Retractable Baby Gates Buying Guide
Carrying and raising a child is without a doubt one of the best things that can happen to a couple anywhere in the world, even though it can be difficult. Being a parent is no small task; it takes a lot of patience and hard work. In addition to meeting all of your child’s basic needs, such as food, water and shelter, it is of the highest priority and importance to ensure their safety.
Today, the world as we know it is not as safe as it was decades ago. It is therefore incumbent on parents and future parents of this generation to ensure that their children feel safe at all times. So how can parents protect their newborns or young children from danger?
Since babies generally cannot do much, but sleep most of the time, a quiet room, dim lights and a sturdy cradle should suffice. But what happens when they are two years old and start walking around the house? That’s when the problem begins. Of course, locking them in the same place is a horrible thing to do. Fortunately, these days, more and more child safety tools have been created to help parents keep their little ones away from spaces in the house that they shouldn’t have.
A good example of a child safety tool is a retractable safety gate, but what exactly is it? A retractable baby gate or child safety gate is basically a protective barrier that prevents kids from going into areas of the house that are not safe for children, such as stairs, the kitchen or the fireplace. We all know what babies are like; as soon as they start crawling and walking, there is nothing to stop them from walking around.
According to recent studies, the most frequent accidents involving children under four years of age are falls downstairs or scalds or burns in the kitchen. These accidents can be prevented if safety precautions are taken seriously. So for parents who are very busy and cannot keep their eyes on their young children every minute of the day, a retractable safety gate may be the device you should consider buying. Here, we list the best retractable baby gates on the market today to help you choose the one that best suits your daily needs.
Quick Takeaway: The Best Retractable Baby Gate You Can Buy Online
Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate 52
Key Features
- It is made of see-through fabric which is washable
- Its mesh is scratch-resistant
- Has a childproof lock to prevent your kids from unlocking
Why It is Better?
- Can be easily adjusted
- Tough and durable
- Easy, one-hand operation when opening or closing
How Did We Pick the Best Retractable Baby Gates?
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- Why Do You Need Retractable Baby Gates?
- Where and How to Install Retractable Baby Gates?
- When to Stop Using Retractable Baby Gates?
- How to Choose the Right Retractable Baby Gate?
- Best Retractable Baby Gates Brands
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top 7 Best Retractable Baby Gates
- 1. Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate 52
- 2. PRObebi Mesh Retractable Gates
- 3. Perma Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate
- 4. BabyDan Guard Me Retractable Baby Gate
- 5. EasyBaby Retractable Baby Gate
- 6. BabySeater Retractable Baby Gate
- 7. Babepai Retractable Baby Gate
- Final Thoughts
Why Do You Need Retractable Baby Gates?
There are a lot of worries to worry about when you become a parent, but apart from the help of family and friends, taking care of a baby can be much less difficult. But let’s face it, once babies start crawling and walking, nothing can stop them. So when your baby is between six months and two years old, what should you do? Let’s list a few reasons why you need a retractable baby gate. First, safety should always be a top priority when you have a small kid.
It is understood that parents already have a lot to do, and with a baby crawling around every nook and cranny. What happens if your baby reaches the kitchen while you are cooking? This situation can turn into a disaster. But with a baby gate in place, you can be sure you can keep your little one out of imminent danger.
The second reason is that installing a retractable baby gate can silently tell your child that he or she is “out of bounds”. Once the retractable gate is in place, your baby or children will know not to be pushed into the gate. Another reason to buy a baby gate is that children love to explore.
What would happen if you left the gate open while you were doing chores and your baby crawled out of the gate and into the garden or busy street without noticing? Isn’t that scary? One last thing to note is that babies and pets don’t always get along. By installing a baby gate or pet gate, you won’t have to worry about your baby getting beaten by your dog. Also, some babies and children are allergic to pet hair or dander. So, it’s essential to keep them at a safe distance from your child.
Where and How to Install Retractable Baby Gates?
If you live in a two- or three-storey house, it is advisable to install retractable safety gates on the highest or lowest step of the stairs. This will prevent your babies from falling down the stairwell. Another good place to place a safety gate is at the entrance to the kitchen. In fact, it is essential to have one in this part of the house to prevent your child from slipping in and getting burned by pots and pans or hotplates.
Also, since most baby gates can be used indoors and outdoors, it’s also a good idea to place them in the front door. This prevents your children from getting lost in the woods or having access to a busy street. If you have an extra room in the house, you can install a baby gate on its door and it can be used as a playpen, where all the toys can be brought together in one place instead of being scattered all over the house.
Regarding the installation process, most retractable baby gates require drilling holes in a hard, cemented wall or in wood to install screws and brackets. When you purchase one of the baby gates we have listed, you will find that the packaging comes with mounting hardware to help you install the gate. The first step in installation after unpacking is to determine where you will place the gate.
