As parents, there is that long wait, we all wish our babies achieve as part of their milestone, and that is crawling. Each stage in a baby’s life has a good and bad part, and it is up to a parent to guide the baby throughout. There are measures that can be put in place to overcome the bad side of the baby’s milestone achievement. There are however, places in the house that are identified as black spots that we don’t wish our children to get into.
In the past, parents used pop-out baby gates. However, things have changed since then, and you can now get your hands on the best retractable baby gate for your baby in the house. As they appear utilitarian by nature, sometimes parents find it hard to get the best product. Now, this should be a worry of the past as we are going to cover some of the best in this review. You can check other best choice products baby safety fence on amazon for use around fireplaces, indoor and outdoor grills.
Quick answer : Top 5 best retractable baby gates for 2021
1. Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate 52’’-best retractable baby gate for stairs
This is an amazing baby product that is manufactured by Smart Retract. Retract-A-Gate safety gate 52’’ wide is certified by JPMA to be used both at the top and base of the stairs. In this review, we categorize this baby product as the best all-around. It is one of the best retractable baby gates for stairs as it is very versatile and highly durable. It is also proven to be used both indoors and outdoors and is designed with mesh fabric, the same that is found on cargo trucks. It has the ability to overcome UV rays as well as mildew so that your baby can be safe in various settings.
Key features
- It is certified by JPMA to be used at both base and top of stairs.
- Scratch-resistant mesh proven to be used with cats and dogs.
- See-through fabric is tough and can be washed.
- Childproof lock at the top shields it from opening.
- Features quiet one-hand operation when you want to open or close
Pros
Cons
2.Lascal KiddyGuard Avant Baby Safety Gate- Easy Baby retractable gate
Lascal KiddyGuard Avant has a sleek and modern appearance making it unique from other retractable baby gate top stairs. Like some of the other retractable baby gates, Lascal KiddyGuard is certified by JPMA and is suitable at the top of stairs. It is constructed for wide openings as it has a 48-inch wide opening. If you are looking for style as the first priority, then Lascal KiddyGuard won’t disappoint. When opened, this baby product doesn’t feature a threshold and can’t be seen in the opening. It has the ability to mount at the inside or outside of the opening.
Key features
- It is certified by JPMA to meet US ASTM as well as European EN standards.
- The wide opening of up to 48 inches with mesh panel of 32.2’’ high and gate housing of 35.3’’ high.
- Housing has an elegant, brushed aluminum design with a high-quality mesh panel.
- It features a one-hand operation that is quiet and easy to open due to the patented delayed locking mechanism and also an intuitive timer.
- It can be mounted on either inside or outside the opening of the wall.
Pros
Cons
3.Dreambaby Retractable Gate-Retractable Indoor/Outdoor Gate
This is a retractable child gate by Dreambaby that is made of metal and plastic. It is a one-handed operation retractable gate, black in color. It allows you to easily and quickly pass through it. It is also designed with Press and Turn Locking system. The double-locking feature lets you unlock the gate by pressing the button downwards and then turning. Dreambaby retractable gate is stairway approved, which means it can be used on either the top or bottom of stairways, doorways, hallways, and many more.
Key features
- One-Handed Operation is quite simple and allows quick and easy pass through.
- Features the Press and Turn Locking System, and the button must be pressed down and turned for the gate to be unlocked.
- Stairway approved hence can be used on both the top and bottom of stairways, doorways, and hallways.
- It has two sets of hardware so that it can be used in more than a single place.
- Has UV treated mesh that is durable making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor
Pros
Cons
4.Summer Retractable Baby Gate-Hardware Mounted Baby Gate for Doorways & Stairways
This is a retractable safety gate by Summer Infant that allows you to have maximum walk-thru space on the entrances. It is a 30-Inch tall baby gate that can fit openings of up to 50 inches wide. It is suitable for both doorways as well as stairways and can easily be installed with the inclusion of the kit. Besides, it has the baseboard kit that lets you install it where there are baseboards without making extra purchases. With this baby product, you have full custody of your baby’s safety and security.
Key features
- Durable and decorative mesh fabric and the silver satin finish with charcoal accents.
- 30 inches tall to fit 50 inches wide openings, ideal for toddlers.
- Simple locking lever that allows you to easily push down to lock unlock by pulling up.
- It can act as an alternative to traditional hardware mounted gates without necessarily having a closed barrier.
- Easy installation between stairways, doorways, and hallways.
Pros
Cons
5.Babepai Retractable Baby Gate Door-Extra Wide Baby Safety Gate
Babepai retractable is one of the best in this retractable baby gate reviews that any parent can have for the baby’s safety. It looks almost the same as the Retract-A-Gate, although it is not JMPA certified, has double width options, and less durable fabric. It is a wide baby gate that can extend up to a maximum of 54 inches wide and 34 inches tall. The mesh the product is made of is soft but sturdy and durable. Babepai features easy wall installation and has an automatic roll-up of the mesh when it is unlocked.
