Last Updated on May 4, 2023
Do you have a baby that needs more room to roam around the house but is still too young for stairs? If so, then it’s important to get them into an age-appropriate play space without sacrificing safety. This article will guide you through how choosing and installing one of the best portable baby gates can keep your child in their area while they explore!
Our Amy Baby Review squad researched for hours and then picked & reviewed the best travel baby gate that had been scientifically tested and certified by ASTM and JPMA; these are all portable gates made of high-quality materials with no sharp edges.
Here, we’ll learn about:
- What is a portable baby gate?
- What is the difference between portable child gates and traditional baby gates?
- What to look for in the best portable baby gate for travel?
- Top 5 portable baby gates for travel
- The Comparision Chart of Best Portable Safety Gates
- What is a portable baby gate?
- Portable Baby Gate Vs Traditional Baby Gate
- Things To Consider Before Buying The best travel baby gate
- The Ultimate Reviews of The Best portable gates for babies
- FAQs
- Final Verdict
Top 5 portable baby gates for travel
- Best for portability – Toddleroo by North States 42.6”
- Best for covering extra wide space – Safety 1st Wide Doorways
- Best for Rubber Bumpers That Won’t Damage Walls – Evenflo Soft and Wide gate
- Best for extra safety – The NaviGate Adjustable Child Safety Gate
- Best for tight budget – Baby Delight Go with Me
The Comparision Chart of Best Portable Safety Gates
What is a portable baby gate?
Portable baby gates are a great way to keep your kids safe, especially if they tend to run away or get into areas that you don’t want them in. They’re also much easier to move and store than permanent gates. On top of this, you can use them in various places, which means you don’t need to buy multiple gates for each doorway. If you are visiting your grandparent’s house and need to use a gate in their home, for example, you can just bring one along.
The portable child gate is very easy for parents to set up because it doesn’t require any tools, nor does it take hours as other types do! Plus, this particular product requires no installation; just open the box and place it on the side – voila! You got yourself a working gate.
“Baby gates are essential safety devices for parents and caregivers, so it is important to make sure you are using the right one,” said Lara McKenzie, PhD, the study’s co-author and a principal investigator in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Choose one that meets voluntary safety standards and fits in your space.”
Portable Baby Gate Vs Traditional Baby Gate
A travel stair gate is one that you can use in various places for your child’s safety. It is a temporary baby gate that blocks multiple openings at a time whether in your home or your relative’s place. It is very lightweight. Some of them come with a carrying bag. So you can easily travel with it and block unsafe places for your little one’s safety.
After using it, you can fold down the gate nicely and store it anywhere as it takes up less space. Most portable gates are pressure-mounted gates. It means there is no hardware needed on your walls. So, the wall is totally damage-free.
Along with it, most of them are built with durable nylon mesh fabrics. So, you can see the other side of the gate. It is suitable to block doorways, hallways, and other spaces. You can use it for your baby and pet too.
On the other hand, traditional baby gates are hardware-mounted baby gates. It is also a very effective gate for your children’s safety. But you can’t use it in multiple places. If you want to do so, you may be required more brackets.
As it is hardware mounted baby gate, you might have marks on the walls. But it will give you maximum protection as the gate won’t come off easily.
Related: If you want a retractable baby gate, this guide might help you: 6 Best Retractable Baby Gates In 2021 | Latest Expert Reviews With Buyer’s Guide
Some of them are nylon mesh fabric made and some are made of high-quality plastic materials. These gates are sturdy and long-lasting. You can block doorways, stairways, hallways, terraces, railings, corridors, and other unsafe places. These gates are also used for child safety and pets.
Dr. McKenzie recommends to parents that pressure-mounted gates are not designed to withstand much force and will not prevent a fall downstairs. For the top of the stairs, only gates with hardware screwed into walls or railings can stop falls from happening on staircases below them. Parents should strongly consider these factors before installing any gate in their home.
Things To Consider Before Buying The best travel baby gate
A portable safety gate should be lightweight and easily movable so that you can use it on the go. But a few more factors should be kept in mind before buying the most suitable one which I’ve described below:
Weight:
You should check the weight of the gate before buying. The reason is you go for the portable one so that you can use it either in your home or your relative’s place. So, if the gate is heavy, you’ll find it difficult to carry. That’s why you should pick a lightweight one.
Portability:
Don’t forget to check whether the gate is portable or not. It should be foldable when not in use so that you can carry it easily. It should take up less space in your bag or car’s trunk. Some of them come with a very handy carrying bag.
Usable in multiple places:
The reason for purchasing a portable child gate is to use it in many places for the little one’s safety whether in your own home or a relative’s house. But if the gate you choose has no option to use in multiple places, the purpose will go in vain.
That’s why you should go for a gate that can be used in several areas at a time. Pressure mounted retractable baby gate will allow you to use it in various places.
Measurement:
The measurement of the gate is so important. If the opening is wider than the gate width, then you can’t install the safety gate in that place. That’s why it is recommended to measure the gap before selecting any baby gates.
Materials:
You should choose one that is made with high-quality materials. Not only it will provide you with maximum safety but also allow you to use it for a long time. Metal structure with Nylon mesh fabrics is considered good quality portable gates.
