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Best Retractable Baby Safety Gates
Retractable Baby Gates for Stairs & More
BY: ADRINA PALMER
Introduction
While baby gates are ever so useful, often they are hard to move around and get in the way. Also, babies (and pets!) can climb hard gates with much more ease. Enter the retractable baby gate, ready to fix your problems and keep little ones out of the wrong areas in your home.
We found the ten best options on the market to help you find exactly what you need. Take a look and make your life easier today.
10 Best Retractable Baby Gates
Retractable Baby Gate by Grenfu
Price: $$$ | Check Price on Amazon
The Retractable Baby Gate by Grenfu may be a little pricier than the other options but delivers more too.
Benefits
Not only does this gate go up 35 inches tall, but it extends up to 70 inches wide! Also, it comes with two sets of mounting accessories to get the perfect fit. Use it on doorways, stairs, hallways, and more.
Downsides
The gate only comes in white which is rather boring and may not blend into all decor.
Why we love it
A gate with more reach is more useful, and this option comes with a one-hand operation. It’s easy for adults to use but not so much for babies, children, or pets.
02
BabyDan Guard Me Retractable Safety Gate
Price: $$$$ | Check Price on Amazon
If you want a baby gate without the mesh, get the BabyDan Guard Me Retractable Safety Gate made in Denmark.
Benefits
Instead of mesh, get a sturdy yet flexible frame. It folds back completely and automatically. Use it for doorways that are 36 inches or wider and mount inside or outside the door for a near-invisible gate.
Downsides
This gate is made for homes in a different country that often have smaller door openings. Moreover, the BabyDan costs a significant chunk of money.
Why we love it
If the gate isn’t large enough, you can get an expansion pack to make it a little longer. It’s great for smaller spaces, and it’s easy to install.
03
Retractable Baby Gate by Wicky
Price: $$ | Check Price on Amazon
Choose the color that works for you with the Retractable Baby Gate Dog Gate by Wicky. At 33 inches tall by 59 inches wide, it’s ready to keep your toddler out of harm’s way.
Benefits
Not many gates come in black, but this one does. It’s perfect for keeping your children and dogs away from dangerous stairs or other off-limit areas. Additionally, it works with just one hand.
Downsides
Inventive toddlers may figure out they can climb under the gate far too early with this option. The gate is not easy to install either.
Why we love it
We love color options, and as this one includes black and white, you can customize your design.
04
Mesh Retractable Safety Gate for Babies
Price: $$$$ | Check Price on Amazon
The Mesh Safety Gate for Babies by itkidboy offers reliable protection both indoors and outdoors.
Benefits
Get one-handed operation for both open and close—also, the gate measures an impressive 35 inches tall and 51 inches wide. The soft mesh works on doors, hallways, balconies, and more.
Downsides
Lining up the spacers can be a bit of a chore, and it needs to be used outside the door.
Why we love it
This gate allows you safety in your home. It’s ready to do its job and blend into your life. A double-locking design keeps kids extra safe.
05
EasyBaby Products Extra Wide & Extra Tall Retractable Baby Gate
Price: $$ | Check Price on Amazon
Pick the EasyBaby Products Extra Wide & Extra Tall Retractable Baby Gate if you need a taller, wider gate ready to protect your home and occupants.
Benefits
Finally! A baby gate that goes higher! This option is not only affordable but also very tall at 39.3 inches. It also extends out to 71 inches, making it perfect for generously sized doors or doorways.
Downsides
Both children and animals quickly figure out how to climb under this mesh gate quicker than other options.
Why we love it
Not only is this gate ultra-affordable, but you get three color options to suit your home better.
06
OTTOLIVES Mesh Safety Gate for Babies
Price: $$$ | Check Price on Amazon
Get a safe home the easy way with the Retractable Baby Gate, OTTOLIVES Mesh Safety Gate for Babies.
Benefits
The company offers a fantastic method of installation. You can also choose from two different colors, including gray or white. All this, and you still get a one-handed operation baby gate.
Downsides
With loops made of cheap material that connects to the other end, this gate may break sooner than necessary.
Why we love it
The Ottolives gate measures 34 inches tall by 54 inches wide, making it an ideal option for most homes.
07
Perma Child Safety Indoor/Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate
Price: $$ | Check Price on Amazon
With the Perma Child Safety Indoor/Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate, you get more options, including color and size.
Benefits
Choose from black, white, or gray and 33 x 71 inches or 41 x 71 inches. Not many options come as high as 41 inches making this a priority option on our list. You cannot beat the price either!
Downsides
The Perma gate requires two hands to operate and does not work well fully extended. Customers had issues with quality, too, as kids and pets may be able to pull it off the wall.
Why we love it
The company emphasizes safety standards by testing all of the products, and they include a one-year warranty.
