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

It’s recommended that you invest in a high-quality stair gate as soon as your baby starts crawling and/or walking, but when it comes to something as important as your child’s safety, how do you know which is the best stair gate to buy?

Why you should trust us 

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. 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. 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. 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

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. This is a no-trip stair gate - ideal for use at the top of staircases; the advantage of fitting to your wall with screws! Reassuringly child-proof Wooden baby gates not only create a sturdy and safe barrier for your child, but they also fit comfortably into the décor in most homes. As we have a wide range of colours available, including natural wood and white wood, as well as top brands like Babydan and Safetots stair gates , you’re bound to find a wooden safety gate to suit your home. An opening mechanism that can be operated with one hand, so that you can safely use the gate while carrying a baby or toddler We tested the 14 most popular stair gates on the market, scoring them on six key areas before whittling them down to a final list the nine best stair gates, all of which scored a minimum of 40 points out of a possible 48.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.

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. 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. All stair gates fit one of two main categories: pressure-fit or screw-fit. Screw-fit (wall-mounted) stair gatesKeep 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. 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. 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. Within these two categories, there are a few other features that can form part of the identity of a stair gate. For example:

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 gates We think the BabyDan Guard Me Auto Retractable Satefy Guard gate is the best stair gate available to buy right now. It scored the highest in our product testing and has received many glowing recommendations in the Mumsnet Talk forums. The retractable feature offers a neat option for leaving the gate folded away when not in use and it has a simple opening mechanism. About the author 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. 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?Assembly: 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. 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. Ways to keep your family living costs down, and kids of all ages happy Get our Family newsletter – it's free monthly. 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.