Safety:
Whatever you use, your little one’s safety is your utmost priority. That’s why you should get one that ensures maximum safety for your baby. You can choose a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certified gate. It passes the highest safety standards, performance, and functionality.
“Current standards for play area safety gates are voluntary and concentrate on the size of the openings, height, vertical strength, bottom spacing, the configuration of the uppermost edge, and warnings,” Dr. McKenzie said. “However, making these mandatory and adding standards to address design that can keep children from climbing over or through them could prevent many injuries we saw in our study.”
The Ultimate Reviews of The Best portable gates for babies
1. Toddleroo by North States 42.6” wide
Best for portability
Toddleroo by North States gate is one of the best portable gates for babies. It is very lightweight only about 4 pounds. Even more, it comes with a beautiful travel bag. So, whenever you take a trip with your baby to your relative’s place or elsewhere, you can take it along with you for the safety of your little one. And you can use it in your house too!
This gate is nicely designed to block doorways, hallways, or other spaces. You can easily install it with no effort. Simply measure the place you want to block, adjust the expandable bars according to it, and then insert them into the mesh fabric cover.
Once you do it, you have to place the gate in the opening. Then tighten the knobs to fit firmly. Don’t forget you can extend the gate as per your need from 25.2” up to 42.6” wide and the height is 28” tall. You don’t need any hardware or tools on your walls. So, the wall is totally damage-free. There is a button on the upper side. Once you press it, lower the quick-release latch.
Furthermore, we love the classy, stylish look of this modern baby gate. When you use it in your relative’s place, they will appreciate your choice for sure.
Moms who have used it before are quite happy with the product as it comes within their budget. They also claimed a little practice or an extra pair of hands will make it easier to install the gate.
Pros:
- You can take it along with you while traveling as it’s very lightweight and portable.
- It comes with a beautiful travel bag.
- You can easily install it with no effort.
- It is expandable and you can extend it from 25.2” up to 42.6” wide according to your need.
- The height is 28” tall.
- It doesn’t damage the wall as it doesn’t require any hardware or tools.
- There is a quick-release latch that makes it easy to use.
- It has a modern and stylish look.
Cons:
- Some users said it’s a little difficult to install.
- A few users found the quality could be better.
2. Safety 1st Wide Doorways
Best for covering extra wide space
If you are looking for an extra-wide portable safety gate, this one would be the ideal choice for you. The reason is you can block ample space with this gate as it is expandable from 38 inches to 60 inches wide and 27 inches high.
Don’t forget it comes with a travel bag and folds up easily. Even more, it takes up very little space in a car trunk. So, whenever you visit your grandma, you can take it with you and block certain areas you think are unsafe for your little one.
Whether it is your home or your relative’s house, this gate will help you create a baby or a pet-friendly space by blocking doorways, hallways, staircases, and so on. As it is a pressure-mounted baby gate, you don’t need any additional hardware, tools, or drilling. So, the wall is entirely safe. You can quickly install and remove it anytime.
Furthermore, this clear baby gate will allow you to see what is happening on the other side of the gate. It comes with a soft translucent mesh panel. So, you can observe what your little one or pet is doing on the other side.
We appreciate the gate fabric is stain-resistant and machine washable. Due to this, whenever it gets dirty, you can clean it with no effort.
The thing you will love to know it comes with a one-year limited warranty which is excellent for any baby product.
Previous users are very pleased with the quality of this versatile gate. They also appreciated the price is within their budget. But some of them found it a bit difficult to assemble and dissemble. But a little practice will make it easier. Otherwise, it is a great portable baby gate for travel that you can have one for your baby too.
Pros:
- Can cover ample space as it is expandable
- Comes with a travel bag
- Easy to install and remove
- The fabric is stain-resistant and machine washable
- Comes with a one-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Some users found it difficult to assemble and dissemble
3. Evenflo Soft and Wide Gate
Best for Rubber Bumpers That Won’t Damage Walls
Evenflo soft and wide is another top-quality portable safety gate. If you need to block large areas, this unit can be an excellent option for you. You can expand this one from 38” to 60” inches wide and, the height is 27” inches.
The thing I like about this gate is it comes with completely assembled. So, if you are the one that doesn’t have enough patience to put together every component, this is the perfect choice for you. Simply open the gate, fit it in your wall, and use it right away. Even more, there is no tool required to set this gate up.
Don’t forget it is a pressure-mounted baby gate. Due to this, you don’t need to use any hardware on your walls. Even more, it comes with rubber bumpers. When you fit the gate, it won’t leave any marks on the wall.
So, you can take it with you to your relative’s house for the safety of your little one and use it without any worries as their wall is entirely safe. On top, the gate is very lightweight and, you can condense it into a portable size. As a result, it comes nicely in your bag and, you can easily travel with it to get peace of mind.
I appreciate its sturdy material. The metal frame makes it so durable and, the neutral color mesh fabric gives an attractive look. Even the fabric is machine washable. So, whenever it gets filthy, you can clean it effortlessly.
Mothers who have used it before are quite happy with the product as it is so durable and easy to use. And so you can surely get one for your baby too!
