Best Extra Wide Baby Gate That’s Sturdy for Baby Safety

Baby gates play a key role in enhancing baby safety and giving parents peace of mind.

With different dimensions to think about in the home, the best extra wide baby gate makes it easier to protect and engage your child. Most of the best baby gates are wide, often double up as a play zone and barrier. Plus, they also come with extra configurations allowing for the flexibility of suiting your space.

We reviewed the best extra wide baby gates and features to consider when buying them.

What is the widest retractable baby gate?

What Is An Extra Wide Baby Gate?

Generally, a baby gate is best suited for toddlers, typically around 6 months old to 24 months, to keep them safe. It is usually placed in doorways, on top of the stairs, and anywhere else that can easily be blocked off with a pressure-mounted gate.

An extra-wide baby gate is ideal if you need to block off a large space without a small doorway. This type of gate creates a safe area in a roomy space. They usually come with extension kits often sold with the gate and give you the customization and configuration you need for a large area.

An extra-wide baby gate is longer than 46 inches wide and can span up to 70” in some cases. They are perfect for rooms or hallways with unique sizes and dimensions.

Do You Need a Baby Gate?

Generally, babies start scooting and crawling around seven months old. Therefore, unless you live in a one-story home, where you've babyproofed every room from ceiling to the floor, then yes, you probably need a safety gate for your child. These little ones grow up so fast and start exploring their surrounding before you even know it.

Babies and their tiny dainty fingers love tampering with cupboards, opening every drawer they can get their hands on and even taste-testing dog food. In that case, it would be best to make sure your living space is adequately child-proofed well before any or all of this unfolds. And this even before mentioning stairs and the risks associated.

Baby Gate Styles

There are three baby gate styles to consider:

• Swing Through - These feature a gate door that swings open.
• Step Over - These require everyone else (adults) to climb over for access. 
• Hybrid - These are a blend of both; they can function as swing throughs or step-overs.

What are the Benefits of Extra Wide Baby Gates?

Baby safety gates are typically ideal for children between 6 months and 2 years of age. Most experts recommend removing the gate once the child learns how to open it or climb over it. That said, what are the advantages of baby gates when they're still effective?

a). Safety for Your Baby

First and foremost, your child's safety is the biggest priority. Baby gates placed at the top or bottom of stairs, in doorways or around sections such as fireplaces keep your tiny loved ones away from danger.

b). Less Worry/Stress for You

Naturally, babies tend to be highly curious about their surroundings, exploring them as they grow and learn. There's a priceless peace of mind that comes with knowing your child can play and explore in safe areas without constant supervision.

c). Creating Play Zones

Baby gates are designed to close off unsafe areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens or places out of the parents' view. This creates safe play zones for the babies. Furthermore, parents can use baby play yards to set up a freestanding enclosure, giving them more control over their children's play area.

d). Separating Babies and Pets

Baby gates are the ideal solution f you want to separate your child and your pets as they get acquainted or when you simply don't want them to play together unsupervised.

Below are our top picks of the best extra wide baby gates that are easy to install and assure baby safety.

1. Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate

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This is the best extra wide baby gate if looking for extra width and flexibility. The super-wide baby gate expands to become a 192-inch wall-mounted gate and 8-panel configurable play yard. You can create an octagon or rectangular-shaped space or bend it around off-limit zones like the fireplace when you attach it to itself. Better yet, use it as a room divider in an open floor plan.

The super-wide gate is designed for wide spaces, angled openings, a hallway, a doorway, the bottom of stairs, or a barrier. When done, it folds flat for storage.

The Regalo baby gate features a durable all-steel design that can be secured with wall mounts. In addition, it has a walk-through door with a safety locking feature.

Its best suited for children 24 months and is great for pets as well.

2. Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate

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This is the best extra wide baby gate for extra width and flexibility. The super-wide baby gate expands to become a 192-inch wall-mounted gate and 8-panel configurable play yard. You can create an octagon or rectangular-shaped space or bend it around off-limit zones like the fireplace when you attach it to itself. Better yet, use it as a room divider in an open floor plan.

The super-wide gate is designed for wide spaces, angled openings, a hallway, a doorway, the bottom of stairs, or a barrier. When done, it folds flat for storage.

The Regalo baby gate features a durable all-steel design that can be secured with wall mounts. In addition, it has a walk-through door with a safety locking feature.

This extra-wide baby gate is best suited for children 24 months and is great for pets as well.

