Create A Safe And Fun Environment With The Best Baby Gates (2020 Guide)

Triple Locking System. This product is completely secure. However, it can usually be opened with one hand after a few tries. The locking system makes it a little more difficult to open when your child becomes older and learns to tinker with things.

Door Opens Two Ways. Perfect for when you are attempting to gain access from either direction.

No Assembly Required. The easy to install tension knobs can be locked securely into place within minutes. Also included is an extension bar for openings up to 38.5 inches.

Can Be Squeaky. When opening and closing, the metal occasionally rubs the wrong way, making it squeak. A squeaky gate can be frustrating if your baby is asleep.

Wall Cups Included. For a more secure fit, four suction wall cups are provided. If you plan to use it at the top of a staircase, these cups are ideal.

It’s Portable. Within minutes you can easily install or remove it, making it great for travel or use throughout your home. This Regalo also stows away flat for easy transport and storage.

One Handed Latch. The latch will be easy to open for you, yet hard for your little one. The motion can be slightly awkward. It may take a few tries to master it but once you do, it will be it can be done easily.

Only Swings One Way. This may or may not be a deal breaker for you, but it's something to think about when doing your installation.

Narrow Door Opening. At a mere 16 inches, it can be tough to get through, especially carrying a child or bag of groceries.

Auto-Close Walk Thru Door. This Summer Infant unit automatically closes behind you, so you won’t have to worry about always double checking the latch.

Removable Door Stopper. The stopper prevents the door from opening a particular direction. You may want to consider this option if you plan to use it at the top of stairs.

Extra Tall. At 36 inches tall, your little one will have a harder go at trying to get it open.

Can Slam Shut. While the auto-close door is great, it has a tendency to slam. Potentially it can trap tiny fingers if not careful.

It’s Cumbersome. It can be somewhat tricky to open. As it requires two different motions to open, it can sometimes be hard to do one-handed.

No Threshold to Step Over. Unlike pressure-mounted gates, there is nothing to step over. This eliminates a possible tripping hazard which can be dangerous for you and your newly walking toddler.

Swings Out of the Way. When not in use you can easily push it completely open and out of the way, giving free passage.

Wide Door. Since this unit opens completely from one side, you essentially have your entire walkway to pass through. The wide door is ideal for pushing strollers through or when carrying your baby.

Pain to Install. To get this North States unit to function properly, you will need to install it with little error. Get someone handy to install it for you!

It’s A Bit Noisy. For the lock to be latched securely, it needs to click into place. It’s nearly impossible to latch it without making even the slightest of ‘click’ noises.

Aluminum. Lighter weight than steel, yet strong enough to stand up to years of use without weighing down your wall. Aluminum finish is rust free and perfect for outdoor use.

Easy to Clean. Complete with a powder coated finish to give you something that is easy to wipe down for a long time to come.

Easy to Install. The instructions provided are easy to understand, and all hardware is provided for a quick install.

Needs a Stud or Door Base. If you plan to install this into drywall, you will need to purchase longer screws from your hardware store, and most likely anchors. This unit can be fitted at an angle if that helps as well.

It’s Loud. The automatic closure can be pretty loud when it shuts. If everything else sounds great about this one, you can try adding a piece of felt at the closure points for a quieter close.

Directional Stop. This stop prevents the product from having the ability to swing over the stairs, preventing unwanted accidents.

Can be Mounted at an Angle. If you have an awkward area that needs to be blocked off, it won't be a problem for this versatile option.

Quick-Release Hardware. When the KidCo is not in use, or not needed, it can easily be taken down and stored.

It’s Sturdy. This model is made with heavy-duty steel construction. The bars are welded nicely and will not bend even with a great amount of force. You can be confident that your child or pets won’t be able to damage it.

Not Quality Hardware. While the installation is fairly easy, you may want to consider your own screws. The provided screws are a bit too small for a completely secure fit.

Lock Sticks. The latch can sometimes jam, making you constantly have to double-check it. If the latch isn’t on properly, it won’t stay closed when pressure is put on.

Lock Indicator. An easy to see red/ green lock indicator ensures you that this is fully latched. With a simple glance, you can be worry-free about your little one’s exploring.

