As soon as their child becomes mobile, most parents will need a baby fence to ensure their child remains safe.
Baby fences not only keep children away from dangerous areas like the stairs or the fireplace, but they also offer protection from potential dangers such as older siblings running around, or parents carrying heavy or hot items.
To help you with the what, why, when, and how of baby fences, we put together this guide on how to choose the most appropriate one in any situation. We’ve also added our picks for the top ten best baby fences.
- Gate opening swings both ways
- One-handed operation
- Hold-open feature
- No-bottom bar design
- Optional stop feature included
- Two-step one-handed latch
- Fun and colorful pattern
- Folds simply with carry handle
- No skid feet
- Double-wide gate
- Can be converted from barrier to enclosure
- Secure wall mount point
- Easy assembly
- Available in many colors
- Comes with fence legs
- Can be mounted to 30 degrees
- Available extensions
- Secure latch
- High mounting points
- Multiple extension panels
- Well-built and sturdy
- Useful in older homes
- Unobtrusive and see-through
- Affixed with cable ties
- Affordable pick
- Can be used as a barrier
- Easy to set up or take down
Product Reviews
Here are the best baby fences for a variety of situations.
Toddler Easy Swing Portico Arch Baby Gate
Best Baby Fence for Doorways
This pressure-mounted baby gate is suitable for doorways and walkways from 28.25 to 38.25 inches wide. The pressure-mount fixing style means you do not require tools to install the gate, or have to drill holes into your doorways.
It also means that the gate can easily be moved from location to location if need be, making it an excellent option if you are on a budget and cannot afford multiple gates for every doorway that needs one.
Pros
- Gate opening swings both ways.
- One-handed operation makes it easy to use when you are carrying your child.
- A hold-open feature allows you to leave the gate open when your child is not around.
Cons
- The gate section, the piece that swings open, is only 18 inches wide so you may have to pass through sideways.
Product Specs
| Height | 28.5 inches |
| Width | 28.25 to 38.25 inches, but an additional extension panel is available to expand the gate to 71.25 inches |
| Material | Metal |
| Age Range | Until your child can climb the gate, or 2 years, whichever comes first. |
Our Ratings
Evenflo Extra Tall Top-of-The-Stair Gate
Best Baby Gate for Top of Stairs
Made specifically for the top of the stairs, this Evenflo gate is both stylish and functional. It has an adjustable width of 30 to 48 inches, so it is suitable for homes with wider stairways.
There are four fixing points, with hardware supplied, and the gate can be mounted with a minimal number of tools. The mounts for the fixing points are designed so that you can lift the gate up, out of the mounts, if you need to temporarily remove it.
Pros
- The no-bottom bar design means there isn’t a potential trip hazard at the top of the stairs.
- An optional stop feature is included, which will prevent the gate from opening forward over the stairs.
- The two-step one-handed opening latch makes it difficult for your child to open.
Cons
- It can be difficult for younger kids or relatives with limited hand strength to open.
Product Specs
| Height | 32 inches |
| Width | 30 to 48 inches |
| Material | Wood |
| Age Range | Until your child can climb the gate or 2 years, whichever comes first |
Our Ratings
North States Superyard Colorplay
Best Outdoor Baby Fence
This is a free-standing baby fence that connects up to create a sturdy play yard for your child.
This fence can be used both indoor and outdoor and provides 34.4 square feet of play space. If you want to increase the play space, you can purchase baby fence expansion panels which slot easily into the main structure.
There is an optional playmat that can be purchased separately.
Pros
- Fun and colorful pattern.
- Folds simply and has a carry handle which makes it ideal for transport.
- No skid feet make it difficult for your child to move the baby fence across the floor.
Cons
- Cannot be used as an affixed baby fence.
Product Specs
| Height | 26 inches |
| Width | N/A |
| Material | Plastic |
| Age Range | Up to 18 months |
Our Ratings
Regalo Double Door Gate and Play Yard
Best Baby Fence for Playtime
This baby fence can be used across openings or can be assembled to form an enclosed play yard. This assembly does not require any tools or expertise. It is easy to unhook the fence from the wall mountings and then connect the ends of the fence together to form a safe, secure 19-square-feet play space for your child.
Unlike some other baby fences, the metal bars do not have a plastic coating. This gives an extra level of reassurance that if your child’s a chewer, your little one will not be eating tiny pieces of plastic.
Pros
- The double-wide gate makes it easy for parents to pass through.
- No tools are required to convert the fence from a barrier to an enclosure.
- A secure wall mount point ensures the fence does not move when attached to the wall.
Cons
- Because of the wall fixings, you can only mount an even number of panels which may not be convenient for everyone.
Product Specs
| Height | 28 inches |
| Width | 52.5 inches to 192 inches |
| Material | Metal |
| Age Range | Up to 2 years. |
Our Ratings
Evenflo Versatile Play Space
Best Indoor Baby Fence
The Evenflo baby fence is lightweight, foldable, and easy to move, which makes it ideal for visits to friends and relatives. It gives 18.5 square feet of playing space.