08
Aratan Retractable Baby Gate Safety Fence
Price: $$ | Check Price on Amazon
The Aratan Retractable Baby Gate Safety Fence, Mesh Safety Gate offers simplicity and ease of use ready to keep babies safe.
Benefits
This simple retractable gate measures 34.6 inches tall by 59 inches wide. Next, it offers a more concealed switch button to prevent children from finding it and learning how to open the gate. You still get a one-hand operation making this a safer gate.
Downsides
Installing this gate makes Ikea furniture look simple to assemble, just kidding, but it’s not a pretty process as it’s written in broken English. Many customers found the product flimsy too.
Why we love it
Aratan uses high-quality mesh that is better for the environment and your family.
09
RONBEI Retractable Baby Gate
Price: $$$ | Check Price on Amazon
For a decent option at a low price, try the Retractable Baby Gate, RONBEI Dog Gate Mesh Safety Gate.
Benefits
The Ronbei safety gate makes the list as it offers a one-hand operation and a double-locking feature. At 34 inches tall by 54 inches wide, this soft mesh gate keeps kids and dogs out of harm’s way. Use the gate both indoors or outdoors for a safe, easy-to-use option.
Downsides
Installing the gate can be difficult and frustrating, and the retraction does not work as smoothly as most would prefer.
Why we love it
The gray color suits the new modern interior nicely, and it’s easy to use with a double locking feature.
10
VARWANEO Extra Wide Retractable Baby Gate
Price: $$ | Check Price on Amazon
The VARWANEO Retractable Baby Gate, Extra Wide Safety Baby Gate, measures 34 inches tall by 59 inches wide, making it a nice utilitarian design.
Benefits
With one-handed operation and extendable width, this gate is ready to meet your needs. Moreover, it offers 360-degree directions making it easier to move it and use it as you need. Double locking keeps kids extra secure too.
Downsides
The gate can come off the spool, making it ineffective. Check before installing and contact the company if this is an issue.
Why we love it
This gate offers thicker mesh that’s not as easy to see through, making it a baby deterrent as babies will hopefully just move on when they cannot see through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are retractable baby gates?
Retractable baby gates are mesh gates that roll back in instead of opening. They can save space, especially in tight areas of your home. Also, you don’t have to shut the gate and can leave the gate open as they automatically retract until you decide to re-close the gate.
Are retractable baby gates safe?
Precious toddlers may find a way to dismantle or even climb under a mesh baby gate, which can make them a danger. For this reason, we suggest only using a retractable gate at the bottom of the stairs instead of at the top. Moreover, parents can hurt their fingers with quick retraction if they do not move fast enough. Check any gate you buy thoroughly before installing it to ensure it is sturdy and durable.
What is the longest retractable baby gate?
Both the EasyBaby Products Extra Wide & Extra Tall Retractable Baby Gate and the Perma Child Safety Indoor/Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate extend out 71 inches with more height than the other options on this list.
What can I use instead of a baby gate?
Instead of a baby gate, you can close doors or train your children to not go into spaces they are not allowed. Neither of these options works very well as not all spaces have doors to close, and babies do not understand complex rules just yet (try again in 21 years or longer). Half doors are another option if you have the budget! Tall playpens are another option but tend to give babies less freedom. You can also get creative and make your own.
At what age do you stop using baby gates?
When your child is old enough to climb over the gate, it becomes more of a safety hazard than a safety net. Most toddlers can crawl over gates between the ages of two to three. It’s a difficult time as most toddlers often climb out of their cribs at this point too, and now you need to learn to live without gates and cribs.
Where should you put baby gates?
Put baby gates anywhere unsafe for baby or where you do not want your child to venture that does not have a door. Use gates in hallways, kitchen, stairways, and even the porch.
How do you connect two baby gates?
We do not suggest connecting baby gates as it’s unsafe and makes for an unsteady gate. Choose a longer gate or try a free-standing gate if you need options longer than 71 inches long.
What is the best baby gate?
The Retractable Baby Gate by Grenfu offers the most value for your money and safety too. Not only is it tall at 35 inches, but it’s also long at 70 inches wide. Set up and use are simple too, making your life easier.
Do you need baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs?
You may need a gate at both ends if your baby ever plays freely upstairs. Otherwise, one gate at the bottom is an easier option for others in the home. Do not use a mesh gate at the top of the stairs, as kids can climb under the mesh.
Are pressure-mounted baby gates safe for the top of stairs?
Absolutely not, pressure-mounted gates can snap off if children play with them at all. It’s best, although less convenient, to use a wall-mounted gate.
Do you really need a baby gate?
Yes, baby gates provide safety as toddlers are fast, and moms and dads are often multi-tasking. If nothing else, they provide a roadblock to slow toddlers down.
Closing thoughts: Should you get a retractable baby gate?
Baby gates are an invaluable way to protect your little ones. Retractable baby gates are easier to use but not always the safest option. However, you can find an option that will work for your home from a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to make your home protected for your littlest family members.
