Which stair gate is best

The instructions fit on a single page and are clear, which is in stark contrast to the hieroglyphics supplied with other gates, some of which took more than an hour to install. Along the edge of the instruction sheet is a printed ruler that has the only measurement needed to get the gate in. A lot of the other gates came with cut-out templates that were essential, but a bit of a pain to deal with. We also liked that the Stairway Special uses only four screws.

Not only does this make for a quick installation, but when the gate is no longer needed there is also minimal patching to do—in most cases, just a few fingertips of joint compound and a little touch-up paint. No other gate used fewer screws; most needed more, often many more one gate required Our pick has the rare ability to be installed at odd angles, while many competitors can only install at degree angles, perpendicular to the walls.

Some, though, supply drywall anchors with their gates, but due to our own experiences with the long-term stability of drywall anchors, particularly those under constant strain, our recommendation is to always mount your gate into wood. If a gate is being installed in a doorway, a degree angle is easy because both wood sides are directly across from each other.

At the top of a set of stairs or in a hallway, though, there is no guarantee that studs or woodwork are going to line up across from one another. Because of how its hinge and lock work, the Stairway Special can be safely installed even if it skews up to 30 degrees. This image , from babyproofing company Baby Safe Homes , shows the gate with an extension set up at an angle—there is no other way to install a gate in this location.

Like most of the gates we tested, the Stairway Special has a removable swing stop that can prohibit the gate from swinging out over a set of stairs for safety reasons. Two of the experts we spoke with specifically recommended this gate. Tom Treanor also likes what Cardinal Gates has to offer and specifically called out the SS as one he uses often. The SS is available in both a white and black finish.

The only difference is that the hardware is stainless steel. The SS carries a one-year warranty. The Cardinal Gates website also offers a wide selection of parts, should a piece ever be lost.

In October , the SS was recalled in Canada due to a chemical in the black paint and the potential for a choking hazard presented by the plastic endcaps used in the gate frame. In response to questions from readers after this guide was published, we spoke to a representative at Cardinal and they informed us that the SS is now in compliance with Canadian safety standards. To remedy the situation, they changed the composition of the black paint and redesigned the plastic endcaps.

Additionally, the Canadian recall points out that there were never any reports of incident or injury concerning the SS This gate has several drawbacks, but none of them offset its secure locking mechanism and its overall strength and durability. While many gates are made of stained wood or have sophisticated finishes, the SS is available in either bright white or pitch black. As mentioned above, this is a sturdy gate, but it is not compatible with any extensions. Also, by virtue of being made entirely of metal, the SS will have greater durability.

Another downside is that the all-metal latch and hinge is noisier than latches on gates with plastic locks. With a little practice, we could lock and unlock it without much sound, but a quiet unlock takes a more delicate touch than with the other gates we tested, which all have plastic latches and are naturally quieter. Also, if someone were to rattle the locked Cardinal, you get the clanking metal-on-metal sound, rather than plastic on plastic.

The SS also lacks any kind of auto-latch mechanism, so you have to manually lock it each time you pass through. Auto-lock gates are convenient—just give them a firm push and they re-latch on their own—but we found that the latch and the gate need to be perfectly lined up for this to be a flawless action.

Obviously, at the top of a set of stairs this security is crucially important. Cardinal Gates offers an auto-lock gate, and we have more information on that in the competition section. Very large baseboards pose a slight problem with installation. Finally, as far as cost, the Stairway Special is heading toward the upper price range of hardware-mounted gates. Such a durable model should have no issue lasting through multiple children over the course of many years.

What it does offer is a fairly simple setup and a design that can handle a baseboard of any height without any additional work. We feel this is a fine option for separating two rooms, but we strongly recommend the Stairway Special for the top of stairs, due to the added stability.

It requires eight screws, so in the end there will be more wall patching than with the Stairway Special. It also uses a fiddly template to place the screw holes, which is a little tedious. Once installed, the gate feels secure, and the two-part latch is easy for an adult. When a thumb lever is pressed, the gate can be lifted up and out of a little holder piece. The gate is re-latched with a firm push. There is no need to lift it back in place, like with the Cardinal Gates pick.

