Best Baby Gates to Help Keep Little One’s Safe
Safety should be your primary concern when you have a baby. So when it is time to babyproof your house, getting the best baby gate for doorways and stairs is a need. The purpose of baby gates is to keep babies and toddlers out of dangerous places such as kitchens and suitcases. Each year, more than 3 million kids get hurt in the house unintentionally, ranging from hot liquid and steam burns to poisonings and falls.
It is normal for parents to begin installing gates once their babies reach the age of six months since, at that time, they will begin growing and exploring on their own. You will have to begin looking for gates even earlier if the baby is on the move sooner. You will need to start looking for gates even earlier. Most parents go gateless when their children are two because they can close and open gates themselves. Depending on when your child reaches different developmental stages, you should use your discretion when choosing what works for your family.
Types of Baby Gates
There are many types of different baby gates for stairs. Discover what the best around has to offer so you can make an informed decision.
- Hardware Mounted Gates
They are usually the strongest pick when it comes to baby gates. In order to keep them securely in place, they are screwed into banisters, door frames, or banisters. This can be a good pick for the top of the stairs.
Gates mounted on hardware may be more difficult to install. Careful and accurate measurement is needed.
PROS
- Robust, sturdy option.
- Decreases trip hazard.
CONS
- These frames needed to be repaired once removed.
- Not portable.
- Pressure Mounted Gates
In a pressure mounted gate, tension is applied on both ends to hold it firmly in place. These come in many widths and materials, many times with extension kits for extra spaces.
These chairs are convenient for moving around the house, or even for traveling, but they do have a base bar that poses a trip hazard. If you would like to prevent falls on stairs, you should install pressure mounted gates.
PROS
- Easy and quick to install.
- Portable.
- Will not leave holes behind when removed.
CONS
- The base bar could cause tripping accidents,
- This isn’t as strong as the hardware option.
- To prevent them from being pushed over, tension must be exact.
- Freestanding Gates
They require no fitting and can be moved easily. They are best for weird-shaped and wider opening areas. Wider side panels and rubber feet hold them in place. They are not as strong as pressure fitted or hardware gates.
PROS
- Spaces are easily accessible when they are needed.
- These are ideal for spaces with unusual shapes, such as wide doorways or kitchen islands.
CONS
- Less strong than fixed options.
- When not in use, they can be cumbersome and difficult to store.
- Retractable Gates
These gates work on similar principles to roller blinds. Wall or doorway hooks are attached to one side, then extended to attach to hooks on the other. You can consider this approach if you are not looking for a permanent fixation or have unusual angles to cover.
PROS
- Unobtrusive when not in use.
- Good for odd angles and wide spaces.
CONS
- Generally made from plastic so not as strong as other picks.
Top 7 Best Baby Gates for Stairs Australia
[1] Evenflo Easy Walk Thru Top of Stairs Gate

An outstanding gate that is highly versatile will fit neatly in a narrow doorway without having to make too much of an effort. A simple push from either side will close or open it.
Your baby will not be able to pry it open since it has two locking mechanisms. There is only a twenty-nine inch height difference between the gate and the threshold so it is much more manageable and also convenient for tall parents to pass through rather than having to open the gate every time.
To prevent accidental falls of the baby, it has a sturdy and durable design. Available in bronze or white, depending on your taste. This is a highly versatile gate and can be used for both stairs and rooms. Although you have to manually close it because it doesn’t have an auto-close feature.
Both experts and parents highly recommend this gate for its overall stylish design.
PROS
- Durable and sturdy.
- No assembly required.
- Available in bronze and white colour.
- The door wings both sides.
- Parents can easily walk over it.
CONS
- No auto close feature so the door has to be closed manually.
Evenflo Top of Stairs Gate Customer Reviews & Ratings


[2] Summer Infant Multi Use Decor Extra Tall Walk Through Baby Gate Top of Stairs

With a 36-inch tall metal frame, the Summer Infant bronze baby gate can fit openings between 28 and 48 inches wide. With an auto-close walk through and dual locking mechanisms, this narrow baby gate is ideal for keeping your baby secure.
The door is equipped with a stopper so that it cannot be opened toward the stairs. When the door is removed, the stairway can be used as an additional landing.
For installation between doors and on stairs, it comes with both hardware and pressure mount installation systems. Thus, you will not have to worry about holes between your rooms. Your home will look even better with the bronze outlook.
Safe and reliable for both your pet and baby, it has a door stopper, extra hardware and it’s easy to place on stairs via a screw. It has an auto-close feature that gently closes the door behind you. Nevertheless, slamming a door shut can wake a sleeping infant.
PROS
- Installation is very easy.
- Adds beauty to your home.
- Your door will not have permanent holes with the pressure mount.
- Closes automatically behind you.
CONS
- But force required to open the door.
Summer Infant Multi-Use Walk Through Gate Customer Reviews & Ratings


