When it comes to baby proofing, the baby gate is a workhorse – blocking stairs, keeping rooms secured, making areas off-limits.
Hardware mounted gates, gates that are screwed into the wall/stud behind the wall, are sturdy and are the best choice for stairs.
Pressure gates are ideally placed in a hallway or doorway, where you have two parallel vertical services. Never place a pressure gate at the top of the stairs due to a tripping hazard.
Modular gates, with the option of additional extensions, and can fit long or irregular spaces. Great for wide doorways, around a fireplace, or exercise equipment.
Retractable gates (or roll away gates) are nice for tight spaces or spots that only need a gate occasionally.