Gone are the old-school pop-out baby gates that we’ve all busted a shin on, and retractable baby gates have taken over. Unlike many modern baby products, retractable baby gates are utilitarian in nature, which can make it even harder to select the best product. I’ve researched retractable baby gates and selected the top products for usability, durability, and safety. The top pick for best retractable baby gate is the Retract-A-Gate.
Best Retractable Baby Gates
The Retract-A-Gate and the Babepai Retractable Baby Gate extends to 52″ W. The Evenflo Expansion Gate expands to 60″ W. The Perma Child Safety Gate extends the widest at 71″W.
Retract-A-Gate by Smart Retract
I selected the Retract-A-Gate retractable baby gate as the top choice for parents. This gate is the most versatile and durable product I found in the retractable baby gate product category.
How is the Retract-A-Gate versatile? It is JPMA certified for use at both the top and bottom of the stairs. Many retractable baby gate products don’t recommend using them for the top of the stairs.
Also, it’s been tested for use both indoors and outdoors. The mesh fabric is the same fabric used on cargo trucks and is designed to resist UV rays and mildew. In other words, this product was built to hold up and keep your baby safe in a variety of settings.
When compared to other retractable baby gates, the Retract-A-Gate’s features offer the same or better benefits. This baby safety gate is washable and one of the tallest available at 34 inches tall. It also has a strong mesh, a dual locking mechanism, and a one-handed operation.
In addition, it’s available in two widths to fit your home specifications. Plus, the Retract-A-Gate works for pets and even has scratch-resistant mesh.
Overall, the Retract-A-Gate retractable baby gate is a smart option for parents. You can trust this product is safe and works great once mounted.
Also, it’s built to last. It is important to note that most baby gates are only recommended for use up to 24 months. After that time period, your baby is too smart to stay behind the gate. Our little sweethearts figure out how to easily open most gates into a late toddler and early preschool years.
Pros:
- Durable and strong mesh material
- Works for indoors and outdoors
- Certified for both top and bottom of the stairs
- Fits narrow spaces
- Quiet operation
- 2 width options and 3 color options: black, white, and tan
- Extra wall mounting and stair banister mounting kits available
- One hand operation
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Must place 6-inches from top of stairs for safety, making installation trickier
- Pet approved but doesn’t work well for small dogs
- Must close and lock the gate for proper operation
Babepai Baby Gate Retractable
The Babepai Retractable Baby Gate is a close second to the Retract-A-Gate. The only real differences are the JPMA certification, two width options and the fabric is less durable.
One benefit of the Babepai baby gate is the lower price point. However, you may experience lower quality in return.
The product description states this product can be used outdoors, but the mesh material doesn’t offer the same mildew and UV ray protection as the Retract-A-Gate. If used outdoors, I recommend bringing the mesh portion inside after each use to ensure lasting quality.
The best features of the Babepai retractable baby gate are the easy wall installation and automatic roll-up of the mesh when unlocked. Plus, it’s 34 inches tall.
Also, this product has a dual locking mechanism where you close the gate and then lock it. Some people don’t prefer the second step, but it’s how the mesh stays taut and keeps your little one from opening the gate. It can still be done with one hand.
Overall, this is a solid purchase for your home, especially if you are on a tighter budget. The Retract-A-Gate has a 6-inch setback from the top stair. This is because that’s what the JPMA certification states.
The Babepai doesn’t offer the same recommendation because it’s not certified, but I do. You don’t want your baby to slip through and fall down the stairs.
Pros:
- Recommended but not certified for top and bottom of stairs
- Automatic roll-up when unlocked
- Easy to open latch system
- Durable mesh fabric
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Not certified for safety
- Would not recommend for closer than 6-inches to the top of the stairs
- Not weather-resistant for outdoor use
- Only available in 52-inch width but is adjustable
Perma Child Safety Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate
The Perma Child Safety Outdoor retractable baby gate stands out for its specific outdoor design. This product is a good option for deck stairs for your peace of mind and your child’s safety.
Not only is the Perma retractable gate designed for outdoors, but it fits an extra-large opening unto to 71 inches wide. The 39-inch tall fabric is scratch and weather-resistant for outdoor durability and the metal parts are coated for safety and no rust. Also, it’s protected by a one-year limited warranty.
The only reason I’d buy the Perma gate over the Retract-A-Gate for outdoor use is budget considerations. Otherwise, the Retract-A-Gate is the superior product.
However, the Perma Child Safety Gate should fit most family’s needs to easily block outdoor openings.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for outdoor use
- Extra-wide opening up to 71 inches
- Weather-resistant
- Dual-action locking mechanism
- Available in 3 color options
Cons:
- Retractable features reported to fail sometimes, but the product includes a 1-year limited warranty
- Mounting hardware, not reliable quality
- Not as durable as other brands
Evenflo Expansion Swing Wide Gate
Okay, so technically the Evenflo Expansion Swing Wide Gate is more telescoping than retracting. That is if we classify retractable as retracting by rolling up into a compartment. But, I’d be remiss not to tell you about this option.
The 32-inch tall Evenflo Expansion Gate offers the option to either retract or swing open. It’s a wooden gate with an old-school feel. The simple design is durable and reliable. When compared to other retractable gates, it stands up as a solid option at a lower price point.
If budget restraints were an issue, I’d just buy this Evenflo model. Sometimes simple products get the job done for less.