[3] Babydan Multidan Extending Metal Safety Gate

Babydan is one of the Popular and top-rated baby safety gates. Featuring a screw-fit wall mount design, this gate opens in both directions and can be unlocked easily with one hand. It features a double-lock mechanism and can be mounted on any wall. With this double lock, the top portion is secured with a lock, while the bottom portion is secured with a clip.
You can extend its width using the holes and screws in the frame, so you can place it anywhere you want and you can choose between white or wood to match your decor.
Using it indoor frames is good because it opens both directions. But if you want a door that only opens inwards and is at the top of the stairs.
PROS
- The gate is easy to install.
- It has sticky pads to protect your wall.
- It is good for children’s security.
- Most homes can fit the design without sticking out.
- Extensions can also be added.
CONS
- The side cap is bit tough to open.
- Experience is required to execute the one-handed opening.
Babydan Metal Safety Gate Customer Reviews & Ratings


[4] Summer Infant Custom Fit Baby Gate

The Summer infant custom fit gates are a popular choice among baby supplies brands. As a freestanding gate, it is technically not a freestanding gate by itself, but you can buy two sets of this to turn it into one that is.
When used in wide spaces, the summer infant gate is very effective. The fence can be mounted to the wall or can be used as a freestanding fence by adding an extra set of supports.
This gate has the advantage of being easy to install. It doesn’t require complicated tools to install. It has mesh in between the supports, so your Toys and hands cannot get stuck between large gaps where the baby can see out.
In addition to custom fitting gate openings from 65 inches to 130.3 inches, the Summer Infant stands thirty inches tall. You can choose to use two or three panels depending on the size of the opening. In addition, it is lightweight, making it easier to move when you need to use it elsewhere.

PROS
- 1 hand opening makes it easy to walk through with a baby in your arms.
- Its weightless design makes it easy to move.
- It’s easy to add extra panels.
- The play yard can be mounted on a wall or used as a play yard.
CONS
- If pushed too hard, the lightweight gate can tip.
Summer Infant Custom Fit Baby Gate Customer Reviews & Ratings


[5] Perma Child Safety Indoor/Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate [Under 100$]

There is something else that makes the Perma child safety outdoor retractable baby gate stand out over the rest of its competitors. Designed to be used on deck stairs, this gate is a good choice.
In addition to being made for outdoor use, the Perma retractable gate fits an opening of up to 71 inches wide. Featuring a 9-inch height, this outdoor fabric is water and scratch-resistant, as well as coated to prevent rust. It is also covered by a 1-year limited warranty.
The weight of the gate is a major factor to consider. Otherwise, the gate is the best option.

PROS
- Specially designed to be used outdoors.
- An extra wide opening of 71 inches.
- Weather resistant.
- Dual action locking mechanism.
- Available in three color options (black, grey and white).
CONS
- Not as strong as other brands.
- Reports indicated the retractable product occasionally failed, but the manufacturer offered a one-year warranty.
Perma Child Safety Retractable Baby Gate Customer Reviews & Ratings


[6] OTTOLIVES Mesh Safety Gate for Babies & Pets

The gate stands thirty-four inches tall and can cover an opening as wide as fifty-four inches in width and can be used indoors or outside. It has a soft, but durable mesh that closes and opens with one hand.
A twist and push motion is used to operate the double locking mechanism. As soon as it’s opened, it automatically retracts, leaving a slim edge against the doorframe when it’s not in use. It’s suitable for children aged 6-24 months.
For the most part, this gate looks very sharp and is very affordable. It is not top quality but for the price, it is a good option. Our favorite part of the cover is that it’s somewhat wide and extra tall, so we feel that it will offer very good coverage. Definitely an option to think about.
PROS
- Extra tall.
- Can cover a wide opening.
- Easy one-hand operation.
- Mesh is soft yet strong.
- Double locking mechanism.
- Affordable.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Can be used outdoors.
CONS
- Mesh does not always stay tight.
OTTOLIVES Mesh Safety Gate Customer Reviews & Ratings


[7] Safety Baby Gate with Auto Closure Features [Easy Walk-Thru pet Gate]

It has dimensions of 29.52 inches by 32.28 inches by 30.5 inches, making it one of the best child safety gates on the market. With its pressure mount design that can also be adjusted using an extension kit, this pressure mount is easy to set up and use.
Additional extensions and ease of storage are also available with this gate, which can easily be detached from the opening. This baby gate is also one of the best because of its all-steel construction, not only because it is durable but also because it has a walk-through door. This kit includes mounting hardware and safety locking mechanisms, as well as wall cups that provide additional security.
A U-shaped screw can also be used for stairs with round pillars to make the installation of the gate easier. The easy installation, solid construction, and the option of mounts make this an ideal pick for any family.
PROS
- This kid safety gate is adjustable.
- It is easy to setup.
- This gate offers convenience and durability.
- It also offers the utmost safety.
- Certified to both JPMA and ASTM standards.
CONS
- It can be bit tough to lift the handle for getting out and in.
Safety Baby Gate with Auto Closure Gate Customer Reviews & Ratings


Final Thoughts
You are responsible for keeping your kid safe. When it comes to the safety of your child, many parents tend to get paranoid. You can never be too cautious. The safer the better. Baby proofing doesn’t give you a get-out-of-jail-free card even if you have the best on the market. It’s still important to watch your baby closely. You should do your due diligence because they have ingenious ways of getting around stuff. The top picks we have provided should assist you in choosing the best baby gate that will work best for you and your family. Weigh your options carefully, and choose accordingly. Have fun shopping!