Gates at the top of a staircase should always open towards the landing, not out across the staircase Day-to-day use: Does the gate do the job it’s supposed to? Does it withstand a toddler’s weight? Is it easy to open and close with one hand? Retractable stair gates: formed from a flexible material like mesh that rolls or folds up when not in use.

All stair gates fit one of two main categories: pressure-fit or screw-fit. Screw-fit (wall-mounted) stair gates While there's no statutory requirement to comply, most commercially sold stair gates will have been tested to meet safety standards BS EN1930:2011. We also collated expert opinions and scoured the Mumsnet forums - the biggest online network of parents in the UK - to find the best stair gates UK according to the families who use them every day. You can read more about how we selected and tested the best stair gates below. How we chose which stair gates to test

Choose from our wide range of safety gates to suit your requirements. Whether you require a wall mounted baby gate or a pressure fit safety gate, you will find the right equipment to make your home a safe environment. Discover our Advice Hub While her baby-proofing days are now behind her, Lucy used (and reviewed) several stair gates with her two children when they were young, including both metal and retractable designs. Within these two categories, there are a few other features that can form part of the identity of a stair gate. For example: Pressure-fit gates are very safe for use at the bottom of a staircase or in a doorway, as long as they’re installed correctly and regularly tightened as necessary. Some stair gates boast specific safety features, which can help to ensure your gate is installed and used in the safest possible way.

An opening mechanism that can be operated with one hand, so that you can safely use the gate while carrying a baby or toddler Screw-fit stair gates are mounted onto your walls, screwing into your wall or bannister. The major advantage of this style is that the gate is secure and won’t move around once it’s installed, but the screws will cause minor damage to your walls that will need filling when the gate is removed. Screw-fit gates can be used in a variety of ways: at the top or bottom of a staircase, or in a doorway or other narrow opening. Pressure-fit stair gatesAssembly: How easy was the gate to install? Were the instructions clear? Were any additional tools or fixings required? However, they are generally not safe for use at the top of a staircase. This is for two main reasons. Once we’d selected the 14 best stair gates for our shortlist, our tester, Katja Lakha, installed them one at a time in her home. Katja is a busy mum with three children (girls aged one and four, and a seven-year-old boy), so each gate was put through its paces. The gates were tested for at least one to two weeks each in busy areas of Katja’s home. Stair gates can be used at the top of the stairs (to prevent your baby from falling down) and at the bottom (to stop them from climbing up). They can also be used to close off unsafe rooms and to temporarily add additional barriers to your home, whether that’s across a doorway or another narrow opening. When deciding which stair gate is best for you, it helps to work out what’s important to you before you buy. For example:

We're passionate about making parenting easier and more enjoyable, and we're proud to be a trusted brand for parents around the world. So why wait? Start exploring our range of sippy cups, travel essentials, feeding products, bath toys and more, and discover why Munchkin.co.uk is the go-to destination for parents everywhere. Lindam and Munchkin Although the Safety 1st SecureTech Flat Step Safety Gate is the only pressure-fit gate that claims to be able to be used at the top of a staircase, we still think it’s preferable to use a screw-fit, wall-mounted gate wherever possible. This leaves far less room for error and, once the gate is installed correctly, it won’t shift even if your child pulls on it. There’s also no ground bar to cause a trip hazard. Both, if possible. Stair gates should be used to close off dangerous spaces. It’s best to use screw-fit stair gates at the top of the stairs where possible. Are pressure-fit stair gates safe?The BabyDan Guard Me is the best stair gate to buy overall, but the retractable screen does have a bit of give to it, and it needs to be installed at least 9cm from the top of the staircase. Safety and stability: Did the gate shift once installed? Were there any sharp corners or edges? Were there any small gaps that might trap a child’s fingers? Is the gate well made?