To pass our testing, the stair gates we review must meet the requirements of the relevant safety standard. This ensures that they're sturdy, and can withstand the shakes and rattles of a determined child.

If you have children and dogs, and life is particularly hectic, choose one that is easy to unlatch, rather than one to step over, which could be hazardous. If your dog is a renowned climber/escape artist, you can get extra-tall gates to deter even the most energetic of dogs from attempting to jump over them.If you're planning on getting a dog (but a baby could also be on the horizon), you're best off choosing a baby stair gate that holds up in our tests so you can be assured that it will be suitable for protecting both children and animals. Material A wooden or metal side-opening stair gate will need plenty of room to swing open, so you need to think about potential obstructions and whether it will be awkward to navigate around.

Screw-fit gates are the best type to use at the top of the stairs because they are the most secure and don’t cause a trip hazard. Keep scrolling to see the top five stair gates we recommend. If you're keen to learn more before investing in a stair gate, we also weigh up the pros and cons of different types, and answer common queries such as where and when to buy a stair gate, how tall it should be, and how to dispose of an old one. It’s worth bearing in mind that some dog gates are not appropriate for babies, as they have horizontal slats that your baby might use to climb up and over the gate, or small parts that can fall off and be a choking hazard. Ways to keep your family living costs down, and kids of all ages happy Get our Family newsletter – it's free monthly. Location Stair gates at the top of the stairs should open towards the landing, not towards the flight of stairs, to avoid falling forwards while opening the gate. You should only use screw-fit gates at the top of the stairs.Dog gates generally come in three materials – wood, metal or plastic – or a combination of plastic and mesh. If your dog is prone to chewing or scratching, it's best to avoid wood, plastic or plastic and mesh gates, and opt for a metal gate instead. If you travel or will be adjusting the gate to different rooms in the house, the best option is a portable, free-standing gate.

However, the very best stair gates won't just be secure and safe. They'll have simple instructions for a straightforward installation, and will be easy to open and close. Space A retracting or concertina stair gate is ideal for areas with restricted space or if you want the gate out of sight when it’s not in use. You can buy wide gates or extensions if the opening you want to cover is particularly big. The key purpose of a stair gate is to keep your curious toddler away from anything that might cause them harm, including flights of stairs and busy kitchens.

You don't need to break the bank to get a reliable product either - one of our top models was among the cheapest we tested. Pressure-fit and retractable stair gates are not a good option for the top of stairs because their design incurs a trip hazard and they are not as sturdy. Ensure that the gate opens towards the landing, not outwards towards the stairs, or you could fall forward while opening it. We put all stair gates through an impact test where they are hit three times with a 25kg weight (that's roughly the same weight as a small female labrador or a large springer spaniel), to see if the gate comes loose or breaks.

We've split our recommendations into the different types of stair gate you can buy, so you can find one that's best suited for your house and needs. Lots of people use safety gates as dog gates for stairs and to keep pets in or out of certain rooms. Ideally, you want your stair gate to be at least 75cm (30 inches) in height. Extra-tall models are available, and range in sizes from 1m (39 inches) and beyond. Where to buy a stair gate Some stair gates also come with a small door inset into the gate, to let a smaller pet through while keeping large people and dogs out.