Table of Contents

11 Best Retractable Baby Gates for Creating Safe Spaces (2024 Reviews)

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When you have a baby, your life changes. Something as simple as doing the dishes or laundry has now become a lot more complicated. Babies are very curious, so they can get into all sorts of trouble if left to their own devices, even if it’s only a couple minutes. That’s why it’s important to have a safe space where your baby or toddler can roam and play while you’re busy.

To create this area, you’ll need a baby gate, so I’ve compiled a list of my 11 favorite retractable baby gates to help you pick one out.

The Best Retractable Baby Gates

  • 1. EasyBaby Products Retractable Baby Gate

    (Best space saver — $)

    Why it’s great: This gate fits extra wide areas up to 71 inches and is extra tall too, so it’ll work for a variety of areas. The best part about this gate is that it retracts and rolls up into a thin little post when not in use. Most gates fold when they retract and end up being a wider rectangle at the end. It also has a nice handle and is easy to open and close with one hand. It is a mesh panel, so you don’t have to worry about your child sticking their hands through it either.

    Keep in mind: This one must be installed between rigid surfaces, so it won’t work against stair banisters.

    Good for: Those that want a gate that is almost non-existent when not in use.

    EasyBaby Products Retractable Baby Gate

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Babepai Retractable Baby Gate

    (Most versatile — $$)

    Why it’s great: The Babepai is very simple and easy to both install and use. It also comes with extra mounts for multiple installations and is easy to move. It is durable enough that it can be used outdoors if you need a gate to block patio stairs. The mesh is easy to wipe clean as well. You can open and close it with one hand, but the mesh is also flexible enough in the middle that you could step over it if needed.

    Keep in mind: It needs to be attached above the baseboard, which leaves a gap at the bottom. You can buy spacers to fix this though.

    Good for: Parents who need a sturdy gate for indoor and outdoor use.

    Babepai Retractable Baby Gate

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Momcozy Retractable Baby Gate

    (Easiest to move — $$)

    Why it’s great: This gate comes with two sets of mounts, so you can move it from one area to another, giving you two different options for safe spaces. It comes in black, white, or grey, so you can try to color coordinate with whatever room you want to use it in. Not only does the lock at the top keep the gate closed, but it also keeps your baby from pulling it out when the gate is retracted and open. There’s also an easy-to-grip handle to pull the gate open or closed.

    Keep in mind: This one is for smaller areas and only opens to 55 inches wide.

    Good for: Parents who want to be able to block off multiple areas.

    Momcozy Retractable Baby Gate

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. Stork Retractable Safety Gate

    (Best indoor/outdoor — $$)

    Why it’s great: This gate is super easy to install and comes with two sets of brackets, so you can use it in multiple locations. It is simple and quick to attach and unattach, making it convenient to move from one place to another. It has a handle for opening and closing and completely retracts into the end for storage. Plus, the mesh panel is UV resistant and won’t fade in the sun, making this the perfect option for an outdoor porch with stairs.

    Keep in mind: This one is for smaller spaces and only opens to 55 inches. It also doesn’t do well when soaked, so it shouldn’t be left outdoors if it’s raining or snowing.

    Good for: Families that want an easy to move gate that’s also great for outdoor use.

    Stork Retractable Safety Gate

    View on Wayfair.com ➜

  • 5. BabyDan Retractable Baby Gate

    (Best for doorways — $$$)

    Why it’s great: The BabyDan gate is very easy to mount on door frames. It folds up nice and small when it’s open and it doesn’t have a bar at the bottom, which means you won’t trip when you’re walking through it. It’s very strong and sturdy, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking or falling over if your toddler tries to pull on it (or if you have a dog jumping up against it). It is one of the more attractive gates and doesn’t look like traditional baby gear.

    Keep in mind: This one is specifically made for standard sized doorways, but you can buy extensions if you need it to be longer.

    Good for: Parents with more adventurous kids and/or dogs.

    BabyDan Retractable Baby Gate

    View on Amazon.com ➜

    This Retractable Baby Gates is also available on Wayfair.com ➜

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  • 6. Perma Child Safety Retractable Safety Gate

    (Most durable — $)

    Why it’s great: This is another gate that’s great for both indoor and outdoor use. The mesh panel is UV resistant and it’s durable enough to withstand the elements. Plus, it’s claw resistant and is great for pets under 40 pounds. It’s easy to open and close with one hand and retracts fully for compact storage. This gate Perma Child Safety is also extra wide and opens up to 71 inches, making it perfect for most any area. It comes in three different color options too, so you can easily find one to match your indoor or outdoor decor.

    Keep in mind: Installation can be a little tricky because the kit contains items for different setups. Make sure you know which pieces you’ll need for the place you’re putting it and you should be just fine.

    Good for: Families looking for a gate for their children and/or pets that’s built to last.

    Perma Child Safety Retractable Safety Gate

    View on Wayfair.com ➜

  • 7. Dreambaby Retractable Safety Gate

    (Best for safety — $$$)

    Why it’s great: Not only does this gate provide the normal safety you’d get just by having a gate, it goes beyond that to ensure that you know your child is safe. This gate makes an alert noise any time it is opened, so as your child gets older and smarter, you won’t have to wonder if they’ve figured out the locking mechanism. This gate comes with two mounts, so you can use it in multiple locations, and it’s easy to open and close with just one hand. It’s perfect for doorways or small openings and can extend up to 55 inches. Plus, it comes in three colors, so you can easily find one that suits your decor.

    Keep in mind: You can open and close the gate without the alert sound, but you’ll need two hands to do it.

