Permanent Baby Gates

KidCo makes the best hardware-mounted safety gates

Often lauded as the sturdiest option, hardware-mounted gates screw securely into walls or doorframes -- the primary reason why they're recommended by experts to head off stairs. These semipermanent gates are also a good option for consumers who have active pets, since unlike pressure-mounted safety gates they aren't likely to become loose with repeated jarring. Hardware-mounted gates usually swing open, but in some cases, these products must be stepped over. The more invasive installation of hardware-mounted gates turns some consumers off, however.

Nevertheless, the KidCo Safeway (*Est. $60) repeatedly receives positive reviews. This hardware-mounted safety gate, which is constructed of steel, has a two-step latch. Adults must remember to close the gate after walking through -- it won't shut and latch on its own. The KidCo comes in both white and black. While this gate is designed to swing open in either direction using only one hand, it also offers users the option of installing small plugs to prevent the gate from swinging in one direction.

KidCo's Safeway baby safety gate is suitable for openings between 24.75 and 43.5 inches, and its extension accessory (*Est. $35) will extend the gate to fit openings up to 66 inches. It's worth noting, however, that only one extension kit can be used per gate. At 30.5 inches high, the Safeway gate can be mounted on railings and even angled walls. However, several reviewers note that the screws provided with this gate are designed for use in a stud. If you don't have studs at the gate site and are installing the gate directly into drywall, you should use drywall anchors  for installation (not included in the installation kit).

Good Housekeeping magazine lists this gate as one of two top choices; editors describe the Safeway as a " tough, wall-mounted gate." Another expert review says that the Safeway is both easy to install and use. In another professional review, the Safeway ranks third among hardware-mounted safety gates. It earns high ratings for security, design safety and convenience.

Owner reviews on Amazon.com, Target.com and Epinions.com for the Safeway gate are all generally positive. Over 100 reviewers on Amazon.com give the Safeway gate an average rating of four stars out of five. Most owners note that this gate doesn't narrow areas, as some pressure-mounted gates tend to do, because the whole gate swings open, rather than a small portion in the center. One-handed operation is a feature many owners like; it allows them to operate the gate while carrying other items. Thirty reviewers on Epinions.com rate the Safeway gate with an average of 4.5 stars out of five. Here, reviewers say they like the way the Safeway looks; its solid metal construction features thinner vertical bars, so it's also easier to see through.

Many parents also report that this gate doesn't budge, even with repeated abuse. However, reviewers on ToysRUs.com give the Safeway an average rating of just three stars out of five. Several say it comes with confusing instructions, and at least a couple of parents wish that the gate would swing closed behind them rather than their having to actively close it.

Another safety gate, the KiddyGuard Gate (*Est. $105) earns points for one unique feature: This hardware-mounted, soft-sided safety gate retracts like a window blind. The KiddyGuard can fit openings up to 51 inches wide and is 31 inches tall. It can be used at the top of the stairs and can be retracted when not in use. The KiddyGuard Gate locks open and closed and offers one-handed operation.

Reviews for this baby safety gate are mixed. It receives an average rating of 3.5 stars out of five on both Amazon.com and Target.com, based on about 50 reviews in total. Reviewers complain that this gate emits a loud noise when opened and closed, although the manufacturer says this noise is designed to be an alert to parents when an older child is opening the gate. A few owners say you can avoid the noise if you hold down the button when reclosing the gate. Additionally, many say the gate is too expensive and difficult to operate, requiring two hands instead of the one hand claimed by the manufacturer. However, many like the fact that when retracted, this gate is barely visible.

For homeowners who have open floor plans with openings larger than the aforementioned gates can accommodate, the Supergate V (*Est. $55) by North States Industries may be a good fit. This hardware-mounted gate can fit openings between 22 and 62 inches wide, providing a great deal of versatility for use in different-sized openings. One unique feature: It can swing out of the way when it's not being used. It can also be dismounted from the hardware brackets and stored for later use. The Supergate V gate consists of several panels that slide together -- similar to a sliding glass door -- so it can be collapsed down and then swung to the side when owners want the opening to be accessible. The Supergate V is 31 inches tall and is constructed of hard plastic. Over 160 reviewers on Amazon.com and Target.com combined give the Supergate V an average rating of four stars out of five. Most rave that the gate is very sturdy and easy to install. However, opinions are mixed about whether it's easy to operate -- some users complain that it's hard to slide and lock its panels in place.