Added Height. This Evenflo measures 30 inches in height. It can safely be installed 3 inches above the ground for 33 inches of protection. Your child won’t be able to reach the top of it to fiddle with the locking mechanism.

One-Handed Open. An ergonomically designed handle is perfect for daily use. The easy-glide handle is easy to use for an adult but difficult for a baby.

Wide Swing. While a wide swing can be perfect for when you have the baby in tow, if you don’t measure your space accurately, it can wind up hitting a wall. This could cause damage to the wall and virtually render the product useless for that space.

Tools Not Included. Before purchasing this unit, make sure you have the tools to install it. You will need an electric drill, and a 9/64 drill bit to complete this installation.

Pressure-Mounted Design. The pressure-mounted design is easy to install and won’t leave marks on your wall after you’re done using it.

Walk Thru Door. Whether your hands are full with a load of laundry, groceries or your little one, this walk thru door allows you to pass seamlessly.

It's Well-Built. All components of this model are made from high-quality materials. The locking mechanism is sturdy and easy to use. The bars are made from a tough steel and grips well to the wall for a secure fit you can trust.

Tripping Hazard. Pressure-mounted units are nice, but leave a bar on the bottom that you have to remember to step over. It can become a tripping hazard for both parents, and your little one that is learning to walk.

One-Directional Door. Unfortunately, you can only choose one way for your door to swing open due to the lock at the top. Make sure to take this into consideration when mounting your extra tall unit.

Large Walk-Thru Space. At 25.5 inches wide you can go through this space with a breeze even if you are loaded down with laundry, groceries or your baby. No need for turning to the side or lifting things above it.

It’s Versatile. You can choose to leave the walk through open when not in use, or completely swing the entire thing against a wall until your ready to childproof your area again.

High-Quality Materials. Once it's hardware mounted, it’s not going anywhere. It is durable enough to keep an unruly child from breaking through the barrier.

It Looks Great. It matches just about any style of home décor you may have while maintaining a secure, safety zone for your little one.

Difficult to Install. If you have lower trim work in your home, this product can be hard work to install correctly. Mounting it above the trim can be a tripping hazard due to the bottom beam, which is meant to rest on the floor.

Latch Can Stick. Occasionally, the latch will not stick properly and needs a little help. A good wiggle here and there seems to do the trick, but if you have your hands full with a squirming baby it could be annoying.

Pressure-Mounted Install. Within mere minutes you will be able to install and begin using it. When you are ready to put it away, simply release the pressure and store for future use.

It’s PVC-Free. PVC is the most toxic plastic for children’s health. Currently, there are no formal standards when it comes to PVC products globally. However, there are many companies that are opting to remove them from products themselves.

Extensions Ranging in 3 Sizes. With the 6, 8, or 12-inch extensions, you should have no problem finding a perfect fit for your extra-wide entryway.

Don’t Over-Extend It. When over-extended (above 58 inches) it can become not as sturdy. The product itself will allow you to reach around 61 inches, but there is a maximum width for a reason.

Narrow Opening. It can be difficult to squeeze through the 15.5’’ opening if you are even an average sized person with an armload of anything. You will need to lift items above your head or slide through sideways.

Indoor and Outdoor Use. Complete with a water-resistant floor, this baby playard is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. All materials are easy to wipe down or shake off, making it good for indoors, grassy areas or a day at the beach.

Compact Fold with Travel Bag. Unlike other similar playards, this one is incredibly easy to collapse or set up when you need it. Within seconds you can have your playard in it’s lightweight travel bag under your arm.

Spacious. At 14 feel your little one will have plenty of space to roam and explore without getting bored. Plenty of room for multiple children as well.

Metal Bars. Due to the lightweight, portable design, the bars on this play yard are not padded very well. Your baby may wind up with a bump or two on the noggin if they are playing too rough.

Unable to Remove Cover. While the cover is easy to spot clean, over time the play yard will need a serious washing. The problem is, the cover is attached to the bars, making it a difficult task.

Easy to Clean. You know more than anyone that kids can be very messy. When your play area becomes soiled or in need of washing, simply take it outside and hose it down.

Non-Slip Pads. You are supplied with 16 non-slip pads that are good for any surface in your home. A great option if you want to keep the integrity of your hardwood floors.

Easy to Open. With this playard, there is no more climbing over or lifting bending down and lifting your children out. The easy open feature detaches and gives you easy access to the play area.