Once the location has been chosen, draw holes on the wall or ramp with a pencil so that you know when to drill the mounting hardware. After drawing the holes, drill actual holes with a power drill to install the brackets and screws. Once the brackets are in place, attach the gate to the brackets and voilà! Your baby gate is ready to use. It won’t take a whole day, we promise.
Being a parent is not an easy task. Most of the time, you have to multi-task because you feel you don’t have enough time to do everything in one day. Doing chores around the house, taking care of the baby, running errands and working are just some of the things that every parent has to do every day. Having a dependent child can be tiring. As soon as the baby starts crawling and learning to take a few steps, things will get harder.
Your child will want to explore every corner of your home. It will be hard to know what they are doing and where they are going. We all know that children are curious and love to explore. There is always the danger that they will crawl into the kitchen or the fireplace, and that is scary. But how can you watch them all the time when you have other things to do? You certainly can’t stay by their side all day. What about work?
We know that most parents are only too familiar with these situations we’ve encountered. As a parent, we only want the best for our child and we want to protect him or her as much as possible. And what better way to keep your baby safe and protected than by installing retractable gates to keep him or her safe while you’re busy doing your daily chores around the house? By installing retractable baby gates, parents can be assured that their young children won’t have access to areas where they shouldn’t be.
By installing a baby gate, you’ll be relieved to know that as you go about your daily activities, your baby will be kept away from any danger or threat as long as the gate is closed and securely locked. By choosing the best retractable baby gate from the list above, parents can be assured that their young children will not be allowed access to areas where they shouldn’t be. So don’t wait another minute and take a look at the retractable gates we have chosen for you!
When to Stop Using Retractable Baby Gates?
As useful and practical as retractable baby gates are, there will surely come a time when they should be kept out of the way for good, unless parents plan to have more children in the future. But when exactly should you stop using retractable baby gates in your home? Ideally, most baby gates are suitable for babies between the ages of 6 months and 2 years.
The general rule of thumb is that when your baby’s chin reaches and touches the top of the gate, that’s the right time to remove it. Also, if your child reaches the age where he is able to understand how to open the gate by himself, then he no longer needs the gate and it’s time to get rid of it.
How to Choose the Right Retractable Baby Gate?
There are a few factors to consider before purchasing a retractable gate. A gate must meet your exact needs and aesthetic preferences. To help you make a decision, here are a few things to consider when choosing the right retractable gate for you:
- Age range: Most baby gates are suitable for babies between the ages of six months and two years, sometimes even up to three or four years of age.
- Materials: Most baby gates on the market are made of hard plastic with a fabric or clear mesh. To ensure your baby’s safety, retractable baby gates must be free of phthalates, BPA, lead or latex. This is to avoid any allergic reactions.
- Comfort: When choosing a safety gate, it is imperative to consider the level of comfort you will experience when using it. Most of the retractable baby gates we have listed are certainly comfortable to use as they require only one hand to operate. So even if you are carrying your baby with only one hand, you should be able to open or close the gate with ease.
- Design: Two of the most common types of baby gates are made with a screen that automatically rolls up and down on one side, and another type is the folding type. So, it’s up to you to decide whether you prefer a rolling or folding gate.
- Style: When it comes to style, it’s all a matter of personal preference. As far as color is concerned, baby gates are limited to a few: white, grey or black. But to be honest, the most important thing is that it works properly. The choice of color has only an aesthetic purpose.
- Size: This depends on the space you are going to use to install the baby gate. Before you buy, it is best to measure the actual space you will be installing the gate in to make sure it will fit. A poorly adjusted retractable gate will defeat its safety purpose.
Best Retractable Baby Gates Brands
With at least a hundred or even a thousand brands of baby gates available on the world market, it will take a very long time to sift through them all and find the best and most reputable ones. With this in mind, we’ve created a list of reliable and reputable baby gate brands to help you find what you want:
- Cardinal Gate: Established in 1993, this company is the only one on the market to produce lightweight and durable baby gates using aluminum. The gates it creates are made entirely of metal, which guarantees consumers that their product can stand the test of time.
- Evenflo: – This company has been in business for over 85 years and supplies baby care products such as strollers, car seats and high chairs worldwide.
- Dream Baby: This group is known worldwide and supplies a variety of child safety accessories such as baby gates, bath seats and potties in at least 70 countries.
- Kidco: This corporation started in 1992 and their child home safety products are being sold at Bed, Bath and Beyond and Babies “R” Us.
- Gateway Manufacturing, Inc.: This manufacturer is best known for its expansion and mesh gates and its PetShield product. Their company was founded in 1994.
- North State Industries: This company has been in existence and continues to be successful for over 50 years as they continue to provide environmentally friendly and versatile baby gates around the world.
