Once your baby starts crawling or learning to walk, baby-proofing your home becomes your utmost priority. You want to keep your child away from hazardous places like the kitchen or the fireplace as well as prevent the risk of falling down staircases.
Baby gates offer the perfect solution to keep your little one safe. However, most baby gates are not suitable for doors and spaces that do not have standard dimensions.
So, if you are looking for the best extra wide baby gate, we’ve done the heavy lifting to help you find the perfect baby gate for your home.
Buying Guide For Baby Gates
Before we get into our list of the best extra-wide baby gates, let’s first understand which factors you should take into consideration when choosing a baby gate.
Type
There are two main types of safety gates — hardware-mounted and pressure-mounted gates.
Hardware-mounted gates are more permanent and recommended for areas that have a falling hazard, like the top of the stairs. The gate should be installed to ensure it opens away from the stairs for added safety.
Pressure-mounted gates do not require hardware for installation and can be pressed onto opposite walls. They are portable and commonly used for the bottom of the stairs or as a barrier between two rooms. They are less secure than hardware-mounted gates but are good for some parts of the home.
Width And Height
Baby gates are available with different widths and heights. The standard width size ranges between 30 and 45 inches, while the standard height is approximately 30 inches. However, extra wide and extra gates are available as well.
Gate Latch
How do you want the gate to open and close? Remember that you may be carrying your baby, so you will need a gate that can be opened with one hand but cannot be opened by your baby.
Slat Spacing
Gates should ideally have vertical bars or slats, and they must be properly spaced to avoid head entrapment. Ideally, the spacing must be less than three inches. You should also avoid gates with horizontal bars at the top or bottom, as they can serve as a ladder for children to climb.
Style
A baby gate will become a fixture in your home for the next two to three years. So, it is better to choose a gate that goes with the aesthetics of your home.
4 Best Extra Wide Baby Gate
1. Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate
This Regalo 2-in-1 super wide baby gate can be converted to an 8-panel play yard! The gate fits spaces up to 192 inches wide and has a height of 28 inches. You can wall-mount it easily using the four packs of wall mounts it comes with without having to drill any holes.
The gate features an all-steel design that is durable and has a safety locking feature. It has a 16-inch walk-through door for easy access, and the gate meets all safety standards for babies up to 24 months. The gate is easy to clean and folds flat, which makes storage easier.
- 2-in-1 baby gate and play yard
- Eight panels that can be configured according to your requirement
- Fits 50.5-192-inch openings
- Wide walk-through gate
- One-touch safety lock
- Folds down for convenient storage
- Durable
- Portable
- The gate can only be adjusted by adding or removing the 24-inch panels
2. Evenflo Expansion Walk Thru Room Divider Gate
This extra wide baby gate from Evenflo is 24 inches to 60 inches wide and 32 inches tall, perfect for large spaces. It is a hardware mount but is very easy to install within minutes.
The gate has an easy latch system that can be operated with one hand, with the gate swinging open on both sides. The telescoping safety rail at the top prevents hands from pinching during use. The gate is made of plastic and wood, which makes for a great addition to homes with wooden decor.
- Can be applied to spaces between 24 and 60 inches
- Easy-to-operate latch
- Door swings both ways
- Extra wide walk-through gate
- Retracts easily, allowing better maneuverability
- Can only be hardware mounted
- Can only extend up to 60 inches
3. Summer Infant Extra Wide And Extra Tall Gate
The Summer Infant gate features a stylish door with a bronze finish and an arched gate. It is wide enough for spaces with 44 to 72 inches width and is extra tall at 36 inches high.
The gate can only be hardware mounted and has an easy-to-operate latch, along with a scratch guard at the bottom rail that protects the flooring. The gate is also extra strong and can resist the weight of up to 50 lbs, making it ideal for infants as well as pets.
- Extra wide and extra tall
- Stylish bronze finish
- Easy one-hand operable latch
- Scratch guard
- Suitable for babies and pets
- Can be hardware mounted only
- Width adjustments require four extensions
4. Toddleroo By North States Deluxe Décor Baby Gate
North States’ Toddleroo gate is a hardware-mounted baby gate that’s 38.3 to 72 inches wide and 30 inches tall. You can mount it on straight as well as angled walls, and it’s even perfect for mounting around fireplaces.
It is easily operable with one hand and closes automatically. The gate is made of high-quality, durable metal and features a stylish matte bronze finish.
- Automatic locking
- Simple one-hand latch operation
- Triple locking system
- Gate swings open both ways
- Stylish and durable
- Hardware mounting only
- There is a bottom rail under the gate, which can be a tripping hazard
Difference Between Baby Gates And Pet Gates
Baby gates and pet gates may look the same, but they are quite different. Some major differences include the following:
- Baby gates are much lighter and weaker in terms of strength.
- Baby gates have a maximum height of 32 inches, while pet gates can go up to 72 inches.
- Baby gates have smart latches, and pet gates have sturdy pet-proof locks.
- Baby gates can resist around 30 pounds of weight, while pet gates can resist 40 pounds or more.
Conclusion
Baby gates become a safety essential as soon as your baby starts crawling. It is also a tool you will require for the next two years, and it is thus important to consider all the features and necessary requirements when getting a baby gate. We hope this guide for the best extra-wide baby gate will help you find the right gate that will fit extra-wide spaces in your home.