4. Regalo Easy Open

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Regalo is an industry leader, and it's no surprise we've featured several of their products on this guide. The Easy Open is yet another testament to how well the brand has nailed super wide baby gates. This walk-through gate comes at 31 inches tall and fits spaces between 29 and 52 inches wide.

It's made of lightweight metal and features a one-touch system. The gate door opens in both directions, which is quite useful. It's also fairly easy to install, as it's a pressure-mounted gate.

The package includes two extension kits and wall cups for extra stability and to protect your walls. When it's installed properly, the gate is super sturdy. However, this doesn't mean it's safe for stairways since it has a one-inch bar at the bottom when open.

5. Regalo Extra WideSpan Walk Through Safety Gate

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The Extra Widespan expands to fit openings between 29 and 34 inches wide, but it can go up to 58 inches with the included attachments. It stands at 31 inches tall, giving you enough height to keep your child contained. Plus, it's made of solid steel, making it super sturdy and durable. And it's also PVC free so your child won't have any problems if they chew on it.

It's a walk-thru' gate featuring a lever-style handle with a safety lock. Setting this gate up is quite easy, as well as the installation, thanks to the pressure mounting system. If installed properly, it won't budge even when your baby shakes or pulls on it, owing to the wall cups that come with the package.

However, this gate isn't designed for the top of stairs, even with the wall cups. That's because it has a bar at the bottom that can be a tripping hazard. Overall, it's a superb baby gate for pretty much all openings in the house.

6. North States Supergate Deluxe Decor

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The North States Supergate fits openings from 37 to 72 inches wide and stands at 30 inches tall. It's a hardware-mounted gate, meaning it's very solid and secure, making it ideal for use at the bottom of the stairs. It can be mounted straight, or angled in awkward spaces. Although not the tallest baby gate out there, it's still a great gate for your child's safety.

The door swings open in either direction with child-proof safety latches on either end. You can also leave it open for easy access, or remove it completely when not in use by sliding it out of the hardware mounts. Not only is it super wide, but it's also a walk-through gate too, ideal for areas that might have high traffic.

7. Toddleroo by North States

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In terms of versatility, this can easily be considered the best extra wide baby gate.

The North States Toddleroo baby gate features panels that can be removed or added to fit the space you have. You can convert it into a portable play yard, safety barrier, or overall baby gate.

Each panel measures 25½ inches wide and 30 inches high, and you get six of them, covering 12 feet.

The North States freestanding baby gate is designed for easy installation and features a swinging walk-through door with a child-proof double-locking system that allows secure, easy access.  The bars are 2 ¼” apart.

The baby gate is made from heavy-duty metal, and each end can be secured, turning into a hardware-mounted gate, keeping it steady. In addition, the base has rubber pads that should ideally protect your floors.

The North States baby gate is safe for babies 6 -24 months.

8. Summer Infant Metal Expansion Gate

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This extra wide baby gate has it all. First, it can fit openings from 44 to 72 inches wide and stands a massive 36 inches tall. It's hardware mounted and made of metal, making it extremely sturdy. In fact, it can stand up to as much weight as 50 pounds, meaning it's super safe for your child.

The package includes four extension kits out of the box for the extra width. It comes with a one-handed walk-through action. The bottom rail features a scratch guard to protect the floors. And just as important, it has a chic bronze finish with an arched gate to complement its functionality.

10. Retract-A-Gate by Smart Retract

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As the name suggests, this retractable baby gate can completely and quietly roll up when you're not using it. This makes it easy to recover the entire width of the doorframe when your kids are not around. At that, this retractable baby gate stands at 34 inches high and expands up to 72 inches wide.

This hard-mounted baby gate is JPMA certified. It comes with an easy, one-hand release, plus the locks are closed. It can also work on an angle, which makes it easier to install than any other retractable gate we have reviewed. However, the retractable baby gate is one of the more expensive options, but you can rest assured that you'll get value for your money.

Features To Consider When Buying Best Extra Wide Baby Gate

1. Types of Baby Gates

a). Pressure-Mounted Gates

A pressure-mounted gate uses tension on both ends to keep it firmly in place. It comes in various materials and widths, often with extension kits for wider spaces.

They are the best gates to fit and move around the home and travel with; however, they have a base bar that can pose a trip hazard.

Pressure-mounted baby gates are better suited to areas like the bottom of the stairs or on level surfaces, away from any steps to avoid tripping accidents.

Although there's no need to drill holes for a pressure-mounted gate, the pressure points could still leave marks where they make contact.

Where Will You Need It?