One of my favorite things about this baby fence is that it has specially designed, reversible feet. This means that when you use the play yard indoors, you can have regular, flat feet. However, when you use the play yard outdoors, on a soft surface such as grass, you can reverse the feet and they become short, blunt stakes.
As a result, the play yard will not move about on the grass, and your child is not in danger of falling because the play yard moved.
Pros
- No tools are required for assembly.
- Available in gray, cream, or rainbow primary colors.
- It has legs that allow you to fix the baby fence in place on a soft surface such as grass.
Cons
- It does not affix to the floor, so it can be moved by larger children.
Product Specs
| Height | 26 inches |
| Width | 60 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Age Range | 6 to 24 months |
Our Ratings
Cardinal Gates Auto-Lock Gate
Best Baby Fence for Bottom of Stairs
This gate is an excellent choice for not only the bottom of the stairs, but also for doorways and walkways.
The unique feature of this baby fence is that it is specially designed to work in an opening where the two fixing points are not directly opposite to each other. That means you can use this gate in a staggered opening, something I have not seen with other baby safety equipment.
This gate is available in two colors, black and white, which gives you a choice about which color will blend in better with your decor.
Pros
- The gate can be mounted at an angle of up to 30 degrees for use in an uneven space.
- Extensions are available for wider openings.
- The latch is said to be especially difficult for toddlers to figure out.
Cons
- The tricky latching system can be an issue for some adults, especially those with less hand strength or dexterity.
Product Specs
| Height | 29.5 inches |
| Width | 27 to 42.5 inches, but an additional extension panel is available to expand the gate to 64 inches |
| Material | Metal |
| Age Range | Until your child can climb the gate or 2 years, whichever comes first |
Our Ratings
Toddleroo 3-in-1 Arched Décor Metal Superyard
Best Baby Fence for Fireplace
This three-in-one baby fence from Toddleroo can be used as a safety gate, a safety barrier, and as an enclosed play area.
The stand-out feature is that it can be configured in an arched formation. This gives you the option to mount the fence in a doorway while also allowing your child a certain amount of play space within the room you are fencing off.
The Toddleroo 3-in-1 arched design also allows you to use it around dangers such as fireplaces.
Pros
- Mounting points are high enough to accommodate higher baseboards.
- It can be widened as much as you need with the addition of multiple extension panels.
- It’s well-built and sturdy.
Cons
- Some owners have experienced scratching on their floors.
Product Specs
| Height | 30 inches |
| Width | Up to 151 inches long, and unlimited extension panels of 48 inches can be added |
| Material | Metal |
| Age Range | Until your child can climb the gate or 2 years, whichever comes first |
Our Ratings
Roving Cove Deck Guard
Best Baby Fence for Banister
This is a safety net baby fence that can be affixed to the rails at the top of the stairs, around decks, and other areas your child could reach through.
It helps you minimize the risk of your child trying to wedge themselves through a gap in the rails and becoming stuck. And it also prevents them from throwing or dropping objects through the rails. This is especially useful if you have downstairs neighbors who will not appreciate your child dropping items through the railings and down into their space.
Pros
- It’s especially useful in older homes which may have wider than usual slats.
- Unobtrusive and see-through so it does not change the look of a room or outdoor space.
- Affixed with cable ties and adhesive cable tie mounts so there is no need to drill holes in your wood.
Cons
- As this is only a roll of net, you cannot use it as a baby gate or across walkways.
Product Specs
| Height | 36 inches |
| Width | Up to 120 inches |
| Material | Heavy grade fabric mesh. |
| Age Range | You can leave this in place indefinitely as it is not strong enough for a child to climb |
Our Ratings
North States Superyard
Best Budget-Friendly Baby Fence
The North States superyard is a budget-friendly option for keeping your child safe in the home.
It comes in a variety of color combinations and gives 18.5 square feet of playing space. One option has six panels, each of which is a different bright color, while the other four options are single muted colors that range from pale sand to a darker brown. If coordination and home design are important to you, there is something for every decorating style.
Pros
- An affordable option for parents on a tight budget.
- It can also be used as a barrier with the purchase of a wall mounting kit.
- So easy to set up or take down.
Cons
- Some reviewers have complained this baby fence is a little wobbly, so it’s not best suited to little ones who may pull themselves up on it.
Product Specs
| Height | 26 inches |
| Width | Up to 192 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Age Range | Up to 18 months |
Our Ratings
WaterWarden 4 foot Pool Fence
Best Baby Fence for Pools
The WaterWarden pool fence is designed to keep your child from accessing a pool, or any other area of the garden you feel needs fencing off.
