Baby gates seem simple enough. Block the opening, keep the baby out. But walk into a baby store and you'll find 47 different options at 47 different price points. So let's cut through the noise.
Two Types That Matter
Hardware-mounted gates screw into the wall or door frame. They don't move. They don't wobble. These are the ONLY type safe for the top of stairs. Period.
Pressure-mounted gates use tension to wedge between two surfaces. They're great for doorways and between rooms. They're NOT safe for staircases because a determined kid can push them out.
Top of Stairs
This is where you don't cut corners. You need a hardware-mounted gate with a straight bottom bar (no trip bar at the base). The gate should swing in one direction only, away from the stairs.
Look for gates that open with one hand. You'll be carrying a baby, laundry, or groceries when you need to get through, and fumbling with a complicated latch while holding a squirming toddler is miserable.
Bottom of Stairs
Pressure-mounted gates work here since there's no fall risk if the gate gets pushed. Just make sure it's tall enough that your kid can't climb over it. Standard gates are about 30 inches tall, which works until about age 2. After that, you might need an extra-tall model.
Doorways
Pressure-mounted gates are perfect for this. They install in seconds, leave no holes in the wall, and can move from room to room as needed. The trade-off is they need flat surfaces on both sides to grip.
For doorways wider than 36 inches, you'll need extension panels or a wide-opening gate specifically designed for bigger spaces.
Wide Openings and Odd Spaces
Got a 6-foot opening between your kitchen and living room? Regular gates won't work. Look for configurable gate systems that link panels together. Some can span up to 12 feet and work as both gates and playard barriers.
What to Look For
What to Avoid
The Real Talk
You'll trip over baby gates. You'll stub your toe at 2 AM. You'll curse the day they were invented. But they work. Falls down stairs are one of the most common serious injuries in babies. Check our staircase safety guide for more details and toddlers, and a $40 gate prevents them.