Best Retractable Baby Gates Of 2020

Ah, the toddler age. A time of freely exploring the world around them as your little ones climb, crawl, walk and try to reach for things.

That is also a time of extreme caution and danger alert for the parents. However, there is no need to panic. We have done extensive research for you.

There is a perfect solution to the problem: retractable baby gates. Let’s see what the market has to offer and how this product can change your life – for the better.

Types of retractable baby gates

There are many kinds out there. For example, pressure mounted baby gates, hardware mounted baby gates, or outdoor baby gates.

Still, retractable baby gates are an all-in-one choice if you want a lightweight baby gate that you can take down easily. They take up minimal space, and you can take them along with you on your family travels and set them up anywhere.

What sets retractable baby gates apart from the rest?

Unlike hardware mounted and pressure mounted gates, the retractable ones are much lighter. The screen is made of polyester mesh rather than pickets of wood, plastic or metal. You can close the gate by sliding the screen across the opening, much like a window shade mounted sideways. Then just like with window shades, the screen retracts into a roller when the gate is in an open position.

You can remove the small roller, making it compact for storage in tight spaces when not in use.

Will it fit in your house?

Retractable baby gates suit a variety of widths of open space without extension kits – up to 72 inches. They come in a range of colors to suit most inside areas.

Also, since you can put them away so neatly, they are barely noticeable when you’re not using them. However, that excludes the ones that that fit in more extensive areas only.

Retractable gates are flexible, and you can safely use them in every room in the house as well as at the top and bottom of the stairs.

How to make them work in your house or apartment?

Retractables baby gates are quite easy to install and uninstall. They are also portable whether you are just changing rooms inside your house or your apartment, or visiting your friends or family.

But, that’s not all. Retractable baby gates are convenient when it comes to adult movement and access when left in place. They don’t obstruct access to indoor spaces.

When the screen is drawn, adults can merely unlatch the gate to walk through, then reattach it. If you need the screen to stay open for awhile, it can be wound up into a roll.

Some units wind manually, and some will wind up automatically when you press the release latch.

Retractable baby gates restrict your toddler from mischief and inappropriate action. They also help you keep an eye on your baby thanks to high-quality see-through mesh gate screens.

Modern-day screens come in a variety of colors such as white, light brown and black, and can always match the interior design of your home.

What should you look for in the best retractable baby gate?

Take these factors into consideration while looking for the perfect gate for your baby:

Is it durable? 

You do not want to spend your hard-earned money on something that will not last that long. Look for quality materials and safe locking systems.

Is it big enough? 

You do not want your child to feel like she’s in prison. The gate needs to be large enough so that she can crawl around freely.

Is it expensive? 

Needless to say that, if you don’t have a pet, you might not ever use this product once your child grows up. Look for reasonable prices, but don’t just pick the cheapest one you can find.

Can the baby crawl under it? 

It should be sturdy enough not to let the baby go right under it. Otherwise, you are looking at more trouble than you might have wanted.

Is the material flimsy? 

Although it has to accommodate your child perfectly, you might want to find something durable to hold the baby inside of it. Avoid bendy materials that even the smallest child can destroy.

Top 5 – Best Retractable Baby Gates

Retractable baby gates will keep your baby safe and you worry-free, knowing that they cannot hurt themselves. We have singled out the top 5 of retractable baby gates out there for you. Pet owners, keep in mind that they can double as pet gates at the same time.

Summer Infant Retractable Gate

Summer Infant Retractable Baby Gate has a unique design which is an alternative to the many traditional baby gates on the market. It allows you to keep everything open when you are not using the safety barrier.

This gate fits well in rooms of all sizes, and you can use it at the top of stairs in an area up to 127 cm wide and 76 cm tall.

This gate also has a straightforward design with its secure locking mechanism. You can simply push down the lock to lock it and pull up to release.

This locking system allows the parents to react fast in case of an emergency. That is something you often need when caring for your child.

PROS

• checkIt fits well on uneven surfaces, and you can place it on the top or the bottom of the stairs. That way you can rest assured that they will not wobble.
• checkIt installs under 30 minutes – perfect for busy parents who need them to use them often.
• checkThis gate features an easy and quick locking mechanism. Safety comes first, and this is a safe retractable gate.
• checkIt opens and closes quietly so that nothing disturbs your everyday peace.

CONS

• exclamation-triangleScrews and anchors that the manufacturer includes in the package are not thick enough when used in combination with molding spacers.
• exclamation-triangleThe material is flimsy, and a toddler or a small dog could slide under it in a blink of an eye.
• exclamation-triangleOlder children can easily open the gates, so you would have to keep an eye on them too.
• exclamation-triangleThe handle for gripping the edge is low, so to release the gate, you must bend down and get a good position on the handle.

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Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate

Retract-A-Gate Baby Gate is a gate which features a simple design with a straightforward installation. It is easy to use, durable, and best of all – your baby will stay safe at all times.

It is one of the tallest safety gates available with a mesh height of 34 inches. Unlike the hardware that other gates have, Retract-A-Gate parts are almost transparent. They are also quite durable and strong.

This model has a certificate, and they tested it both on the top and bottom of stairs. Therefore, parents can feel confident their tots are safe from falling.