- Lascal: This company is best known for their KiddyGuard Avant child safety gates.
- Regalo: This company specializes in safety gates, bed rails, booster seats and portable cribs.
- Munchkin: Manufactures safety barriers and bath toys, as well as infant feeding and travel accessories. This company was founded in 1991 by Steven B. Dunn.
- The First Years: They primarily offer products that meet children’s needs for sleep, nutrition, play and safety.
- Safety First: This company is responsible for the international fame and worldwide use of the “Baby on Board” sign when it entered the market in 1984.
- Summer Infant: The inflatable infant seat was invented in 1985 by the founder of this company. Today it is known for its production of infant products for different uses and needs.
- Retract-A-Gate: Their main objective is to produce retractable baby gates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure if you should buy a retractable gate for your house? Do you have any questions or clarifications regarding the products we mentioned? Let us help you by listing some of the FAQs and answers:
Yes, they are safe and keep your children away from dangerous areas of your home. Keep in mind that the gate will not work properly if the mesh is bent or deformed due to constant bumps or pushes. Replace the gate immediately if you notice any damage.
Some baby gates are JPMA certified and are supposed to be safe to install at the top of stairs, but this is not highly recommended as some gates are flexible enough to be pushed. It is preferable to install permanent gates rather than retractable gates at the top of the stairs.
Yes, most retractable gates are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Before you buy, simply check the specifications to make sure that what you are buying can also be installed outdoors.
Yes, screws and a drill are required to install the retractable gate. This ensures that it stays in place. In addition, most baby gates can only be installed on hard or wooden walls, as they do not work on a dry wall.
It’s very simple. Before you buy your gate, make sure you measure the space where you plan to install it so that it fits snugly and securely.
Top 7 Best Retractable Baby Gates
1. Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate 52 Review
Key Features
- Has 2 different sizes: 52" wide and 72" wide
- It can be quietly operated with just a push-and-pull technique
- Can be used for a pets
- Childproof lock to prevent your kids from unlocking
- You can use it on top and at the bottom of the stairs
We Like
- Can be easily adjusted
- Easy, one-hand operation when opening or closing
- Tough and durable
- Childproof lock system
We Don’t Like
- Has to be locked every time to be operated properly
- Has to be installed precisely six inches from the top step of the stairs
With a width of 52 inches, this baby gate can certainly cover a large space. The retractable gate can be easily adjusted to fit the top or bottom stairwell. Once installed, this baby gate can be operated with one hand, no matter if you have a laundry basket in the other hand!
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2. PRObebi Mesh Retractable Gates Review
Key Features
- Dimensions: 37x4.5x3.2 inches; weight: 3.55 pounds
- One hand operation
- It can be retracted in 360 degrees
- Can be extended up to 59 inches wide
- Automatically rolls up and out to the side
We Like
- Two installation hardware for two gate openings are included
- Has 2-year guarantee
- Can be used as a pet gate
- Great for both indoor and outdoor use
We Don’t Like
- Can be pushed if not locked and stretched enough
- Requires drill and screws to install
PRObebi’s retractable gate is definitely the best retractable baby gate when it comes to getting the best value for money. Its price is reasonable considering the quality of this product. An amazing feature of this baby gate is that it can be retracted upwards or downwards and even sideways. Cool, huh? It can be extended up to 150 centimeters, giving you the possibility to cover more space.
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3. Perma Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate Review
Key Features
- Available in 3 sizes: 33x71 inches, 39x71 inches and 41x71 inches
- Weight: 33x71 version (4.25 pound), 39x71 version (5.51 pounds), 41x71 version (14.4 ounces)
- Ideal for babies from 6 to 24 months
- It features a one-hand operation
We Like
- Rust-proof and UV-resistant
- Proven to work on pets
- Easy to lock/unlock
- Certified and approved by ASTM and EN standards
We Don’t Like
- Can be only be mounted on hard walls or wood; won’t work on dry wall
- Use of drills and screws are necessary for installation
It is surprising to see how the Perma outdoor baby gate is constructed with a rustproof and UV resistant mesh since most of the ones sold do not have these features and considering the fact that this baby gate is inexpensive. This is exactly why we have included it in the list of the most economical and efficient retractable gates for babies.
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Not only is it cost effective, but it is also durable enough to withstand the various elements found outside; it can even be used as a gate for dogs between ten and forty pounds. The operation of this gate is not complicated at all, as it can be opened, closed and locked with one hand. If you’re looking for a baby gate that fits your budget and offers good security for your baby, then the Perma Outdoor baby gate may be the one for you.
