Having a child brings all sorts of new experiences. However, no one can keep an eye on their child at all times, and a baby gate can help to keep them safe. When they're ready to explore, these useful barriers prevent your little one from discovering unsafe staircases or rooms. The North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard is a versatile option, and that's why it's our favorite. It can be used as a portable playpen, a safety gate, or a baby barrier. The design's expandable and adjustable construction conforms to your home for a secure fit. It even features a child-proof double-locking system to keep your little one from escaping.
North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard
3-in-1
Three-in-one baby gate that features a child-proof double-locking system and versatility to accommodate any space.
Pros:
- Versatile (3-in-1)
- Child-proof double locking system
- Expandable
- Additional extension panels available (sold separately)
Cons:
- Gate only opens in one direction
- Safety latch is difficult to open with one hand
- Narrow opening
This 3-in-1 six-panel metal gate is free-standing and easy to set up. It's conveniently adjustable for a variety of spaces. The versatile, six-panel enclosure can act as a portable playpen, a safety gate between rooms, or a baby barrier to block off areas like fireplaces or wine racks.
It features a swinging walk-thru door panel that is built with a child-proof double-locking system for safety. It's also expandable and includes mounting hardware, allowing for extra-wide safety barriers to be created. You can purchase additional extension panels separately for increased size and protection. This gate is easy on your floors and works for a variety of floor surfaces.
On the downside, the gate opening is narrow at 13.75 inches, and it only swings in one direction. This poses some inconvenience in high traffic areas where you need to travel back and forth from point A to point B quickly. Some parents also say the safety latch is complicated to open with one hand.
Regalo Easy Step Baby Gate
Won't break the bank
Budget-friendly baby gate for doorways, walkways, and stairwells. It features an all-steel design and four pressure mount system.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Adjustable (includes 6-inch extension)
- Four pressure spindle rod mounting system
Cons:
- Will not fit an opening between 34 to 35 inches
- Four inch extension sold separately
- Door opens in one direction
- Narrow opening
This baby gate is excellent for those on a budget looking to gate stairwells or doorways. This extra-wide, walk-thru, gate expands to fit openings between 29 and 34 inches and 35-38.5-inches wide, and it stands at 30-inches tall.
It's easy to use and set up with its 6 inch-wide extension kit and four-pressure spindle rod mounting system. It's perfect for the doorway, hallway, and/or top or bottom of the stairs. It's durable and convenient, featuring an all-steel design and walk-thru door.
Please note that this gate will not fit an opening between 34 and 35 inches. An additional 4-inch extension is needed to meet those perimeters, so be sure to measure your space before purchasing. Also, some users complain of the door opening being too narrow, and the gate opening in only one direction.
Regalo Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate
Super wide and versatile
Super wide, two-in-one baby gate that can be used as a gate or a playpen depending on your child's needs.
Pros:
- Extra wide
- 2-in-1
- Versatile & convenient
Cons:
- Some kids can open the gate
- Flimsy
This super-wide baby gate is perfect for parents that need wide rooms and spaces safely secured. It measures 192-inches wide and stands at 28-inches tall. It can convert from a super wide gate to an eight-panel play yard depending on your needs.
It's quick and easy to set up; there are no tools required. It's built to last with its steel design and features a convenient walk-through door and safety locking system. This gate is suitable for children up to 24 months.
Parents beware, some children can open this gate with ease, and some report it being a bit flimsy, which will work for small babies, but maybe not for toddlers or small children.
North States Wide Easy-Close Baby Gate
Convenient & easy
This easy to install baby gate swings both ways for convenience and features a hold-open feature and is self-closing.
Pros:
- Gate swings both ways
- Triple locking system
- Hold-open feature
- Self-closing
Cons:
- Latch is tricky open
- Older children can open
This worry-free, easy-close safety gate shuts firmly yet easily with one simple push, keeping your child safe and secure. It comes in two colors, is stylish and dependable, and its' heavy-duty steel construction is durable and built to last! It features a safety gate that swings both ways for added convenience and a triple locking system for peace of mind.
You can also use the hold-open feature for multiple pass-throughs. It applies pressure mounts and tension knobs to keep it securely in place and is ideal for a variety of room openings or at the bottom/top of stairs measuring 28" to 38.5" wide and 29" high. This gate is recommended for babies 6-24 months and is excellent for smaller spaces.
Parents take note, this latch can be tricky to open with one hand, and some parents report their children figuring out how to open the gate themselves.
Evenflo Versatile Play Space
2-in-1 versatility
This can be used as a barrier or a play pen. It features reversible legs for indoor and outdoor use.
Pros:
- Versatile (indoor/outdoor)
- Portable
- Reversible legs
- Three colors
Cons:
- A little flimsy
- No door
This versatile baby play space is professionally designed to contain children from 6 – 24 months of age safely. It provides over 18.5 square feet of play space, is 28-inches tall, and is quick and easy to set up. You can use this as either a play space or a barrier depending on your needs.
One of our favorite things about this setup is that you can take it indoors and outdoors! It's portable and features reversible legs that have outdoor stakes for lawn/outside stability and anti-movement, non-scratch floor pads for indoor surfaces.
On the downside, some parents say this play space is a little flimsy and that it's annoying not to have a door when using it as a barrier.
Bottom line
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Baby gates are essential to making your home secure. Unsafe staircases and rooms will no longer be a worry with the help of these protective barriers. They're easy additions that will erase worry and let your child play without getting into trouble. To help baby-proof your home, we've assembled the best options.
Of all of our choices, the North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard is our favorite because it has multiple uses. The model functions as a barrier, a playpen, and a safety gate between rooms. It's also adjustable, designed to fit the unique spaces in your home. So, it's an easy choice.