If you have a deck, patio, or porch then it’s important to babyproof it with a reliable safety outdoor gate. But I understand the challenge of finding a good one. I have personally shopped for a gate for my kid to use outside – especially when playing.
Most gates are designed for indoor use but with careful analysis of top brands, we found safe ones you can pick. We found great choices that you can rely on to give you a sturdy and rust-free barrier with secure child lock and closing mechanisms that you can rely on.
We spent 30+ hours coming up with outdoor baby gates suitable for outdoor play yards and decks. Your baby can have fun-filled outside adventures and you can have peace of mind knowing that you have a reliable barrier assuring you safety of your child.
In the next section, you can read our reviews of our top outdoor baby gates available in the market today. Before the reviews, let me answer some common questions first;
Can baby gates be used outside?
Most baby gates are designed for indoor use but there are top brands designed for outdoor use. Our picks below do not necessarily have to be permanently installed outdoors as they are lightweight and portable.
So, which areas should you babyproof outdoors?
If you have decks or backyards with swimming pools, exits with stairs, and spaces between the grills on your porch or balcony you need an outdoor baby gate. All these places are dangerous for young children. You can also install outdoor gates on stair barriers, play yards, and deck netting.
Below is a quick comparison table of outdoor baby gates with our top picks;
A Quick Comparison Table of the Top Brands of Gates for Outdoor Use
| Outdoor Gate Brand | Image | Maximum Width | Gate Height | Check Price Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Outdoor Gate – Top Pick | No products found. | 42.5 inches | 29.5 inches | Check Price |
| Summer Infant Walk-Thru Gate | No products found. | 42 inches | 28 inches | Check Price |
| The North States Super Yard Gate for Play Yards | No products found. | 18 sq feet/16 ft stretched into a gate | 26 inches | Check Price |
| Retract-A-Gate | No products found. | 52 inches | 34 inches | Check Price |
| Regalo Super Wide Outdoor Baby gate | No products found. | 192 inches | 28 inches | Check Price |
| Summer Infant Pop n Play Portable Gate | No products found. | 14 sq ft | 16 inches | Check Price |
| Perma Retractable Wide Outdoor Gate | No products found. | 71 inches | 40 inches | Check Price |
| Cardinal Deck Shield Netting Gate | No products found. | 50 ft | 36 inches | Check Price |
In the next section, I review each of our 8 top picks;
Reviews of the Top-rated Outdoor Baby Gates(4.6/5+)
1. Cardinal Gates Outdoor Child Safety: Overall top pick
The overall best outdoor baby gate you can find in the market today is the Cardinal Gate. We picked it because it is a weatherproof brand with adjustable width.
When doing on our outdoor picks, this gate stood out because of its all-metal build, which makes it easy for adults to use yet hard for toddlers to open. For extra safety, it has a swing stop to keep it from opening over in outdoor installations including a flight of outdoor stairs as shown in the image below.
It is one of the high-quality baby gates in the market, seeing that it uses steel parts and lightweight aluminum while others use less sturdy plastic parts. It has a powder coat finish that makes it weather resistant and rustproof, hence suitable for outdoor use.
Because its hardware is mounted and very sturdy, the Cardinal gate can be mounted on top of the stairs or bottom of stairs.
The door is designed to swing both ways, but it has an optional stop bracket that you can use to make it open in only one direction, like when you have mounted the gate on top of the stairs and don’t want the door opening towards the stairs. Plus, the latch is simple and easy for adults to open but very hard for toddlers to figure out.
It comes in variable lengths from 27 inches to 45 inches to cover different entrances for patios, decks, and other outside areas. Its height is 29.5 inches making it hard for little children to climb over and a 2.5-inch bar spacing also makes it impossible for them to slip through.
This gate is designed to be mounted permanently and is easy to do with just four screws being required to set it up. Plus, unlike most of its competitors that can only be installed perpendicular to a wall, this gate can be set up to a 30-degree angle, making it a versatile option for posts and railings that are not properly lined.