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4. BabyDan Guard Me Retractable Baby Gate Review
Key Features
- The dimensions are 35x2x28.5 inches
- Weight: 6.61 pounds
- Made of plastic, but it is free from Phthalate, Lead, BPA and Latex
- Automatically folds to one side when not in use
- It can be fitted inside or outside the door frame
We Like
- Automatically folds back
- Has Extend-A-Guard
- One hand operation
- Has no trip bar
- Perfect for small or tight spaces
We Don’t Like
- Might be loud if the user lets it snap back in its open position
BabyDan’s safety baby gate is something that you might want to consider when looking for the best retractable gates for babies, and Amazon rates this one with 4.5 stars. This baby gate is ideal for tight spaces. So, for families living in apartments or condominiums where there isn’t much space to move around, the BabyDan baby gate might be perfect for you.
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5. EasyBaby Retractable Baby Gate Review
Key Features
- Can be used both for indoors and outdoors
- It can be installed on the top or bottom of the stairways, hallways or doorways
- Weight: 3.75 pounds
- ASTM and EN certified
- Stretches and fits openings up to 33 inches tall and 55 inches wide
We Like
- Unlocks with a simple push and clockwise turn of the button
- Easy one-hand operation
- Sturdy and durable
- Can be used as infant gate or pet barrier
We Don’t Like
- Can only be fitted in rigid surfaces like hard wall, timber or plasterboard
- Drilling is required for installation
EasyBaby’s retractable gate is versatile enough to be placed in corridors, doorways and at the top or bottom of stairs. There are three colors to choose from: white, black and grey. This means that you can choose according to the theme of the room or the space in which it will be installed. How does the color coordination work?
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6. BabySeater Retractable Baby Gate Review
Key Features
- Has a multiple locking mechanism to ensure maximum security
- Can be easily adjusted to fit any space
- Refunds can be processed if the baby gate doesn’t work properly
- It is 33x46 inches and weight: 6.35 pounds
We Like
- Offers return and refund policy from the manufacturer
- Has multiple locking mechanism
- Easy latch system
- Can be used as a pet gate as well
We Don’t Like
- The lower part of the door is flexible and children can push it
- If it will be used as pet gate not advisable for bigger dogs breeds
This retractable gate from BabySeater was chosen because in addition to having a 3D instructional video available on their website or through a QR code that shows exactly how to install the gate, they also offer a free set of safety cap covers when you buy it! Yes, free of charge! The BabySeater product is ideal for doors, corridors and stairs. It is adjustable and flexible; it can be adapted to fit any space and extends up to 48 inches wide and 33 inches high, with only one inch of space above the surface.
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7. Babepai Retractable Baby Gate Review
Key Features
- Dimensions: 27x4.2x3.2 inches and weight: 3.99 pounds
- Soft but durable mesh that easily and automatically retracts into one roll
- Can be installed and used on stairways, doorways, patios and hallways
- Has two big latches on both sides of the mesh
We Like
- Has double locking mechanism
- Sturdy and durable
- One-hand operation
- Both for indoor and outdoor use
We Don’t Like
- If used as pet gate, small dogs might be able to go under it
Last but not least of the baby portals we have already mentioned is Babepai. This product is made of a soft, transparent, scratch-resistant mesh. The mesh extends up to 52 inches wide and 34 inches high, allowing it to fit standard doors and stairs.
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Final Thoughts
Having a baby means that there will be constant worry that something may not be safe enough for your newborn. We can’t deny the fact that in a changing world, we need to ensure that our children are safe from any danger that might be inflicted on them. The safest place for a baby is in his parents’ arms and inside his home. In this case, it is the parents’ responsibility to make their home safe every day.
Being a parent is not an easy task. Most of the time, you have to multi-task because you feel you don’t have enough time to do everything in one day. Doing chores around the house, taking care of the baby, running errands and working are just some of the things that every parent has to do every day. Having a dependent child can be tiring. As soon as the baby starts crawling and learning to take a few steps, things will get harder.
Your child will want to explore every corner of your home. It will be hard to know what they are doing and where they are going. We all know that children are curious and love to explore. There is always the danger that they will crawl into the kitchen or the fireplace, and that is scary. But how can you watch them all the time when you have other things to do? You certainly can’t stay by their side all day. What about work?
We know that most parents are only too familiar with these situations we’ve encountered. As a parent, we only want the best for our child and we want to protect him or her as much as possible. And what better way to keep your baby safe and protected than by installing retractable gates to keep him or her safe while you’re busy doing your daily chores around the house? By installing retractable baby gates, parents can be assured that their young children won’t have access to areas where they shouldn’t be.
By installing a baby gate, you’ll be relieved to know that as you go about your daily activities, your baby will be kept away from any danger or threat as long as the gate is closed and securely locked. By choosing the best retractable baby gate from the list above, parents can be assured that their young children will not be allowed access to areas where they shouldn’t be. So don’t wait another minute and take a look at the retractable gates we have chosen for you!