Cardinal Gates Outdoor Safety Gate, Black, 29.5″ tall

Product Information

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. 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. 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. 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.

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.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.

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.

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 Ways to keep your family living costs down, and kids of all ages happy Get our Family newsletter – it's free monthly.