The First Years Simple & Secure Stair Gate Y3620 is among our favorites when it comes to keeping baby within bounds. Why? The First Years Simple & Secure Stair Gate opens wider than other gates we've found, expanding from 29.5 inches to an impressive 44 inches.

Plus, The First Years Simple & Secure Stair Gate can be hardware-mounted. This means that unlike pressure-mounted gates, the Simple & Secure Stair Gate can be placed in a stairwell. Whether parents choose to mount this safety gate at the top or bottom of a staircase or use it as a room divider, its design makes it easy for parents to use. The gate swings open and closes with an audible click to let you know it is securely latched. It is a two-step process to open the gate and, while parents can easily work the latch mechanism, it is difficult for children to open. We also find the gate's design makes it less likely to pinch a child's fingers, and its height makes it less likely to tempt a child to scale it.

While function certainly comes first, we'd be remiss if we did not call attention to this gate's aesthetics. The First Years Simple & Secure Stair Gate features white metal bars that give the gate an unobtrusive look. The gate is one of the priciest in its class, but also one of the most versatile, and it earns high marks overall.


Pros: Closes with an audible click, swings open, mounts on walls or in stairwells
Cons: Pricey

Warranty
90 days, limited