PROS

• checkUnlike other retractable baby gates, Retract-A-Gate can fit into areas up to 72 inches.
• checkYou can connect a few of these gates to cover as much space as you need in special circumstances. You can use them for birthdays, parties and other social gatherings.
• checkWhile other gates might get stuck when you are opening or closing them, the manufacturer engineered Retract-A-Gate, so that doesn’t happen.
• checkIt is the only retractable gate that you can use inside your house, or outside. If you have a backyard, it is perfect to use if you want your kids to play outside for a while.

CONS

• exclamation-triangleIt will not deter a clever baby or a small dog from pushing through. You would have to pay close attention to what they are doing.
• exclamation-triangleThey sell anchor kits separately, so you would have to spend more money.
• exclamation-triangleThe fabric sags quickly, and you would have to buy a new one when that happens – more money to spend.
• exclamation-triangleThe screws are of poor quality and can break off easily.

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Lascal KiddyGuard Avant Baby Gate

Lascal KiddyGuard Avant Baby Gate is semi-transparent, allowing you to see your little darling through it.

In contrast to other baby gates out there, this one is quite tall. Another one of its features is that it has a gate timer that helps you control the locking system.

PROS

• checkIt features a strong and flexible mesh panel that can withstand constant use.
• checkYou can pull it back to the railing, so you do not have to trip over it when you are not using it.
• checkThere is a red indicator light that warns you when the gate is unlocked
• checkThis model is JPMA certified and has been tested by SGS to the U.S. Safety Standard ASTM F1004-15. It also meets the strict EN 1930 European Standard.

CONS

• exclamation-triangleIt does not install correctly if your stairs have a stringer.
• exclamation-triangleThere are better options for a standard wall setting.
• exclamation-triangleIt is a cheaply made gate for the price. That means that it will not last that long, so you would have to spend more money on a new one.
• exclamation-triangleAs reported by some customers, the gate appears heavily worn out after only six months of use.

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Evenflo Soft and Wide Gate

This baby safety gate model is an extra-wide gate that you can use in doorways, hallways, the bottom of stairs, kitchens, etc.

Evenflo Soft and Wide Gate is 27 inches tall, and it expands from 38-60 inches. It also comes with a travel bag for compact storage.

The installation is not too difficult, and you will not damage your home thanks to its non-marring rubber bumpers. It adjusts to fit uneven openings – even those that have baseboards.

PROS

• checkIt has quick-fold collapsible sides and comes with a convenient carry bag.
• checkThat way, you can bring it with you when you are traveling with your baby.
• checkYou do not need any tools to make it work – the construction is fairly straightforward.
• checkIt is machine washable, which is a huge plus if you have a messy child.
• checkNeutral color design matches a variety of home decors – it will not break your interior design concept.

CONS

• exclamation-triangleIt is not suitable to use at the top of the stairs.
• exclamation-triangleThis gate is not durable enough, and it might not last long.
• exclamation-triangleIt is too large for a standard doorway – you would have to find a designated spot for it.
• exclamation-triangleYou cannot easily remove it and place it somewhere else. Therefore, it is only useful if you plan to put it up and leave it there permanently.

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BabyDan Guard Me Retractable Gate

This innovative product from Denmark is barely visible when not in use making it an ideal solution for modern homes.

It comes pre-assembled and includes three sets of additional extensions in the box, allowing you to extend the gate from 22 up to 35 inches.

To open Baby Dan Guard Me Retractable Safety Gate, you simply pull out and press down the side button on the handle – the baby gate folds back automatically.

PROS

• checkIt takes up minimal space, so you would not have to move your furniture to fit it in your house.
• checkIt’s 100% PVC free – great news for parents who do not want any harmful material near their kids.
• checkYou can install it inside or outside of door frame or at the top or bottom of the stairs.
• checkIt complies with the latest European and American safety standards N1930:2011 & ASTMF1004.

CONS

• exclamation-triangleInstructions you get do not make any sense. There are only drawings with no explanations included.
• exclamation-triangleThe release is fast and could be dangerous around little ones. You might need to move them before you try anything with this gate.
• exclamation-triangleCustomers have reported that it fails to unlock only after three months of use.
• exclamation-triangleIt features an abnormally small width – too small for some babies.

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The verdict

When buying a baby safety gate, you as a parent want to make sure your toddler will be protected from any danger while she’s behind it. Also, the gate should cause no harm to your little one.

Hats off to the other contenders, but if you want the best retractable gates for your baby, the Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate tops the bill. 

Firstly, this is one of the tallest safety gates on the market, and it will certainly ensure that your toddler doesn’t climb over it.

This gate certainly spells protection when it is the only retractable gate designed for both indoor and outdoor use.

It can cover openings up to 72 inches, but multiple Retract-A-Gate Safety Gates can connect to cover a bigger territory whenever you need it.

No parent feels less worried about their baby’s safety outside than when they are inside their home. That makes Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate a perfect choice for the family.

Other baby gates might get stuck while you are using them, but Retract-A-Gate baby safety was made to avoid any mishaps like these.

It is the best choice for parents who prefer quality and safety rather than paying as little as they can. This retractable baby gate gives you everything you might need, so it is an obvious choice for many parents out there.