Living / 28 October, 2024 / My Baba

As soon as your baby starts crawling, a baby gate becomes one of the most important pieces of nursery gear you’ll buy. Whether it’s blocking off staircases or keeping curious hands out of the kitchen, baby gates help ensure your little adventurer stays safe while they explore their world.

But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one? We’ve got you covered with some simple tips!

Choosing the best baby gate

First, consider where you’ll place the gate. Avoid gates with step-over bars at the top of the stairs, as they can be dangerous tripping hazards. However, these might be perfect for the bottom of the stairs or in doorways. If space is tight and there’s no room for a gate to swing open, consider a retractable option that rolls away when not in use.

No matter your space or needs, there’s a perfect baby gate out there for your home. To help make the decision easier, we’ve chosen our top picks to guide you in choosing the best gate to keep your little one safe and sound.

Best Retracting Gate

Lascal KiddyGuard Accent

• RRP £120 (Reduced to £109.95)
• Available at Pramworld

The KiddyGuard Accent is a stylish, space-saving child safety gate perfect for families with limited room. Designed to fit openings up to 100 cm (40 in.), this gate offers both safety and convenience. What makes it a standout? It retracts smoothly into its casing when not in use, leaving no bulky barriers or tripping hazards behind. Installation is quick and easy, and the gate automatically locks when retracted, providing extra peace of mind.

Best Stylish Baby Gate

BabyDan Extending Wooden Wall Fit Safety Gate

• RRP £42.99
• Available at John Lewis

The BabyDan Extending Wooden Wall Fit Safety Gate combines safety with style, crafted from FSC-graded beech wood that brings a beautiful, natural finish to your home. This gate not only blends seamlessly into most decor but also features a clever no-trip design to help prevent little accidents. It fits openings between 60.5cm and 102cm, making it versatile for different spaces. Plus, it comes with adult-operated quick-release wall fittings, so you can easily remove it when not in use.

The only catch? This gate needs to be securely fixed to the wall with screws – although the extra sturdiness can be a bonus for boisterous babies!

Best Budget Baby Gate

Safety 1st SecurTech Simply Close Metal Gate

• RRP £29.95
• Available at Pramworld

If you’re looking to secure multiple areas in your home without breaking the bank, the Safety 1st SecurTech Simply Close Metal Gate is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on safety or quality. Its clever U-shaped design combines simplicity with security, and the 4-point pressure-fit installation means no drilling is needed, making it easy to move the gate around as needed. Once in place, the gate’s 2-way opening mechanism allows for convenient access, while the SecurTech colour indicator ensures the gate is properly locked.

This gate fits openings from 73 cm-80 cm and can be extended up to 136 cm with extensions (sold separately).

Best Extra Tall Baby Gate

Dreambaby Liberty Xtra Tall Metal Safety Gate

• RRP £39.95
• Available at Pramworld

If you have a tall toddler or a little one who loves to climb, standard baby gates might not be cutting it. That’s where extra tall gates, like the Dreambaby Liberty Xtra Tall Metal Safety Gate, really shine. Standing at 93 cm high, this gate provides extra protection for adventurous little climbers. It’s equipped with an auto-close mechanism, so it automatically closes and locks behind you, and it can be operated easily with one hand in either direction. Plus, it features a handy stay-open mode, perfect for when you need to keep the gate open temporarily. With its pressure-mounted design, installation is quick and hassle-free, making it ideal for doorways or staircases.

The gate fits openings from 75 to 81 cm, and can be expanded up to 281 cm with additional extensions (sold separately).

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