Pressure-mounted gates are ideal for use in spaces where falling isn't a hazard. That includes:

• Between two rooms.
• At the bottom of the stairs to stop the baby from climbing up.

b). Hardware-Mounted Gates

These are the best baby gates if looking for a sturdy option. They are generally screwed into walls, door frames, or banisters, which hold them in place. If you need a baby gate for the top of the stair, this is a perfect choice.

The downside is that they may be more difficult to fit, though the precise measurement is needed. Also, the baby gates usually don't have a base bar, which means less chance of tripping up or stubbing your toes.

It's important to remember that when fitting them at the top of the stairs, they should open toward the landing and not the stairs.

Where Will You Need It?

Hard-mounted gates are typically the only choice for mounting on top of stairs. For maximum safety, we recommend installing the gate in such a way that it swings towards the landing, rather than out over the stairs.

2. Safety Considerations

Generally, the work of the baby gate is to keep your baby safe. Ideally, with the best baby gates, you'll want to ensure that it's been certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association ( JPMA). This means the manufacturer has met the association’s voluntary safety standards.

The baby gates come in metal, wood, and plastic. Metal ones are usually the studies and should be the go-to choice for spots where you need extra protection.

3. Height

The minimum height of an installed baby gate is 22 inches, but some models go up to 40 inches high. Extra-wide baby gates tend to start at five feet in length, with other models reaching as much as 12 feet. The length and height will be dependent on your child's height and your goals. Ideally, it's recommended that the best baby gates should at least be three-quarters of your child's height.

There are lower height options for step-over gates, which are usually freestanding and used for young babies or pets. They are usually around 20 inches.

Baby gates 36 inches and over are ideal if your child is tall or looking to gate in a large pet.

If your child can easily climb over the baby gate, it's time to remove it and find a taller one.

4. Location

Location is one of the first things to consider when searching for the best baby gates.

When it comes to the best extra wide baby gate, you'll need the space to accommodate the length of the gate. Hence, these gates tend to be suitable for large spaces.

Other locations include stairs, doorways, and other spots you may want a gate in. Again, the choice comes in between hardware mounted or pressure mounted. The former works well for spots where you know you want a gate to remain for a long time. In contrast, a pressure-mounted baby gate affords the convenience of taking them down once the little ones are asleep.

If you’re looking for the best baby gate you can take with you to grandma and grandpa’s or on vacation, opt for lighter-weight portable versions

5. Material and Design

Baby gates can be made of various materials, namely, plastic, wood, mesh, plastic, or a combination of these materials. Each has its advantages and downsides.

The best baby gates made of wood should have a smooth, even finish with rounded edges for safety.

Metal gates are generally made of aluminum tubing or enamel-coated steel. They may be suitable for outdoor use but only as indicated by the manufacturer.

Plastic is usually combined with other materials like metal or wood. The best baby gates with this combination tend to be sturdy and durable but can break down if exposed to continuous sunlight.

Mesh gates are lightweight. They feature several panels with a gate and threshold or might be a single, long panel. The single-panel design can retract from one side or release from the pressure-mount mechanism.

6. Baby Gates with Doors

While shopping for the best baby gates, you're likely to come across some with doors. If this is a feature you're considering in having your very wide baby gate, you'll want first to estimate how much foot traffic the area gets and how much access to the space you need.

Swing-through doors tend to be common, and swing opens either one or both ways. When installing this gate at the top of the stairs, ensure the door swings over the landing instead of the stairs to avoid the babies taking a ride.

On the other hand, a step-over gate doesn't have a door as it's usually freestanding. Therefore, portable pressure-mounted gates require removal when passing through the doorway. Retractable options feature a mesh surface that rolls out and clips onto hardware installed on the wall.

Some baby gate models also feature pet doors. These are opening that swing out from the bottom of the gate to accommodate small dogs and cats. To avoid injury to curious pet-seeking toddlers, it's advisable to keep them locked at most times.

7. Locking Mechanism

This is a key feature as it aids with safety. A baby gate with a poor locking mechanism can be frustrating to operate and cause unnecessary anxiety.

Hence, when deciding on the best baby gates, it's essential to look for the locking mechanisms that are easier to use and set up. There are various mechanisms to consider, such as self-closing and auto-lock gates that help keep the door closed.

One of the most common ones' is the dual-action latch, which requires you to push down to release it. The best part is that it can only be done by adults. Other gates feature a squeezing latch mechanism that opens by compressing parts of the gate to release it. Users can lift a pressure-release handle with one hand to open the gate. This tends to be a little more difficult to use.