Key features
- Wide baby retractable extending to 54” wide and 34” tall with soft but sturdy and durable mesh.
- Features the lockable and retractable design with Double Locking Mechanism for safety.
- It’s a dual retractable gate for the baby and for pets.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor.
- Convenient latch makes it easy to open and close.
Pros
Cons
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Factors to Consider Before Buying a Retractable Baby Gate
When it comes to purchasing the best retractable baby gate, there are several considerations you have to keep in mind. Besides using a retractable baby gate on stairways, it is good to know that they can as well be used in doorways, openings, and hallways.
Gate spacing
Space that needs to be blocked is paramount and is the first thing you should consider by all means. There are usually variations in the stairs dimension and depends on the design of the house. This means that not any retractable baby gate can be chosen to fit the space. You can choose one that is small or end up choosing a bigger one for the space when you only need a sizable.
Width
The stair width is another factor to consider so that you go for the right retractable baby gate. It is important to note that the width required for the outside retractable baby gate is quite different from that which are used indoors.
Where to put the gate
The place where you want the gate to be is also paramount as it will indicate to you the type of gate that is suitable. It will also guide you on which size is suitable for the baby.
Those who are on outside stairs have a special design. They are resistant to harsh conditions as opposed to those indoors. This means that the materials used to make the retractable gate is another factor to consider when buying the best one. If you buy the indoor product for outdoor use, you will keep on replacing it every time.
Materials
The material used should be strong to hold the strength of the baby. The materials used for the product should also be UV treated so that it doesn’t fade when exposed over the sun. Material that is UV treated also adds value to your home, making it look attractive. It is, therefore, important to choose a product that gives you the required satisfaction. Also, choosing that which is galvanized is a plus as it won’t rust.
Height
Some children are very adventurous and might try to climb over the gate. Before you consider buying a retractable baby gate, height should also be considered. The one you purchase has to be at least ¾ the height of the baby to discourage them from climbing over. Any gate should be at least 22 inches in height.
Certification/ meets US standard
Certification and one that meets US standards is also an additional point that can’t be left out. The safety of the baby comes fist when purchasing any baby product. This applies to when looking for the best retractable baby gate. There are usually steps that are involved when making a quality baby product. You don’t want to purchase a retractable baby gate that has skipped some of the steps as it might not be safe for the baby. For the gate to meet US standards, it has to go through strict tests for it to be declared safe for home use.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I really need baby gates?
Baby gates are quite important for the safety of the baby, especially when he/she begins to crawl and eventually walk. By using the baby gates in the home, you are confining the baby within the playpen. Baby gates are, therefore, ideal in preventing babies from rolling over the stairs. Besides confining the baby in the playpen, you can protect the baby against the dangers of rolling on stairs and accessing exterior doors.
What is a retractable baby gate?
Retractable baby gates are a great help in protecting your baby from safety issues and identifying safe places to explore them. Such gates are easy to install and portable. These gates serve as the best option for small spaces, non-standard dimensions, irregular corners, or angles.
Are retractable stair gates safe?
Most of the retractable baby gates in the market are safe to be used in most of the places. They work well to protect your baby against several dangers that might arise in the home. It is necessary for parents to know that when the mesh that is on the gate is warped or pushed, the performance might not be effective. This can be a compromising situation on your baby and should be a precaution that shouldn’t be neglected.
Can retractable baby gates be used outdoors?
The answer is yes. Retractable baby gates can be used outdoors, and outdoor retractable baby gates are uniquely designed. They are constructed using high-quality UV treated material so that it can’t fade due to the exposure on the severe sunlight. They are highly durable and sturdy to deal with harsh weather conditions.
What is the widest retractable gate available?
There are several retractable baby gates available and come in different width. The widest retractable gate available on market measures 72 inches wide, Retract-A-Gate baby gate. In most cases, you will come across mesh retractable gates that measure 55 inches wide, like the Dreambaby, as well as the Bindaboo. Munchkin Expanding Gate is another one that is close, which measures 5 inches.
How do retractable gates mount to the wall?
A retractable gate can be mounted on the wall and in different places as long as it has an expandable design. This allows you to have the flexibility needed so that it stretches well between the walls. The retractable gate can be mounted on any of the sides of the opening with the handle rods hooking together at the center by the S-hooks. The retractable gate can then snapped into the two brackets. Once the mesh is pulled across and hooked in place, the safety gate can then be locked. This lock is double-acting that uses the push and turn mechanism. When the gate is locked, there are gears located in the inside, which prevents the mesh from unwinding.
How do you make a homemade baby gate?
Final Verdict
The best retractable baby gate that you choose should be according to space. There are several baby gates that are durable, safe, and more reliable to be used in the home. When choosing the right baby gate, it is recommended that you consider certification. This is because you are taking the baby’s safety as the first priority.