Pros:
- You can expand it to fit larger areas
- Comes with rubber bumpers to prevent damage to walls
- Very lightweight and portable
- Durable metal frame
- Machine washable fabric
Cons:
- Some users found the latch difficult to open
4. The Navi-Gate For Babies
Best for extra safety
If you want something unique but very effective in terms of your baby’s safety and highly portable, then the NaviGate is hard to beat. The unique design makes it very versatile. Whether you use it in your home or on the go, you always get peace of mind.
Don’t forget it is JPMA certified means it meets the highest safety standards. It will block doorways, hallways, or other unsafe spaces and provide maximum safety to your little ones.
You can stretch the gate from 29.5” to 45” inches wide and the height to 31” inches tall. So, it can block almost every opening. Don’t forget it comes with silicon pads that allow you to fit on any surface leaving no marks. So, the wall is totally damage-free. You can use it in your home or your grandma’s place without any tension.
It comes with a unique ratcheting system that makes the gate so easy to install and remove from any opening. Even you don’t need any tools to do so. All you can do in just seconds.
Something I really like about this gate is it comes with an excellent sturdy, padded carrying bag that has large pockets with room for other safety accessories. So, you can store the gate in it when not in use or you can easily take it with you when on tour. The gate weight is just 5 pounds. So, traveling around with it is so easy.
On top, the gate is made with a lightweight steel telescope and durable nylon mesh fabrics. Due to this, the gate is sturdy enough and you can see through. Don’t forget the fabric is machine washable so cleaning is super easy.
Furthermore, I like its dual-action locking release mechanism. Once the gate is secured, only adults can release it. So, the little one can’t go over the blocking areas.
Parents who have used it before are very pleased with this new revolution. So, you can take it without any hesitation for your little one too.
Pros:
- Unique and effective design
- Can see through
- Easy to install and remove
- Comes with a carrying bag
- Made with lightweight steel telescope and durable nylon mesh fabrics
- The dual-action locking release mechanism
Cons:
- Some parents complain that the gate is not very tall. So, if you have a taller baby, he/she might go over it.
- Some say that it is difficult to open and close the gate.
5. Baby Delight Go with Me Span Expandable Folding Gate
Best for tight budget
If you are one who doesn’t want to spend much on a safety gate but wants a very durable one, Baby Delight go portable gate would be the ideal choice for you. It is the best travel baby gate for stairs. You can use it either for your baby or pet. The price of this gate fits in anyone’s budget.
First of all, the mesh quality of this gate is very high and durable. Even pet paws can’t destroy it easily. And the gauze is transparent so you can see what is happening behind the door.
Furthermore, the installation of this portable retractable safety gate is super easy. You don’t need any tools to do so. All you can do with freehand is just in minutes.
It comes with two telescopic poles. You have to put these two rods into the tunnels on both sides of the net. Once you do it, you have to measure the opening and fix the four sticky hooks where you want to install the gate. And then hang the mesh fabric on the four hooks. Your gate is ready to use. It is that easy.
You can use this gate to block stairways, doorways, terraces, railings, corridors, indoors, or carried outdoors. But keeping in mind, if you want a gate to use in various places, even in your relative’s house, this is not the suitable one.
The reason is it comes with only four adhesive hooks where the gate hangs. Changing the position of the hooks multiple times is not recommended. The adhesiveness might reduce so the gate won’t stand. But it is very effective to use in one place in your house.
After using it, you can simply unhook the gate, fold it down and store it anywhere you want as it takes up very little space. The nylon net fabric is machine washable. So you can clean it with no effort.
Previous users are quite pleased with the product but they suggest measuring the space you want to block before buying. Don’t forget it comes with only one fixed size so you can’t expand.
Pros:
- The quality of the mesh is very high and durable
- The gauze is transparent so you can see what is happening behind the door
- Installation is super easy and doesn’t require any tools
- Can be used to block stairways, doorways, terraces, railings, corridors, indoors, or carried outdoors
- Adhesive hooks are effective in one place
- The entire gate can be folded down and stored away easily
- The nylon net fabric is machine washable
Cons:
- Comes with only four adhesive hooks which limits its placement options
- You can’t expand the size of the gate.
FAQs
Final Verdict
Thanks for reading the whole review about the best portable baby gate. By now, we think you’ve selected the desirable safety gate for your little one. So, you can make travel plans for your next vacation or visit your relative’s house with the peace of mind that you deserve. This is because these gates will help keep your baby entirely safe.
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Amy A. Vincent, a mother of three amazing children, has been sharing practical parenting insights and advice for the past four years and counting on her blog. With contributions from real healthcare professionals, she provides guidance on topics ranging from baby products to best practices in raising your children with confidence. Whether you’re interested in learning how to take care of them or making informed decisions about their well-being, this site offers comprehensive parental support that can help you raise happy and healthy kids! Read more
Dr. Leah Alexander is a board-certified general pediatrician and has been practicing pediatrics at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000. Since 2005, she has been working as an independently contracted pediatrician with Medical Doctors Associates at Pediatricare Associates of New Jersey. She also enjoys cooking outside of the medical profession. Read more