Grid Pattern. The grid pattern practically begs your baby to shove their fingers and toes in the holes. This could potentially be a dangerous situation if your little one begins to climb the fence.

Not Super Stable. When your child becomes older (and stronger), this playard has the potential to move around. For a more secure fit, you can place the area in a corner, or use zip ties to secure it in place.

Both Foot Pedal and One-Hand Operation. Whether your hands are full with your baby and a lunchtime snack or not, you can easily open it in two ways. Both the hand and foot option are two separate motions at once, making it child-proof while easy for parents.

Self-Closing. It will close by itself behind you, keeping your little one, or pet, in their desired area. You have the option to lock it open as well if you like.

Door Swings Both Ways. Whether coming or going, you can open this door by pushing or pulling. This door is great for quick access when your baby wakes up from a nap, scared and confused.

Pinching Hazard. With the foot mechanism so low to the ground, your baby is at risk for potentially pinching their tiny fingers and toes.

Tough to Open. The foot pedal is within baby’s reach, so the design has to be somewhat tricky or else you would have an escapee. Once you give it a few tries, it’s fairly easy to do.

Dual-Sided Pedal. When installing the Step to Open, you can choose to have zero, one, or two pedals attached. If you only plan to open the door with your foot in one direction, you can install only one for a more secure fit.

Pressure-Mounted. These types are great for putting in your home if you are looking for a temporary solution that won't leave markings on your walls.

High-Quality Materials. This Summer Infant is well-built and can withstand the pressures of daily use. All features seem high-quality giving you peace of mind that your child is restricted from potential harmful areas of your home.

Self-Closing Door is Overzealous. It does tend to close extremely rapidly and can hit your knees or ankles as you step through. The only way to stop this is to use your hand or hip as you enter sideways, which can defeat the purpose of a hands-free unit.

Latch Doesn’t Stick Properly. After months of use, the latch on the Step to Open won’t stick as often as you would like. You will need to double check that it in fact locked, which can be hard to remember in chaotic situations.

Easy to Clean. The 100 percent polyester is very easy to spot clean or wipe down when it gets messy.

Individual Tension Rods. The top and bottom tension rod act individually. This is great for areas where you may have baseboards. Other options would need to be lifted above the baseboard before using, making them less sturdy.

Hard to Climb. This unit is solid and won't provide your little one with many holes to climb, which can lead to the wall being knocked down.

No Walk-Thru. At 36 inches tall, it can sometimes be hard to step over. If you are a smaller person in stature, this may not be the one for you. If all you want to do is block access to an area, it’s not as big of a deal.

Not Recommended for Top of Stairs. This is pressure-mounted, making it less sturdy than hardware mounted options. It is not safe for top of stairs.

Can be Used on Uneven Walls. No matter how unique your space is, this can likely be installed there. Install it all an angle or straight across for a snug fit your little one won’t be able to escape.

Easy to Spot Clean. The fabric is completely removable, giving you the option to hand wash it when it becomes extra soiled as well.

Travel Bag for Quick Trips. Carry it anywhere you go with its travel bag. Leave it in the car or bring it on a plane for easy transport.

Has a Tendency to Bunch. If you are using this product without it being fully extended, the fabric can bunch in places. Not only does this look bad, but it also gives your child extra fabric to grab onto and potentially climb.

Step Over. This unit is 29.5 inches tall once bars are installed and be cumbersome to climb each and every time. Choose this for an area you want to block off, but not necessarily pass through a lot yourself.

Easy Step-Over Design. At only 20 inches in height, you can easily step over this unit to gain access to the desired area. The height also functions great for helping your baby learn to walk without worry of tipping.

Side Panels Prevent Tipping. The side panels are weighed out so that your little one won’t easily be able to tip it even when standing up against it.

Fits Very Large Spaces. If the space you need to block off is large, then this might be the one for you; it expands safely and securely up to 71.3 inches wide.

It’s Bulky. This large wood unit is heavy and hard to move from space to space. It does fold up for storage, but it’s still larger and heavier than other styles.

Not Great for Pets. If you have larger animals such as dogs, they may be able to step over the it somewhat easily. The wood material may appeal to some dogs when it comes to chewing. The last thing you want around is yucky splinters.