Using one of the best baby gates gives parents a way to keep curious little ones off stairs, out of the kitchen, or safely contained, so you can get things done without worrying about their safety. The best baby gates are easy to set up, easy to use, and tricky for toddlers to figure out or climb over. Our favorite baby gate is the Regalo Easy Step Baby Gate because it's been tried and tested. Plus, it's extremely affordable! We love that it's budget-friendly and adjustable to suit your needs.
Best Overall: Regalo Easy Step Baby Gate
This baby gate is excellent for those who want to safeguard stairwells and doorways. It is extra-wide and expands to fit openings between 29 to 34 and 35 to 39-inches wide. It stands 30-inches tall.
It's easy to use and set up with its 6-inch-wide extension kit and four pressure spindle rod mounting system. It's perfect for doorways, hallways, and the top or bottom of the stairs. It's durable and convenient, featuring an all-steel design and walk-through door.
Please note that this gate will not fit an opening between 34 to 35 inches. An additional 4-inch extension is needed to accommodate those spaces, so be sure to measure before purchasing. Also, some users complain of a narrow door opening and the gate opening in only one direction.
Pros: Highly rated Budget-friendly Adjustable (includes 6-inch extension) Four-pressure spindle rod mounting system Cons: Will not fit an opening between 34 to 35 inches Four-inch extension sold separately Door opens in one direction Best Overall Regalo Easy Step Baby Gate
$39 from Amazon
Tried, tested, approved
Budget-friendly baby gate for doorways, walkways, and stairwells. It features an all-steel design and a four-pressure mount.
Best Value: North States Toddleroo 3-in-1 Metal Superyard
This 3-in-1 metal gate is free-standing and easy to set up. It's conveniently adjustable for a variety of spaces. The versatile, six to eight-panel enclosure acts as a portable playpen, a safety gate between rooms, or a baby barrier to block off areas like fireplaces or wine racks.
It features a swinging walk-through door panel that is built with a child-proof double-locking system for safety. It's also expandable and includes mounting hardware, allowing for extra-wide safety barriers to be created. You can purchase additional extension panels separately for increased size and protection. This gate is easy on your floors and works on a variety of surfaces.
On the downside, the gate opening is narrow at just under 14-inches and only swings in one direction. This poses some inconvenience in high traffic areas where you need to travel back and forth from point A to point B quickly. Some parents also say the safety latch is complicated to open with one hand.
Pros: Versatile (3-in-1) Child-proof double-locking system Expandable Additional extension panels available (sold separately) Cons: Gate only opens in one direction Safety latch is difficult to open with one hand Narrow opening Best Value North States Toddleroo 3-in-1 Metal Superyard
From $110 at Amazon
3-in-1
Three-in-one baby gate that features a child-proof double-locking system and versatility to accommodate any space.
Best for Wide Spaces: Regalo Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate
This super-wide baby gate is perfect for parents that need wide rooms and spaces safely secured. It measures 192-inches wide and stands at 28-inches tall. It can convert from a super wide gate to an eight-panel play yard depending on your needs.
It's quick and easy to set up; there are no tools required. Its steel design is built to last and features a convenient walk-through door and safety locking system. This gate is suitable for children up to 24 months.
Parents beware; some children can open this gate with ease. Some also report that it's a bit flimsy, which will work for younger babies, but maybe not for toddlers or small children.
Pros: Extra-wide 2-in-1 Versatile and convenient Cons: Some kids can open the gate Flimsy Best for Wide Spaces Regalo Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate
$100 from Amazon
Super wide and versatile
Super wide, two-in-one baby gate that can be used as a gate or a playpen depending on your child's needs.
Best for Small Spaces: North States Toddleroo Wide Easy-Close Baby Gate
This worry-free, easy-close safety gate shuts firmly yet easily with one simple push, keeping your child safe and secure. It comes in two colors, is stylish and dependable, and its heavy-duty steel construction is durable and built to last! It features a safety gate that swings both ways for added convenience and a triple locking system for peace of mind.
You can conveniently use the hold-open feature for multiple pass-throughs. Pressure mounts and tension knobs keep the gate securely in place, and it is ideal for a variety of room openings or stairways. This gate is recommended for babies between the ages of 6 and 24 months and is excellent for smaller spaces.
Parents take note, this latch can be tricky to open with one hand, and some parents report their children figuring out how to open the gate themselves.
Pros: Gate swings both ways Triple locking system Hold-open feature Self-closing Cons: Latch is tricky to open Older children can open Best for Small Spaces North States Toddleroo Wide Easy-Close Baby Gate
$55 from Amazon
Convenient and easy
This easy-to-install baby gate swings both ways for convenience, has a hold-open feature, and is self-closing.
Best Stand-Alone: Costzon Baby Playpen
This 14-panel foldable playpen comes in two color schemes: beige and gray for a neutral look or multi-colored for a brighter aesthetic. It's made of high-density polyethylene plastic that's safe for baby. It features non-slip rubber pads on the bottom of each panel to keep it in place wherever you put it.
It also comes with extra suction cups that can be attached to the panels according to your needs. This playpen can stand alone or be used as a barrier. It features a game board to keep your little one entertained while you get things done and a safety lock to make sure there's no chance of escape.
Its foldable design makes it portable and easy to move anywhere in the house. You also have the option of removing panels according to your needs. This stand-alone playpen is affordable, convenient, and 100% safe and fun for your baby or toddler.
Some parents complain about the plastic screws holding it together easily shaking loose. Be sure to tighten them regularly to avoid any security issues.
Pros: Versatile (indoor/outdoor) Foldable and portable Non-slip rubber pads and suction cups Two color schemes Cons: Plastic screws can wiggle loose Best Stand-Alone Costzon Baby Playpen
$120 from Amazon
Non-slip playpen
This free-standing playpen is foldable, portable, and features non-slip panels to keep it firmly in place.
Bottom line
Every parent prioritizes their child's safety and security. Check out the best sleep noise machines for great devices that make your child feel secure, so they can fall asleep and stay asleep. We know it's essential to have one of the best baby gates to keep your children out of spaces in your home that are off-limits, keeping them safe while playing. Check out our list of the best video baby monitors, so you can keep an eye on baby as they play safely behind one of the best baby gates.
Our favorite baby gate is the Regalo Easy Step Baby Gate because it's affordable, easy to use, and loved by many. We love that it's child-tested and parent-approved and can be configured to block off doorways and stairwells in your home to suit your family's needs and keep your baby safe.
