A little one on the move can be exciting, but with their curious minds, they can get into dangerous places. Baby gates are a one-stop solution to a safe, babyproof home. With the various types of best baby gates out there, choosing the perfect gate for your needs can be a tricky task. This article’ll discuss the types of gates available, what you should consider when buying a baby gate, and some foolproof recommendations.
Choosing the Best Baby Gate
First and foremost, consider the place you plan on safeguarding. Make sure there are no doors interfering with the gate’s opening. Are you placing a gate by the entrance of a room, or are you blocking entry to the staircase? Is it necessary for you to open the gate one-handed? These points should be considered before searching for the perfect baby gate.
Types of Baby Gates
Hardware Mounted – A hardware-mounted baby gate needs to be screwed into a door frame, a banister or a wall on both sides. This is the most secure baby gate installation method. The idea of screwing two holes into the wall of your home may not be the most aesthetic; however, a hardware-mounted baby gate is beneficial for places like the top of a stairwell or other risky areas in your home.
Pressure Mounted – Pressure-mounted baby gates do not require any screws or tools for the installation process. A gate with the proper measurements for the doorway or stairwell will simply stand up while the two ends of the gate are tight against the wall. While pressure-mounted baby gates are known to be less secure, they can be moved from place to place and are convenient for many purposes.
Now that we’ve reviewed the two types of baby gates available, let’s discuss their subcategories.
- Swing Through baby gates is a gate that simply swings open.
- Stair Gates are explicitly designed to be used to cover the entryway of a stairwell.
- Step Over Gates is a type of gate that does not have a door. Instead, it needs to be climbed over.
Baby Gate Options
Qdos Extending Safegate
The Qdos Extending Safegate is one of the most recommended baby gates for stairs. When shopping for a baby gate specifically for stairs, a few main safety points should be considered. Number one, for a stairwell, you want to look for a hardware-mounted baby gate, which is more secure than a pressure-mounted gate. Secondly, you want to ensure no bottom bars trip over. This baby gate can also be opened with one hand, a bonus for busy, full-handed parents. The Qdos Extending Safegate is made of solid, sturdy metal that will not budge.
Regalo Easy Step Baby Gate
The Regalo Baby Gate is not ranked the best baby gate for no reason. It is designed with durable steel and has two installation options available. It can be either pressure-mounted into the wall or hardware-mounted for more security and durability. The height of this baby gate is 30 inches, and it can be bought with an array of accessories, such as wall cups or an extension kit, if necessary. This is also one of the most affordable baby gates on the market, so buying several of them for your home will not break the bank.
Safety 1st Easy Install Gate
The Safety 1st gate is a pressure-mounted baby gate. It’s designed to open and close quickly and is excellent for high-traffic doorways. This gate can also be opened one-handed while holding a baby, laundry basket, or other items.
The Safety 1st gate has a magnetic latch, ensuring the door closes and locks automatically. Since this is a pressure-mounted baby gate, it is designed with a red indicator that indicates the gate has loosened its grip and needs to be tightened.
Munchkin Loft Aluminum Baby Gate
For those looking for a modern-looking aesthetic baby gate, this Munchkin loft aluminium design will easily suit your modern taste. This gate is designed with a door that easily swings open in both directions. It is suitable for blocking the top or bottom of a stairwell or laundry room doorways as well as hallways. Cleaning the gate can be done quickly with a wet cloth and some soap.
Qdos Crystal Clear Acrylic Gate
This clear baby gate is the perfect addition to your aesthetically pleasing living room design and adds some home style that the average baby gate does not. Because its clear design can be missed at nighttime, it is designed with a glow-in-the-dark strip on the bottom bar. Additionally, it features a magnetic level for easy and efficient installation and a green/red indicator for closing and opening. The Qdos Crystal Clear Acrylic gate is a swinging gate.
Summer Infant Multi-Use Decorative Baby Gate
The Summer Infant Decorative Baby Gate will add décor and style to your home. This baby gate is specifically taller than the average gate. It’s a swing-through door and includes an auto-close feature. Lastly, this baby gate is installed using the pressure-mounted method.
Closing Thoughts – Best Baby Gates
A baby gate is an excellent investment for the safety of your baby. Is there something you wouldn’t do to keep your baby safe from falls or getting into the wrong places? There is a lot to consider when purchasing a baby gate for your home. Throughout this article, we reviewed the types of baby gates available. Then we discussed some baby gate models, from the extending gate to the modern gate to the decorative baby gate. Although there are way more options out there, we tried to give you a glimpse into the baby gate market, what you should consider and more.
Check out our article on the Best High Chairs Here.
Are baby gates considered safe?
If used properly, baby gates can be a great safety measure. Ensure they are installed properly and closed after each use to ensure the safety of the gate and your child.
Is it worth it to buy a baby gate?
Baby gates are most beneficial for staircases, although they can also be used for other doorways and hallways. However, the most important safety measure is not letting babies have access to stairs.
