Commonly used for stairs and doorways, screw fitted stair gates are easy to install but must be fixed to a wall. They are ideal for the top of the stairs and do not have a bottom bar which can often be a tripping hazard. If you have a wider space, then stair gate extensions are available. 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? Pressure-fit stair gates are ideal for use in rented accommodation as installation requires absolutely no drilling. This type of stair gate comprises a U-shaped metal frame, which squeezes against your wall or bannister, holding the gate in place through pressure alone. It often requires a small cup to be applied to your wall with an adhesive, which the bolts of the gate then sit in.

All stair gates fit one of two main categories: pressure-fit or screw-fit. Screw-fit (wall-mounted) stair gates Stair gate extensions are additional pieces you can add to your gate to extend the span and provide extra protection. There is a large range to choose from, just make sure you get the correct extensions for your gate. 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. Some stair gates boast specific safety features, which can help to ensure your gate is installed and used in the safest possible way. Auto close safety gates will close behind you to allow you to keep your hands free, and they can be easily installed with pressure fittings.

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.

Firstly, pressure-fit gates can shift and move around over time. If a child were to push on a gate at the top of a staircase and the gate moved or gave way, they could potentially fall down the stairs. 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. While pressure-fit gates can be used at the bottom of a staircase, or in a doorway or other narrow openings, they’re not suitable for the top of a staircase, as the bottom bar of the frame can pose a trip hazard. Pressure fitting safety gates are easy to set up and can expand to fit a range of doorways. Due to the trip bar included on a pressure fit gate, it is not advisable to install at the top of a flight of stairs where a screw fitted gate would be our recommendation. Unlike screw fitting stair gates that need to be fitted into the wall, pressure stair gates are mounted by putting pressure on the corners. They're incredibly easy to install and won't leave marks on your walls — perfect if you're living in rented accommodation or do not want to drill holes in your walls. A pressure fit stair gate will typically open outwards and is fitted securely to a doorframe using adjustable pressure pads at four corners of the gate, with the door supported by a U-shaped frame. This means they don't require any additional tools or equipment to install.Assembly: How easy was the gate to install? Were the instructions clear? Were any additional tools or fixings required? 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: 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.

Ensure that the gate opens towards the landing, not outwards towards the stairs, or you could fall forward while opening it.

Find your perfect stair gate in just 30 Seconds

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 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. Lots of people use safety gates as dog gates for stairs and to keep pets in or out of certain rooms. 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. 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.

The most popular recommendations were pulled together to include in a longlist of approximately 30 stair gates, then whittled down to form our final shortlist. How we tested the stair gates 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.

Are pressure-fit stair gates safe?

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. Although the BabyDan Guard Me is safe for use anywhere in your home, the best stair gate for use at the top of the stairs is the Safety 1st Wall Fix Extending Metal Gate, which is also the best screw-fit stair gate we tested. The Safety 1st Wall Fix Extending Metal Gate is easy to adjust to fit securely at the top of any staircase, and because you don’t need to use any additional extenders, the full width of the gate will open, leaving no obstruction that could cause you to trip. Which is the best safety gate to buy? 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? 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.