What is a retractable baby gate?
A retractable baby gate is a baby gate that retracts against the wall when not in use. The more usual baby gates remain in place when you aren’t using them and can become frustrating when you have to keep opening and closing them to move around your home.
A retractable baby gate is perfect for parents who don’t need a baby gate all the time, maybe just to keep their toddlers out of specific rooms when they are in use – such as the laundry, study or workshop.
They are also ideal for grandparents who need a baby gate when the grand-kids visit, but would prefer to have it stowed away when they have gone home with their parents.
You can also use a retractable baby gate when you have a litter of puppies to keep them confined to one room and prevent them from racing all over your home! It also gives your dog a rest from her pups as well!
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular retractable baby gates on the market and see what customers think about them.
Retract-A-Gate
This retractable baby gate has been certified by JPMA to be used at the top and bottom of stairs. This is a huge bonus with the Retract-A-Gate, because not many baby gates are able to be used at the top of the stairs – most are designed to be installed at the bottom of the stairway.
Scratch resistant mesh material
One hand open and closing mechanism
Tough, washable, see through fabric
Childproof lock to prevent little fingers opening the gate
Available in white, cafe and black mesh
Available in 52″ and 72″ widths
Height of mesh is 34″
Easy and quick installation – screwed to the wall (not pressure mounted)
Made in the USA
Currently selling for less than $140
Evenflow Expansion Retractable Swing Baby Gate
Whilst the Evenflow Baby Gate isn’t fully retractable, it does expand and retract as you open and close it – opening up the walkway and not restricting your access when it isn’t in use. This rustic baby gate is ideal for doorways, hallways and the bottom of stairs (it’s not suitable for the top of stairways).
It comes with a telescoping safety rail that prevents pinching of little fingers and the gate swings open in both directions and easily retracts.
Made from plastic and wood
Width: 24″ to 60″
Height 32″
Easy installation
Opens, closes and retracts with one hand
Child resistant lock
Little Llama Indoor/Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate
The Little Llama retractable baby gate fits hallways,doorways or the bottom of stairways up to 54″ in width. At 34″, this is a fairly tall baby gate that is easy to install and use.
The opening and closing mechanism is a dial situated at the top of the gate that needs to be turned in a clockwise movement to unlock the baby gate. This makes it difficult for little ones to reach this dial and open the gate.
Fully retractable, the Little Llama rolls back around its supporting post and takes up hardly any room against the wall. You can even purchase additional mounting brackets for different areas inside or outside your home – removing the gate from one set of mounting brackets and refitting it to another set quite easily. This saves you from having to buy multiple baby gates for your home.
This lightweight baby gate is fully retractable and its sleek, modern look suits most decors.
Complies with ASTM F1004-13 Safety Standards
Made from tough, weather resistant, woven mesh
Height: 34″
Width: 54″
Easy installation
Child resistant lock
Fully retractable
Screw mounted
Currently selling for less than $70
Perma Child Safety – Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate
This retractable baby gate is just about identical to the Little Llama above, except that it is much wider – which is why we have included it in our list. Able to span widths up to 71″ wide and at 33″ high, this is a baby gate that can be used in standard or unconventionally sized doorways, hallways, decks, patios and at the bottom of stairwells.
This fully retractable baby gate is perfect for confining toddlers and dogs in specific areas of your home – indoors or outdoors. It is easy to install and use, all you need to do is push the down on the dial and turn the it clockwise (located at the top of the gate) to lock or unlock the gate.
Made from tough and durable weather resistant mesh
Fully retractable
Complies with ASTM F1004-13 Safety Standards
Height: 33″
Width: 71″
Dual action child safe locking mechanism
Easy grip handle
Mounted using screws
Currently selling for less than $55
Summer Infant Retractable Baby Gate
This stylishly designed baby gate by Summer Infant can be used at the top of the stairs, between rooms or in hallways to keep your toddlers safe and your puppies out of trouble!
It fits openings up to 50″ wide and is 30″ tall, giving you plenty of scope for different size spaces. If you have a baseboard that is in the way, this product also comes with a special baseboard kit for easy installation.
It has a simple locking lever that is pushed down to lock the gate in position and lifted up to unlock the gate.
Fully retractable baby gate
30″ high and 50″ wide
Simple locking lever
Comes with a baseboard kit
Screw mounting
Silver post design
Tough, durable & decorative patterned mesh
Currently selling for around $80
