Pressure-Mounted Safety Gates

Portable gates are easy to install, but not as secure overall

Consumers who cringe at the thought of putting holes in their walls should consider pressure-mounted baby safety gates. The width of these adjustable gates can be expanded using a bar or knob, creating a tight pressure that locks the gate in place. One caveat: Experts advise against using this type of gate at the top of a stairway, since with repeated shaking, pressure-mounted gates can become loose over time. Instead, pressure-mounted gates work best for areas where you need a temporary barrier. Unlike hardware-mounted safety gates, their simple installation makes them easy to move around. Pressure-mounted gates can also be convenient for travel; many can be easily packed and toted around.

Among pressure-mounted safety gates, reviewers like The First Years Hands Free Gate (*Est. $45) because its integrated door can be opened using only one leg; simply step on a foot pedal to unlatch the gate and gently bump the gate with your knee to swing it open. Once you're through, the gate closes with another nudge. This metal gate swings open in both directions and will fit doorways between 29 and 34 inches wide. An extension piece (*Est. $15) is also available that will allow it to fit openings up to 44 inches wide. For extra peace of mind, a loud click can be heard when the gate relatches. Like most baby gates, The First Years Hands Free Gate is recommended for use with children aged 6 to 24 months.

One professional review gives this gate an excellent score for convenience, but it receives average ratings for security. The 575 owners posting to Amazon.com give The First Years Hands Free Gate an impressive average score of 4.5 stars out of five. Owners appreciate that it's easy for adults to operate, but difficult for kids to manipulate -- its spring-loaded pedal requires more force than a child can apply. A few owners do complain that the gate opening is a bit narrow at approximately 18 inches, so it may be a tight squeeze for a larger person.

Over 65 reviewers on Target.com concur with the overall opinions on Amazon.com; the Hands Free Gate receives an average rating of four stars out of five. There are a few complaints about its top hinge breaking, but most owners say it's easy to install and many are impressed with its stability.

If you're looking for a gate that can be easily moved from place to place, the Evenflo Soft and Wide Crosstown Gate (*Est. $35) is a pressure-mounted mesh gate that is designed for portability. While it can also be used as a gate in the home, it can be easily installed and removed, and it includes a convenient travel bag. The Crosstown is 27 inches tall and can fit openings between 38 and 60 inches wide.

Nearly 300 reviewers on Walmart.com rate the Evenflo Crosstown Gate with an average rating of 4.5 stars out of five. Owners say the gate's mesh panel makes it difficult for toddlers to climb, and they like that it can be used in extra-wide openings. Several reviewers also comment that the gate is convenient to pack up and tote for travel. However, pet owners curious about this gate may want to steer clear -- its mesh panel may tear when repeatedly exposed to animal activity.

Nearly 70 reviewers on Epinions.com give the Crosstown Gate an average rating of four stars out of five. Reviewers appreciate its affordable price tag and the fact that this gate can be used in unusual openings, such as the foot of a stairway that widens at the bottom. Its pressure-mounting system won't leave marks on the walls, according to reviewers, and its see-through mesh panel won't block your view. Unfortunately, this gate doesn't swing open, so users have to step over it.

Another option, the KidCo Center Gateway Gate G15 (*Est. $80) comes in black, white or platinum and expands to fit openings between 29 and 37 inches wide. Optional extensions are available in various sizes (*Est. $20 to $35) that can extend the gate to fit openings up to 72 inches wide. Its walk-through door opens in either direction. Child-Safety-Gates.com recommends the Center Gateway Gate as the best gate for doorways due to its versatility. It can expand to fit larger openings.

Seventy reviewers on Amazon.com rate the Center Gateway with an average rating of four stars out of five. Reviewers like the width of the walk-through opening, which is about 22 inches. Some say it doesn't feel as restricted as the smaller 18-inch opening of The First Years Hands Free Gate (*Est. $45). Owners also say this gate is easy to operate using only one hand and feels  very secure. One reviewer on Amazon.com comments on the Center Gateway's secure latch, which works by pushing a button to lift a handle, then lifting the gate over a ledge to allow it to open. A few reviewers say they had difficulty installing the gate, and there are a few complaints about people tripping over the horizontal bar that sits on the floor at the very bottom of the gate.