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The 9 best baby gates, according to Consumer Reports

A gate that pops loose defeats the purpose of installing one. Consumer Reports tested gates for security and installation ease

Jep Gambardella / Pexels

A baby gate that pops loose under pressure defeats the entire purpose of installing one, especially near a staircase where a fall could be serious. Hardware-mounted, pressure-mounted, retractable and freestanding designs all trade off differently on security, convenience and how much effort installation takes.

Consumer Reports tested baby gates for installation, security and convenience.

Babelio Boundless B17 Wood Pattern

The Babelio Boundless B17 Wood Pattern costs $90 and earned Consumer Reports' top rating among hardware-mounted baby gates. CR found this steel gate ships with blocks that space it out for a clean setup, expanding up to 43 inches. Testers especially liked the one-handed operation and an auto-close feature that includes a hold position for walking through with a full laundry basket or similar load. CR's durable steel construction held up well in safety testing, and the warm wood finish blends easily with a range of home decor styles.

Safety 1st Ready to Install Gate

The Safety 1st Ready to Install Gate costs $84 and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation among hardware-mounted baby gates. CR found this metal gate impressed testers with straightforward installation, arriving fully assembled with cardboard and foam spacers that keep it in the correct position while screwing in the brackets,........

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