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

Why It is Better?

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:

1. Are retractable baby gates safe?

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.

2. Is it safe to install retractable baby gates at the top of the stairs?

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.

3. Can I use the gate outside?

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.

4. Do I need some screws and a drill to install the baby gate?

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.

5. How do I know which size to choose?

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

Our Rating

 4.4/5

Durability

Safety

Ease of Use

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

We Don’t Like

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!

Another thing that distinguishes this gate from others is that the fabric used for this product is strong and washable, which guarantees that your baby’s hands will not get dirty on contact with the gate. And with a childproof locking system, you don’t have to worry about the danger of your babies unlocking it on their own. This baby gate is definitely made for baby safety, which is why it is on this list of the best retractable baby gates available on the market today.

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Public Review Summary

It is comfortable to use and easy to install. You can open and close it with one hand and there is no loud noise every time you put it away. Moreover, it has a nice design and will be a good addition to your home. However, some people have difficulty installing it, just read the instructions carefully and everything will be fine.

Our Rating

 4.4/5

2. PRObebi Mesh Retractable Gates Review

Our Rating

 4/5

Durability

Safety

Ease of Use

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

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.

There is no need to manually roll up this barrier, as it has an automatic roll-up system and rolls to the side when not in use. The operation is not at all complicated as it can be pushed or pulled to close with one hand. Another reason to consider PRObebi’s product as one of the best retractable baby gates to buy is that the manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty, which means that you can easily return it if it doesn’t work as it should. Few companies have a return policy, so this warranty is another point for this safety gate.

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Public Review Summary

This gate is a good choice if you are looking for something in the middle of affordable prices and good quality. It is very sturdy, but not as easy to use with one hand as other barriers. The installation process is very easy, but on the other hand, it is quite difficult to clean it.

Our Rating

 4/5

3. Perma Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate Review

Our Rating

 3.7/5

Durability

Safety

Ease of Use

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

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.

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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Public Review Summary

It's an ideal product for the little ones and comes with everything you need for installation, including baseboard spacers. It's also easy to remove from the bracket at the touch of a button if you wish to remove it completely for any reason. In some cases it can break and the quality of the materials is not very good.

Our Rating

 3.7/5

4. BabyDan Guard Me Retractable Baby Gate Review

Our Rating

 4.5/5

Durability

Safety

Ease of Use

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

We Don’t Like

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.

This product is definitely a space saver, as it folds automatically into place. It can be installed on the inside of the door frame, which measures between 25.4 and 36 inches, while it can fit on the outside of the door frame, which ranges from 21.77 to 31.2 inches. It should be noted that the Extend-A-Guard device allows the door length to be extended up to 44.6 inches if installed inside the door frame and up to 40.7 inches if installed outside the door frame. This door weighs 6.61 pounds and is available in white.

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Public Review Summary

It retracts almost unnoticed and is ready immediately when you need it. It is very strong and durable. So, even after a few months of use, this barrier remains very good. This gate folds up easily so that it does not bother the baby when he is not in the room. It also has an automatic retraction system that works well. As far as the disadvantages are concerned, it is difficult to understand the instructions and the quality of the materials is not very good.

Our Rating

 4.5/5

5. EasyBaby Retractable Baby Gate Review

Our Rating

 3.7/5

Durability

Safety

Ease of Use

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

We Don’t Like

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?

Weighing only 3.75 pounds, it is considerably one of the lightest baby gate on this list. This baby gate is ideal for babies from six months to two years of age. It can also be used as a gate for small to medium sized pets. There are at least thirty of these baby gates in stock, but products of this type sell quickly. So be sure to buy this one if you think it is the best baby retractable gate that suits your safety needs.

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Public Review Summary

The construction of the EasyBaby retractable gate works very well and it is easy to install at home. However, you must use your own screws, as the screws supplied with the gate are of poor quality and can break. And the main disadvantage is that the gate can be opened quite easily by a small child.

Our Rating

 3.7/5

6. BabySeater Retractable Baby Gate Review

Our Rating

 4/5

Durability

Safety

Ease of Use

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

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.

Another great reason why this can be considered as the best baby retractable gate is that the manufacturer offers a refund to customers who are dissatisfied with this product and in cases where the baby gate does not work as it should. It is convenient and it is excellent customer service. This item is only available in one color at the moment, which is black. There is still a lot of stock, so more chances to buy this excellent product.

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Public Review Summary

This gate is made of good materials and helps you keep your small child safe at home. It is quite beautiful and fits in almost every style of home. You will certainly appreciate the ease with which you can use the clips with one hand. What's more, this gate is quite high and your baby won't be able to climb it. But as usual, there are drawbacks, so people admit that the instruction is difficult to understand and some of the features are of poor quality.

Our Rating

 4/5

7. Babepai Retractable Baby Gate Review

Our Rating

 4/5

Durability

Safety

Ease of Use

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

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.

Babepai’s retractable gate is easy to use, and with its dual locking mechanism, you can be sure that your baby will not be able to open the gate, no matter how hard he or she tries. For people with pets that are too difficult to control, you can also use it as a pet gate. It comes in only one color, and that is grey. But as long as the gate works, the color should not matter.

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Public Review Summary

This door works really well. It is sturdy and easy to clean. This baby gate is completed with extra parts in case you want to move it to different places. The installation process is easy and the instructions are also very easy to read. But be careful, because after a few months it can break and its durability is not optimal.

Our Rating

 4/5

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.