We tested the 14 most popular stair gates on the market, scoring them on six key areas before whittling them down to a final list the nine best stair gates, all of which scored a minimum of 40 points out of a possible 48. Retractable stair gates: formed from a flexible material like mesh that rolls or folds up when not in use. This is a no-trip stair gate - ideal for use at the top of staircases; the advantage of fitting to your wall with screws! Reassuringly child-proof

Although the BabyDan Guard Me is safe for use anywhere in your home, the best stair gate for use at the top of the stairs is the Safety 1st Wall Fix Extending Metal Gate, which is also the best screw-fit stair gate we tested. The downside to a stair gate is that they can be bulky and look cluttered, however the safety benefits of them outweigh this massively. There are even stair gates that can divide a large or open plan room, or fit around a fireplace. Ensure that the gate opens towards the landing, not outwards towards the stairs, or you could fall forward while opening it.

Best tall stair gate

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

A baby stair gate does what it says on the tin. Typically made from wood, metal, or plastic, they provide protective barriers to prevent babies, toddlers, older children and family pets from accessing certain parts of the home.Location Stair gates at the top of the stairs should open towards the landing, not towards the flight of stairs, to avoid falling forwards while opening the gate. You should only use screw-fit gates at the top of the stairs. It’s worth bearing in mind that some dog gates are not appropriate for babies, as they have horizontal slats that your baby might use to climb up and over the gate, or small parts that can fall off and be a choking hazard.