If you have more than 42.5 inches to cover, you don’t have to look for another gate; Cardinal sells 10.5 and 21.75 inches extensions to cover your desired space. Also, the gates come in black, white, and brown finishes that blend well in many homes.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Rustproof
- Can open both ways
- Has an optional stop bracket
- Can be installed at an odd angle
- Can easily be removed from permanent mounts when needed
- Extra extensions are available for sale
- Available in three finishes
Cons
- Some have found it tricky to operate the latch on one hand
- Mounting hardware may rust
- Difficult to install
2. Summer Infant Outdoor Walk Thru Gate with Door
Our top pick in this 2022 list of best outdoor baby gates is the Summer Infant Indoor Outdoor Multifunction Walk-Thru Gate. We pick it as the perfect choice looking for an easily accessible walk-through outdoor baby door/gate.
Because it is made using sturdy plastic, this simple gate is able to withstand all weather conditions without disintegrating or rusting, unlike most metal gates. And with both pressure and hardware mounting options, you can choose to set it anywhere you wish on the deck, patio, top, or bottom of stairs.
The dual lock mechanism is relatively easy to open and close, and there is no threshold bar to cause tripping. Check to see if it’s available and the pricing on Amazon here.
It is a very versatile gate that can be used on decks and patio, indoors, and both at the top or bottom of stairs. It is not as sturdy as our first choice, but it will get the work done and is also cheaper. It fits openings 27.5 inches to 42 inches wide and stands 28 inches tall.
This gate is made of rugged plastic, so it stands unaffected by harsh outdoor weather. It has a stopper to prevent it from swinging outward over stairs and doesn’t have a threshold, so there is no tripping.
It has three options for mounting it: by pressure, using adhesive tape, and with hardware. If mounting at the top of stairs, then using hardware is the only appropriate method. However, if it is just to seal off an area, you can use a pressure mount. Adhesive tape should also not be used to mount outside where it will be exposed to the elements.
Pros
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Weather-resistant plastic
- Budget-friendly pricing
Cons
- Users complained that the plastic feels very tight, making it difficult to open and close
- The weight causes the screws to come off the wall the more one opens and closes
3. North States Superyard Colorplay Ultimate Playard
If you need a safe playing space for your little one in the backyard, porch, or even in the house, look no further than the North State Superyard. This gate comes third in this 2022 list of top outdoor baby gates most ideal for play yards.
It is a popular choice for many families because it’s roomy, sturdy, user-friendly, and colorful. It is one of our best choices for extra wide spaces because it stretches over 16 feet wide and uses high-quality plastic to withstand the elements. However, we didn’t like that you have to buy the hardware for mounting as a gate separately.
The superyard comes with 6 panels that connect to provide up to 18 square feet of interior space and a height of 26 inches. If you need more space, the company sells an optional 2-panel extension that will extend the total space to 34.4 square feet.
It has an easy access door that has a safety latch and a lock. Adults are able to open and close with ease, but the mechanism is impossible for young toddlers and difficult for bigger kids.
We love that this super yard is completely adaptable to fit your space. You can use four panels to make it smaller or add two to enlarge once your child is bigger or if they have a playmate visiting, requiring more room. Also, the six panels are easy to attach and can be configured to any shape, including square, circular, and rectangular.
It’s easy to put together because panels come interlocked and folded. And when you want to put it away or transport it to the park or beach or to a friend’s house, it folds compactly and can be carried with included straps.
Pros
- Suitable to use indoors and outdoors
- High quality and durable
- Non-toxic plastic, safe for teething babies to chew on it
- Can be configured to many shapes and sizes
- Lightweight and portable with carrying handle
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Great pricing
Cons
- Some reviewers found it difficult to open and close the door with one hand
- Needs a lot of strength to fold and unfold panels to transform into different shapes
4. Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate 52″ White
Fourth on our list is the Retract-A-Gate. Retract-A-Gate is very versatile and can make a great option for outdoor babyproofing needs. Although it’s commonly used indoors, it may be especially useful if you have a very narrow or expansive area that traditional gates won’t cover. This gate stretches up to 52 inches and34 inches tall, but there is also an optional 72 inches for larger openings.
Regarding how it will hold up to mother nature’s brutal effects, the company says that these gates have been extensively tested in rainy seasons and hot, dry summers. They have also tested it during winter and found it with flawless results. However, they recommend taking the gate inside when temperatures are freezing, as temperatures can reduce its life.
