Baby Gates

The first gate rule is absolute: at the top of stairs, only a hardware-mounted gate that screws into studs or solid framing is acceptable, because a pressure-mounted gate can be pushed out by a determined toddler at the worst possible location. Pressure gates belong between rooms and at the bottom of stairs. The second rule is fit: measure the opening at baseboard height and at the narrowest point, and check whether your banisters will need adapter kits.

The ten gates below meet ASTM F1004 and most are JPMA certified, spanning walk-through steel gates, wooden pressure gates, a freestanding play yard system, and extra-wide and extra-tall models. Width ranges, heights, and mount types are taken from manufacturer specifications so you can match a gate to a doorway, a hallway, or an open-plan span.