Pros:
- Wide opening up to 60 inches
- Simple wooden design
- Affordable for most budgets
- Option to retract or swing open
Cons:
- Bulky
- Not approved for outdoor use
- Not for use at the top of the stairs
Summer Infant Retractable Baby Gate
The Summer Infant Retractable Baby Gate can fit spaces up to 50 inches wide and is 30 inches tall. There’s a lock at the top of the gate, allowing you to easily push down to lock it and pull up to unlock it.
A perk of this baby gate is the decorative mesh design! Unlike most retractable gates that are simple and plain, the Summer Infant Retractable Baby Gate features a semi-floral design that adds a touch of class and coziness to any room.
If you’re wanting to install a baby gate in an area where there is a baseboard, no worries! This Summer Infant gate includes a baseboard kit that provides you with what you need to install the baby gate in that area.
Something to keep in mind is that some buyers say their pets were able to easily crawl under this gate, which you may think is convenient, but it can stretch the mesh. Also, if kids are hanging on the mesh, it can stretch it out and possibly ruin the gate.
Pros:
- Decorative mesh design
- Fits spaces up to 50 inches
- Includes baseboard kit (to install if on a baseboard)
- Easily lock and unlock
Cons:
- Can stretch easily if pets crawl under or children lean on it
Guard Me Retractable Safety Gate
The Guard Me Retractable Safety Gate reaches 22 t0 36 inches.
Created with a wood panel design, this retractable safety gate is plastic yet has a modern look to it and should fit your home decor well, especially if you have white or light grey walls. It retracts automatically and folds in well, although it is still slightly more visible than some other retractable gates when folded in.
Buyers say that the Guard Me gate is easy to operate with one hand and works well when attached at the top or bottom of stairs. It is a pricer option, considering it includes a 9.5-inch extension, so if you don’t need an extension, consider purchasing the gate without it.
Pros:
- Fits spaces 22-36 inches wide
- Modern white panel look
- Retracts automatically
- Easy to use with one hand
- Attaches well at top or bottom of stairs
Cons:
- Slightly more visible when folded in compared to other gates
- Higher price
Lascal Kiddy Guard Avant
The Lascal Kiddy Guard Avant offers a sleek and modern look that other retractable baby gates don’t have. Like the Retract-A-Gate, the Lascal is JPMA certified for use at the top of the stairs.
However, the Lascal only fits opening up to 48 inches. This product isn’t designed for wide openings in the home. It is 32.3 inches tall.
For the price, the better option is the Retract-A-Gate, but if the style is your priority, the Lascal Kiddy Guard is the choice. Like the Gaterol, the Lascal doesn’t have a threshold when opened. It hides completely behind the opening. This is also good to avoid tripping or bumping into the edge of the gate.
The Lascal Kiddy Guard is also not designed for outdoor use. This is best used for narrow, indoor openings.
Pros:
- Style, sleek and modern
- Quiet operation
- JPMA certified
- Easy to operate with one hand
Cons:
- Better product options for the price
- Narrow opening of only 48 inches
- Wall mounting hardware could be improved
Comparing Retractable Baby Gates
If you’ve narrowed your baby gate search to the retractable category, you probably have a tough-to-fit space or don’t want a bulky baby gate. Unfortunately, many of the retractable baby gates available aren’t that great for durability or top of stairs use.
Most retractable gates use mesh so that the gate can roll up. However, the mesh stretches and expands. Over time, the integrity of the product can become compromised. This is why I like the Retract-A-Gate. It uses a higher grade of mesh and is certified for the top of the stairs.
When selecting a retractable baby gate consider the following factors: the dimension of opening, budget, and location. Don’t use an un-certified baby gate at the top of the stairs. And, always leave a 6-inch gap between the top stair and the gate.
Before you buy, look at the ease of use, installation process, quality of the wall mounts, and indoor/outdoor options.
FAQs – Retractable Baby Gates
Is a retractable stair gate safe?
Yes, as long as it is approved for stair use and it has been installed properly. If the correct mounting hardware has been used and the gate is closed, give it a little push test to make sure it stays secure.
If it can withstand you testing it, then it should be able to keep baby safe.
Where should I put baby gates?
You’ll want to put baby gates up to help keep baby in safe areas and out of dangerous areas.
A good rule of thumb is that if baby can’t be in the room without supervision, a baby gate needs to be placed in front of that doorway.
If that would mean that every doorway would need a gate, then consider making one baby-safe room, such as a living or family room, and putting a baby gate up to keep baby in that safe area.
Typical doorways that need securing from a closed-door or baby gate include kitchen and bathroom doors. No one wants baby splashing in the toilet or reaching for a hot oven!
Stairs also need to be blocked off for a crawling baby. You should put a baby gate at the top and bottom of the stairs. Only purchase baby gates that have been approved for use on the stairs and install them correctly for the best protection.
Will a mesh retractable gate rip if baby pushes on it?
Mesh gates are created to be pretty durable. Many retractable mesh gates can withstand a push force of 100 to 200 pounds, which is more force than your 20-pound baby could ever exert!
If baby pulls himself up to standing on the baby gate, it shouldn’t rip or tear if it’s high quality. It’s not like a screen door that will rip if you just look at it too hard.
That being said, don’t let a hyper child run into it like it’s a finish line ribbon. That will probably be enough force to compromise it in one way or another.
Can you DIY a retractable baby gate?
You can make your own fabric or roller baby gate, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
I’m all for making your own things for baby, but when it comes to safety, I would suggest that you stick with products that have been created and tested, and approved by experts for keeping your baby safe.
