baby Gate for Stairs

When it comes to purchasing a baby gate, there are numerous factors to consider. Here are a few of the most significant

1. Dimensions

Your space will play a big role in determining which safety gate is best. Before making any purchases, make sure to measure the space and look for any potential mounting obstacles, such as uneven surfaces or base moldings. Additional mounting kits may be required for appropriate installation.

Some doorways require an extra-wide baby gate like the Regalo Extra WideSpan Walk Through Baby Gate. With three extension kits of four, eight, and 12 inches, it can accommodate openings from 29 to 56 inches wide. 

This baby gate is sturdy, with all-steel construction and a walk-through door that makes passing by a snap. It's also pressure mounted, so you can take it out and use it in another doorway if you want.

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2. Walk-Through vs. Climb-Over

We prefer gates with walk-through doors, rather than those that must be climbed over. Climb-over gates can cause tripping if you don't clear the top of the gate. 

However, walk-through gates like the Cumbor 46"Auto Close Safety Baby Gate include a door that an adult can open when you need to pass from one room to another.

3. Locking Mechanism

Look for gates with self-locking systems. Instead of requiring a two-step locking process of shutting and latching the gate, a self-locking gate like the Safety 1St Auto-Close Magnetic Latch Gate will automatically lock when it is closed. If the gate has a two-step mechanism, it's possible that someone will forget to set the lock.

4. JPMA Certification

Check for JPMA  certification (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) to guarantee that your gate has passed third-party safety testing for things like height and spacing. 

The Toddleroo by North States Baby Gate is one of the best baby gates we tested, which is JPMA certified. So you can be worry-free while keeping your kid behind this gate.

Watch out for gaps more than three inches. Prepare to mount gates as low as possible to the floor, but never more than three inches from the base, to avoid any stuck limbs or escapees. 

Most crucial, regardless of the model you purchase, make sure all gates are appropriately assembled. If you're not sure, enlist the counsel of a professional baby specialist.

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1. How can I fasten a baby gate without studs?

If a wall stud isn't available where you want the gate to be installed, you'll need to construct a frame by vertically mounting a piece of wood on either side of the gate. 

To ensure the frame is secure, use a toggle bolt (also known as a butterfly anchor) to secure it to drywall or a wooden stairway pillar.

2. Is it safe to use retractable baby gates?

All in all, the Retract-A-Gate is a good fit for us. It is safe without being excessive or an eyesore, and it fits our unusual stair scenario perfectly. It glides in effortlessly, has a low profile on the wall, and isn't any more difficult to install than standard gates.

The Skip Hop Baby Gate is an excellent choice if you're searching for a baby gate with a more simple design appeal when it's not in use. It measures about 33 inches tall and opens and closes easily with one hand. It also has wall mounts that may be customized for convenient installation on doors with or without baseboards.

3. What is the easiest baby gate to open?

The Munchkin Easy Close Pressure Mounted Baby Gate is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an easy close baby gate. This Munchkin baby gate is easy to operate with one hand while holding your baby (or whatever else you're carrying) with the other. 

It comes in six different widths, and you can choose which way it opens (either pulled in toward you or pushed out away from you). Keep in mind that there is a two-inch bar at the bottom, so keep an eye on your step.

Once your baby is on the move and starting to explore, choosing the best baby gate is a must-do item for home baby-proofing. Unfortunately, not all gates perform as expected, and selecting the correct gate for your needs and opening may be more difficult than you believe. 

Once you've determined your goals and the sizes you require, you'll be well on your way to selecting the ideal gate for your needs from our range of best contenders.