Lastly, other models use a foot pedal to release the latch. In addition, you can also find some of the best baby gates that feature a visual or audio indicator to let you know if the gate is fully locked. However, it's still always good to double-check it

8. Installation & Configuration Flexibility

When settling on the best extra wide baby gate, you'll want one that's easy to install and can be expanded easily. Some designs come with extension panels that can be used to create barriers in an open floor plan. Generally, the best baby gate should have some configuration flexibility. At the same time, some models offer extra installation kits to handle these unusual installation needs.

9. Slat Spacing

Slat spacing is equally important when it comes to the safety of your child. Safety gate slats need to be vertical slats or bars not more than 3 inches apart to prevent your baby's head from getting trapped in between.

However, the gap would stip be big enough to allow an adventurous baby to get hold of the gate's horizontal bottom rail when they're trying to climb over the gate or swinging on the door. That poses the risk of injury and could also damage the gate.

10. Aesthetics

There's no doubt that your child's safety comes first, but it is worth mentioning that baby gates aren't always the most appealing addition to home decor. That being said, some recent models come with sleek designs to bring the form on top of functionality.

Some may come with an opening panel with an arch or scrollwork for the slat design. Others come in different colors and finishes to match your interior.

Extra-Wide Baby Gate Buying Tips

Shopping Tips

1. Decide where you'll mount it. A hardware-mounted is harder to remove than its counterpart. That makes it the only safe choice anywhere with a falling hazard, like the top of a stairway. For safer areas, say between rooms, a portable pressure-mounted gate should do the trick.

2. Check out the slats. These should not exceed 3 inches apart to avoid head entrapments. This gap can be closed down further to prevent feet and hands from slipping through.

3. Inspect the construction. Ensure you get a solid build with an even finish. Wood surfaces must be smooth, splinter-free with rounded edges instead of squared ones. Look out for a JPMA-certified gate.

4. Do your homework. Get the precise measurements of doors and openings before going to the store. More so, keep away from gates that have to be at their maximum width to fit, as they might not offer enough safety to an ambitious toddler.

5. Try before you buy. If possible, try out the models in the store to determine the ease of use. Plus, once you install a gate, always remember to show babysitters or visitors how it works.

Safety Tips

1. Always buy a new baby gate. Despite whatever appeal a hand-me-down extra wide baby gate may present, it would be best to avoid installing an old product. It may come with some safety defects from previous use, which puts your child at a bit more risk. Get a product that's guaranteed to be as safe as possible.

2. Avoid buying old-fashioned accordion-style safety gates that come without a horizontal filler bar at the top. The diamond spaces between the slats, as well as the V-shaped openings at the top, expose your child to safety hazards.

3. Configure the safety gate such that the door swings towards the landing rather than over the stairs.

4. Don't use the baby gate once your child weighs 30 pounds or grows taller than 36 inches. This height and weight make it far too easy for your child to knock the gate down.

Recommendations

The best extra-wide baby gate that will ensure maximum safety for your child should have/be:

• Straight top edge
• Closely spaced
• Rigid
• Vertical slats
• Fine mesh screen

If you opt for a model with mesh panels, we recommend getting one with a fine weave, since wider holes could give your baby a foothold for climbing or even trapping their fingers. It's just as important to follow the safety recommendations provided in the user manual for mounting and using gates.

Lastly, it's worth pointing out that there's no gate that's an equal substitute for careful supervision of your child. Never leave your baby unattended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Extra-Wide Baby Gates

1. Can I use an extra-wide baby gate outdoors?

Some extra-wide baby gate models can be used both indoors and outdoors. That said, you have to remember that exposure to the elements can break down the materials, thus compromising their strength and durability, especially if they aren't meant for outdoor use. Therefore, we recommend only using gates approved by the manufacturer for indoor and outdoor use.

2. Do extra-wide baby gates come with extra-wide doors?

Most baby gates come with standard door openings of around 22 inches. However, if you want a door that can allow you to carry a car seat or groceries through the gate, some models come with extra-wide door openings of up to 26 inches.

3. Can wall-mounted baby gates be used in homes with baseboards?

For some baby gate designs, you are only left with the option of cutting the baseboard, i.e., making a notch where you can mount the baby gate. Others may need you to mount the gate above the baseboard, but this could leave precarious crawling space for a determined baby. Nevertheless, some manufacturers have addressed this issue by including an adjustable mount at the bottom of the gate so that it's narrower than the top.