    Good for: Parents that want to be alerted when the gate opens, in case their older toddler figures out how to use it.

    Dreambaby Retractable Safety Gate

    View on Wayfair.com ➜

  • 8. Evenflo Baby Gate

    (Best value — $)

    Why it’s great: This is the classic wood diamond design that’s been around since the beginning of baby gates. The design has stood the test of time and is still a favorite. It expands out to 60 inches wide, so you can use this in wider areas, not just regular doorways. It’s easy to open and close with just one hand, so you won’t have to put your baby down to get in or out. It also opens and closes from either end, making it very convenient.

    Keep in mind: There is a safety rail at the top so you don’t get your fingers pinched when retracting, but it’s still possible that your child could get their hands or feet stuck in the diamonds.

    Good for: Parents who need a gate on a budget.

    Evenflo Baby Gate

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Kinbor Baby Safety Gate

    (Best for small spaces — $$)

    Why it’s great: This gate was made to fit perfectly in doorways and stairs, to keep both babies and pets safe. It has the same design as the majority on this list, meaning that it retracts into its pole for compact storage. It’s also easy to open and close with one hand and the mesh is flexible enough that you can step over if needed. It comes in two colors, both of which are neutral and easy to see through, so you’ll be able to keep an eye on your little one if you’re in the other room.

    Keep in mind: Installation is a little tricky, so be sure that you follow the directions in the manual.

    Good for: Parents that need a small gate to block a doorway or standard staircase.

    Kinbor Baby Safety Gate

    View on Wayfair.com ➜

  • 10. Regalo Adjustable Baby Gate

    (Best for wide areas — $$$)

    Why it’s great: This is the ultimate baby gate. It can fit huge areas up to 192 inches wide! It comes in 8 different panels, so you can adjust the size and shape as needed. It can go straight across a huge area, curve around a fireplace, or turn into a stand-alone, circular playpen. Four wall mounts are also included, so you can potentially set up two smaller gates in different areas. It also has a door that is easy to open and close with one hand.

    Keep in mind: Because of the immense size of the gate, it doesn’t fold up very small. It ends up being the length of one panel. Also, this one isn’t retractable, but they don’t make retractable gates this large, so it’s your best bet if you need a super long gate.

    Good for: Parents that need to block off an entire room or want to be able to make a playpen.

    Regalo Adjustable Baby Gate

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Toddleroo Baby Gate

    (Best for stairs — $)

    Why it’s great: The mounting system on this gate is very easy to install and can even be used on stairway banisters. The safety latch is easy to operate with one hand, but complicated enough that your child won’t be able to get it open on their own. The door only opens in one direction, which makes it perfect for use on stairs as the door won’t swing out over the top of them. It’s made of heavy-duty metal, so it’s nice and sturdy too.

    Keep in mind: This one should really only be used indoors. It will start to rust a little when exposed to outdoor weather.

    Good for: Parents who need to block off their stairs.

    Toddleroo Baby Gate

    View on Amazon.com ➜

Best Overall

EasyBaby Products Retractable Baby Gate

The EasyBaby Products Retractable Baby Gate is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..

EasyBaby Products Retractable Baby Gate

View on Amazon.com ➜

FAQs about Retractable Baby Gates

  • 1. Why do I need a baby gate?

    A baby gate has many different uses. You can use it to block off stairs, a fireplace, or any dangerous area of the house. You can also use it to create a safe space for your child to play. A lot of people also use gates to keep their pets in or out of certain areas of the house.

  • 2. What kind of material is the best?

    You have some choices in material for baby gates. Wood, metal, and mesh are the most common types. The one that is best for you will be determined by what you need from your gate. Are you looking to block off an opening? Wood is the cheapest option and should be fine. Do you need something sturdy that your child or pet can’t climb or knock over? Metal is best. Mesh works great for keeping arms and legs from sticking through the gate and is usually the easiest/smallest to store.

  • 3. What size gate do I need?

    Gates come in a variety of sizes. You’ll need to measure the opening where you’ll use the gate to determine the size. A lot of gates are adjustable, so getting a bigger gate that can also fit your space is a good option. That way if you move or need it in a bigger area, you don’t need to buy a new one. However, if you want the most space when stored, get the smallest size that will fit.

  • 4. What do I do with the gate when I’m not using it?

    You’ll have to decide what you prefer for this. Some gates have to be detached and put away. Others fold into small rectangles against the wall. The mesh usually rolls up into a little post. Any of these are fine. It just depends on personal preference.

  • 5. What are the safety concerns?

    As with anything that you’re using around your child, supervision is always best. Since the main purpose of the gate is to keep your child safe, there’s a little more leeway here. I would watch your child around the gate for a few days once it’s installed to see what kinds of dangers could arise. Are they able to climb over it? Are they strong enough to knock it over or open the latch? Can they get their arms and/or legs stuck between the bars? You’ll want to know these answers before you leave your child unattended near the gate. And I would still recommend that you check in on them often.

Conclusion

Whether you’re just trying to take a quick shower or are working from home, you want to know that your baby is somewhere safe. Baby gates are a great way to contain your child when you have other things you need to get done. They also protect them from dangerous objects or areas in your house.

When shopping for a gate, ask yourself these questions first. Where do I want to put the gate and how big is the opening? Do I have multiple areas where I might want to use the gate? Am I worried about animals or children climbing on the gate? Do I want something that saves me a lot of space when it’s opened or am I more concerned with how the gate looks?

Finding the right gate for you is easy if you take the time to think about what you need before you buy one.