The lock is firm, but the majority of it is plastic, and we felt much more confident in the all-metal Stairway Special. This runner-up pick is similar in style to a number of competitors , including the KidCo Safeway Gate and the Munchkin Push to Close , which both look and lock the same way. The downside of this runner-up, other than the durability when compared with our top pick, is that it cannot be set up at an angle. This means that to install it, you must be certain that there is wood to screw into directly across the opening.

Retractable gates are hardware-mounted screens that use a sheet of mesh fabric pulled across an opening and hooked to the other side instead of a swinging metal door.

The plus side of retractables is that they're discreet and can be used in tight areas like an entryway or in an old house with tight hallways, where a swinging gate would simply get in the way. Of the three retractable gates we tested, we prefer the Retract-A-Gate.

Like the Cardinal Gates pick, it can be set up at an angle. It is also the easiest to pull and unspool. They can also be a good way from separating babies from any pets or keeping them in one room so you can keep an eye on them.

You want a gate which will fit your doorway or hallway, so make sure you check dimensions before you buy. If you will be using the stair gate for different rooms you should consider a pressure mounted gate as they are adjustable. The height of your stair gate should be as tall as your child or just under so there is no way of them climbing over it.

They'll have simple instructions for a straightforward installation, and they'll be easy to open and close. These five stair gates got the highest scores in our tests, and are all Best Buys, so you can be sure they're a good option when it's time to pick out your safety gate.

We've also included three stair gates to avoid. These gates failed a key safety test, which could put your child at risk, so we've made them Don't Buys. To take a look at all our tested stair gates, read our stair gate reviews. Only logged-in Which? If you're not yet a member, sign up to get instant access. Sign up to reveal.

This unique pressure-fit stair gate aims to provide a safety barrier that's less of an eyesore. It's got some really useful features to make it easier for parents to use, and it survived our tough impact and pressure tests. Read the full review to find out which safety gate this is.

This unique pressure-fit stair gate claims to be fast and simple to install, with a one-handed operation for parents. Read our full review to find out if it lives up to expectations. This stair gate is mounted to doorways using screws, and the manufacturer claims it can fit openings from 69 to We've sent it to the lab to be checked and tested, including whether the gate can withstand the tough shakes and rattles of a determined toddler, making it safe to use.

Read the full review to find out how it coped. This stair gate is a pretty basic screw-fit safety gate that's made from one panel. While it may lack some of the extra features you get with other stair gates, it's still got one-handed opening and locking, and a wide walk-through section. Read the full review to find out what this gate is like to install, and how it help up during our strength and durability testing.

This beech stair gate is fitted using screws. Read our full review of the Lascal Kiddyguard Assure here. This portable Lindam stair gate is ideal if you stay away from home with your baby or toddler and need to block off a doorway or staircase. It's lightweight and portable, folding up into a carry bag for ease. The gate is adjustable between mm, making it suitable for most spaces.

From stopping your tot from crawling upstairs alone and risking an accident to keeping them in one room while you're cooking dinner, safety gates are a life saver! And the gate will only work if you actually remember to close it. Hey, nothing can be taken for granted after six months of sleep deprivation. Here's one important question he answered about stair gates:.

Q: "My little girl is fascinated by our stairs. We have stairgates but I'm not sure when and how to teach her how to go up and down safely - any tips? A: "In comparison to an adult, each stair is a huge step for a small child.

When you child is tall enough to manage each step without crawling, take them up and down the stairs whilst holding their hand on the opposite side to the stair rail, whilst they hold the hand rail themselves with their other hand.

Make sure that you can grab the handrail yourself if one or both of you become unstable. Best baby playpens - The best wooden, stylish and budget playpens on the market. Best baby carriers: the best stylish, budget and award-winning baby carriers on the market. Baby proofing - we've found all the products you need to keep your house safe. Week by Week. Prev Next. The 14 best books for babies under 12 months. The best baby room thermometers for checking the nursery.

The best baby-wearing coats to keep you and your baby warm. The best baby car seats to keep your baby safe on the road. The best baby and toddler advent calendars that aren't chocolate. The best pram hand muffs to keep you warm during winter. The best Moses baskets to help your baby sleep soundly. Stair gate safety advice According to RoSPA The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents , "every year there are more than 42, Accident and Emergency attendances by the under five age group resulting from accidental falls on stairs.

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