The gate is made of tough mesh and sturdy plastic hardware. Once installed, these gates look attractive. You can choose from black, white, or brown mesh. It has a smooth one-handed operation when opening or closing.
An important thing to note is that retractable gates are not recommended for top of stairs, so if you have stairs on your deck or porch, this gate is not safe to be used at the top.
Pros
- Suitable for any size opening
- Automatically retracts
- Easy to remove from mounting brackets
Cons
- Not suitable for top of stairs
- Bigger kids may be able to destroy the mesh
- Can be difficult to open or close on one hand
5. Regalo Super Wide Outdoor Baby Gate
Our fifth best outdoor gate, Regal Super, is excellent for its extra-wide gate. The Regalo Super wide baby gate extends to fit openings of up to 192 inches, so it works for wide spaces like halls, sectioning the decks, or any other outdoor places. It features eight, 24-inch panels which can be conformed into a play yard of any shape with 19 square feet of safe playing space and rise to 28 inches to contain your child.
The gate is made of steel for sturdiness and durability, but it may rust with continued exposure during the rainy season, which is the reason it sits lower on our list. There is a walk-through door that has a double lock lever handle to let adults pass through easily and yet confounding and difficult for toddlers.
For convenience, the gate panels fold up compactly for storage and transportation.
Pros
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Made from durable steel frame
- Sturdy even when a toddler tries to shake or hang
- Easy to install, remove, and store away
- No tools needed for adjustment
- Nice looking
Cons
- The plastic hardware break overtime when the gate is pulled on, and caps are tightened
- The company doesn’t sell replacement hardware
6. Summer Infant Pop N Play Portable Playard
Our 6th is the Summer Infant Pop N Play and is excellent for play yards. A play yard may not keep your baby from the stairs, but it will provide a safe place for them to play indoors or outdoors. The Summer Infant Pop n Play Playard appealed to us as a suitable option to use outdoors since it comes with a sturdy frame and a weather-resistant floor canvas.
It is made of a lightweight yet sturdy metal frame that makes it impossible for small kids to tip or topple over. The sides are made from breathable nylon mesh that allows you to see what your baby is doing from a distance, while the canvas floor prevents dirt and any wetness from getting to your baby. Therefore this Playard is suitable for any outdoor setting.
You should also know that this baby gate folds compactly and comes with a travel bag with a handle, so it is easy to carry to wherever you need to use it. Plus, it provides 14 square feet of interior space, which is plenty for little tots and their siblings or friends to play together with their toys. It is also easy to clean using just a damp cloth and detergent.
Pros
- Sturdy metal frame
- Perfect for grassy areas and the beach
- Provides more than twice playing space that ordinary playards
- Has a water-resistant floor
- Compact folding and easily portable with carrying bag
- Very attractive
Cons
- The floor is thin
- Unsteady babies may bump their heads on support bars, but some parents have used pool noodles for cushioning
7. Perma Retractable and Extra Wide Outdoor baby gate
The Perma Child is designed specifically for outdoor use, unlike many other retractable gates that can also be used indoors. It is perfect for covering stairs to your deck or terrace, porch, backyard, or any other outdoor locations. With a width extending to 71 inches, this gate can fit all spaces, narrow and wide.
It is made completely with weather-resistant materials, durable mesh, and rust-proof fixtures that do not need to be brought inside when it rains or snows.
For those looking for a tall gate, the Perma Child is among the tallest, rising to almost 40 inches high, and there is no way your active toddler can climb over it.
As a busy parent, you will love that the opening and closing mechanism only needs one hand so you can carry groceries and other things with your other hand. It also has a dual-action locking mechanism that is secure, so there is no way for your child to be able to open or escape.
These retractable gates come in four color options, so you will easily find one that suits your home.
Pros
- Weather-resistant, designed to be left outdoors permanently
- Fits extra-wide spaces
- It is extra tall
- Four colors to choose from
Cons
- Mounting screws tend to fall off, so you might need to buy extra
- Not durable, the mesh becomes saggy, and the bottom latch breaks off within months of use.
