When it is time to baby proof your home, you will need the best retractable baby gate. If you have a house with stairs everywhere, a retractable baby gate is all you need to protect your baby. As I have a 4 year old daughter, I bought two retractable baby gates for her safety. And now can’t go to the roof and the bottom of the stairs alone.
A retractable gate will give you a great peace of mind for sure. Even, if you have a harmful place in your home where you don’t want your baby to venture into, this type of baby gate will help you to cover that spot.
Now, the question is how you can get the best retractable baby gate. Retractable gates are utilitarian in nature, which can make you confused to select the best one. Based on durability, usability and safety, we have selected top 5 products, from where you can easily choose which retractable baby gate meets your needs.
top 5 Best Retractable Baby Gates Reviews
1. Retract-A-Gate by Smart Retract
It is the most durable and versatile retractable baby gate. It is JPMA certified and you can use it for both the top and bottom of the stairs. Retract-A-Gate retractable baby gate can also be used for both indoors and outdoors.
The mesh fabric is designed to resist UV rays and mildew. This mesh fabric is the same fabric used on cargo trucks which is very durable to use for long time. It is the tallest baby gate available at 34 inches tall and fits narrow spaces easily.
This washable baby gate is made in the USA that has a dual locking mechanism, strong mesh, and quiet one handed operation. To fit your home specifications, it’s available in two widths option plus it has 3 color options too. You will get stair banister mounting kits with it.
Overall, the Retract-A-Gate by Smart Retract, is a smart option for parents. It also works good for pets as it offers scratch-resistant mesh. You can trust this baby gate as it is safe and works nicely once mounted.
2. Perma Child Safety Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate
This Perma child safety gate is designed specifically for outdoor use and it is also a good option for deck stairs to give your child a good safety.
The Perma Child Safety Outdoor retractable baby gate fits nicely extra large opening which is up to 71 inches wide. The fabric of this gate is 39 inch tall. It is weather resistant and scratch resistant for outdoor durability. For safety and no rust, the metal parts are well coated.
If you have a limited budget and looking for a retractable baby gate for outdoor use then you can buy the Perma gate over the Retract-A-Gate. If budget is not a problem, the Retract-A-Gate is the best option always.
However, the Perma Child Safety Gate has dual-action locking mechanism and comes with 3 different color options. To easily block outdoor openings, this baby gate should fit most family’s needs. Also, it’s protected by a one-year limited warranty.
3. Lascal Kiddy Guard Avant
The Lascal Kiddy Guard Avant has a stylish sleek and modern design that you will not find in other retractable baby gates.
However, the Lascal Kiddy isn’t designed for wide openings in the home. It only fits narrow opening of only 48 inches. And It is 32.3 inches tall which is good enough.
For the price, the better option is always the Retract-A-Gate, but if style is your priority, the Lascal Kiddy Guard Avant is the ideal choice. Like the Gaterol, the Lascal doesn’t offer a threshold when opened which is good to stay away from bumping and tripping into the edge of the gate.
Like the Retract-A-Gate, the Lascal is JPMA certified for use at the top of the stairs.
But, the Lascal Kiddy Guard Avant is not made for outdoor use. This product is best used only for narrow, indoor openings.
4. Gaterol Active Lite Retractable Baby Gate
The Gaterol Active Lite is a good alternative to the Retract-A-Gate. When this gate is open, you will see no overhang. This means, no threshold in the opening when installed correctly.
The maximum width of Gaterol Active Lite model is only 55 inches. It works well in very narrow spaces too, as small as 18 inches. You will find this retractable baby gate in at just over 36 inches tall.
This is a good choice for small spaces, but if you need to block larger openings then choose a different model. You can use this baby gate indoors and outdoors. The one-handed operation is easy to use.
This Gaterol Active Lite Baby Gate has some drawbacks. You may face difficulty when opening and to staying latched. And when retracting it is a bit noisy too. If you are ok with that It is a good budget-friendly option for you.
5. Babepai Baby Gate Retractable
The only real differences between this Babepai baby gate and Retract-A-Gate are the two width options, JPMA certification, and the fabric which is less durable.
One benefit that you will find on Babepai baby gate is the lesser price point. As a result, you may get lower quality product in return too.
This baby gate is 34 inches tall and can be used outdoors, but you will not get the same mildew and UV ray protection of the Retract-A-Gate as its mesh material doesn’t offer that. If you want to use it outdoors, you can have mesh portion inside the gate after each use to ensure long lasting.
The features that you may like of the Babepai gate are the automatic roll-up when unlocked and easy wall installation. It also comes with dual locking mechanism, easy to open latch system and a 6-inch set back from the top stair. Overall, if you have a tighter budget, this is a good purchase for your home.
Retractable Baby Gate Buying Guide
When it comes to baby safety, nothing should be taken lightly. Determining what type of retractable baby gate you will need will depend on several factors. I spent a lot of time listing some of the most important criteria that I took into consideration, not only when writing this article, but also when making purchases.
Types of materials used
While most retractable baby gates are made of mesh or fabric, you can also choose from plastic, wood, or metal gate options. It will depend on the needs of your family and the design you are looking for. Baby gates don’t have to be unsightly in your home. Find the one that matches your home décor.
Space of the area
How wide is the area, you have to determine that first. You will need to accurately measure the area where you plan to install the retractable baby gate. It is a very important factor when buying a baby gate because it can be difficult to return or exchange the product.
Safety standards
Check with the manufacturer, but almost all of these products are JPMA certified. If you are unsure about the safety of some retractable baby gates, read the reviews.
Locking mechanism
While most of the baby gate reviewed above have a very good locking mechanism that can be easily opened and closed with one hand. But for added security, you may want to consider looking for a double locking system. There are even some gates that have an optional third lock, which you should consider if your child can detect locks and get away easily.
Conclusion
When choosing the best retractable baby gate for your beloved child, consider following the criteria above. This will help you determine your needs and the type of product that best suits your family’s needs.
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