8. Deck Shield Netting
If you are worried about your little one slipping through the gaps between railings on your balcony or porch, adding this netting will put your mind at ease. It is just a soft webbing of nylon material that goes around where you want to cover and affixes to your post sealing dangerous gaps.
The material measures 50 feet long and 36 inches high and comes with zip ties to attach to posts. Many also love that it is soft enough to cut with regular scissors and that it doesn’t obstruct the view. Because it comes in black, it looks attractive up close but barely noticeable when looking from outside.
Other top outdoor baby gates
Outdoor baby gate for top of stairs
If you are looking for an outdoor baby gate for the top of the stairs, the Cardinal Gate Outdoor is ideal. It’s made using steel and aluminum parts overlaid with a protective powder-coated finish, making this gate resistant to harsh weather conditions and rust outdoors. In addition, the solid metal structure and hardware mounting system provide sturdiness for the top of the stair application. At the same time, an optional stop bracket prevents the gate from opening over the stairs for safety.
Outdoor baby gate no drill
Want an outdoor baby gate that doesn’t require drilling? Retract-A-Gate is the best option in the market. It is a sturdy weather-resistant mesh gate that is JMPA recommended for use at the top or bottom of stairs and doesn’t require drilling if you use the Stair Banister Adapter Kit (sold separately).
Expandable outdoor baby gate
The North States Superyard Colorplay Ultimate Playard is one of the best expandable baby gates in the market. It comes with six panels to provide your child with up to 18.5 inches of playing space. And if more space is needed to accommodate more playmates you can get more panels to expand the playard to eight panels that interlock to provide a massive 34.4 square feet of space. It is made of plastic hence suitable to use indoors and outdoors.
Freestanding outdoor baby gate
Evenflo Versatile Play Space is one of the best freestanding baby gates in the market. It is a versatile structure that you can stretch to use as a barrier to keep your baby safe from dangerous places in the house, or you can fold the panels and interlock them to create a spacious play space for your child on the lawn.
It’s made from high-quality plastic, feels sturdy, and panels easily fold and unfold for convertibility and storage. Its legs are reversible with outdoor stakes to provide stability on the lawn so your child cannot tip it over when playing.
For indoor outdoor baby gate, my favorite is Summer Infant Indoor Outdoor Multifunction Walk Thru Gate
Best outdoor retractable baby gate
Retract-A-Gate Safety Gate is the best choice if looking for a retractable baby gate for outdoor use. That is because it is made with the toughest mesh fabric that is UV and mildew resistant, and this means it’s designed to survive hot summers and rainy seasons. To check if it’s available and pricing you can check on Amazon here.
Extra wide outdoor baby gate/large outdoor baby gate
The Regalo Plastic 192 Super Wide Adjustable baby gate is one of the largest outdoor baby gates in the market. It stretches into a 192 inches barrier for use when you want to fence large outdoor areas where your child can play safely. You can also fold up the six panels to transform them into a roomy playard in different shapes.
For a retractable outdoor baby gate, go for Perma Retractable Extra Wide Outdoor Gate
Pressure-mounted outdoor baby gates Safety (are pressure-mounted baby gates safe?)
Pressure-mounted gates are secured in place using pressure against the walls or doorframe; as such, they are not sturdy enough to use on top of the stairs where a child might lean over and risk falling. But, they are safe to use at the bottom of the stairs and for separating sections within the same floor.
Finally, I have shared another table below if you need a final comparison;
- About the Author
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Sandra W. Bullock is a grand-mom to two boys and is part of the review board here at Motherhoodhq.com. She is responsible for the quality control of content and is among our most experienced moms. She has over 20 years of writing parenting content online focussing on baby safety indoors and outdoors. She has written widely on babyproofing nurseries and homes for infants and toddlers and published work on privacy and the safety of baby monitors. She is a renowned advocate for non-wifi baby monitors that cannot be hacked and spends a lot of time educating parents on how to secure their homes – including ways to secure the baby from harm in and around homes. Sandra is a native of Atlanta where she also works. She can be reached using her email, Sandra.w(at)motherhoodhq.com
Last update on 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