The fence comes with everything you need for installation, including a drilling template, clear instructions, and all of the hardware. It also has insert caps, so if you remove the fence you have the correct hardware to cover the holes in which the fence poles sit.
Pros
- The panels are each 12 feet long and can be easily fixed together to form a fence as long as you need.
- Flexible enough to be used on curved areas.
- Can be installed quickly and removed temporarily if needed.
Cons
- Only suitable for areas where it can be mounted to a hard surface.
Product Specs
| Height | 48 inches or 60 inches |
| Maximum width | One pack will provide 144 inches of fence, and unlimited additional panels of 12 inches can be added |
| Material | Mesh screens mounted between metal poles |
| Age Range | Can be left in place indefinitely |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Height | Width | Material | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toddler Easy Swing Portico | Doorways | 28.5″ | 28.25 to 38.25″, plus extension | Metal | 2 years or when baby can climb |
| Evenflo Top-of-The-Stair Gate | Top of Stairs | 32″ | 30 to 48″ | Wood | 2 years or when baby can climb |
| North States Superyard Colorplay | Outdoor Fence | 26″ | N/A | Plastic | Up to 18 months |
| Regalo Double Door Gate & Play Yard | Playtime | 28″ | 52.5″ to 192″ | Metal | Up to 2 years. |
| Evenflo Versatile Play Space | Indoor Fence | 26″ | 60″ | Plastic | 6 to 24 months |
| Cardinal Gates Auto-Lock Gate | Bottom of Stairs | 29.5″ | 27 to 42.5″, plus extension | Metal | 2 years or when baby can climb |
| Toddleroo Arched Décor Superyard | Fireplace | 30″ | 151″ long, plus extension | Metal | 2 years or when baby can climb |
| Roving Cove Deck Guard | Banister | 36″ | Up to 120″ | Fabric mesh | 2 years or when baby can climb |
| North States Superyard | Budget-Friendly | 26″ | Up to 192″ | Plastic | Up to 18 months |
| WaterWarden Pool Fence | Pools | 48″ or 60″ | 144″, plus extension | Mesh screen | Can be left in place indefinitely |
What Is a Baby Fence?
A baby fence is a protective barrier that works one of two ways:
- Some baby fences are designed to be used as an enclosure to keep a baby or younger child in a specific area.
- Other baby fences are designed to create a barrier between one area of a home and another. Baby gates also fall into this category.
Baby fences come in a wide variety of styles, designs, and materials. Not all baby fences are suitable for all situations.
Do You Really Need a Baby Fence?
Whether you need a baby fence depends on your home, the age of your child, and the safety issues that may arise if your child can access a dangerous item or situation.
Baby Fence Pros
A baby fence can:
- Keep your child safe from potentially dangerous situations.
- Provide freedom to other children, who can play without worrying about hurting the baby.
- Allow parents to leave their baby alone, briefly, in a safe place, while they visit the washroom, make a phone call, and cook.
- Maintain interaction between child and parent in situations where the child could be in danger. Using a baby gate across the kitchen doorway allows a parent to cook while their child sits safely playing on the other side.
Baby Fence Cons
While baby fences are an important safety item, there are negatives to using one.
- Parents can assume their child is safe and leave them unattended for too long.
- Once children are older, they may try to climb over a baby fence or gate and hurt themselves.
- Adults or older children can fall when trying to climb over a baby safety fence or gate.
- Homemade baby fences can cause accidents or even death.
Buying Guide
There are several elements you need to consider when deciding which baby fence to choose.
Material
Most baby fences are made from wood, plastic, or metal.
Wooden baby fences are sturdy, and because they are made for children, you shouldn’t get splinters from the wood. They can become grubby or discolored when subjected to a child’s dirty hands.
Plastic baby fences are lightweight and easy to clean and transport, but they may not stand up to a heavier child climbing, sitting, or leaning against them.
Metal baby fences combine the easy clean benefits of plastic and the sturdiness of wood. But if you have a baby who likes to chew on things, metal can be hard on their teeth.
Height
The height of your baby fence will depend on the developmental stage of your child.
Most will be at least 22 inches tall. You should buy a gate at least three-fourths of your child’s height and make sure you leave on some extra inches for their growth (1).
Space Between Slats
If the fence has slats, they must be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches (or 6 cm) apart to prevent your child from getting their head through the gap.
Ease of Assembly
Go for a baby fence that is easy to assemble and install, but not so easy your child will be able to take it apart themselves.
Location
Spring-mounted baby gates are easy to install and can be used in doorways, but for a gate at the top of the stairs, always use one with a frame mounted to the wall or doorframe.
Versatility
Consider whether you will want to move the baby fence to different locations. If you spend time with your child in a home other than your own, a lightweight, mobile baby fence is more convenient.
Sturdiness
While some children will play happily within their baby fence, others will spend their time trying to escape. So, ensure the baby fence you choose is strong enough to stand up to your child for at least a year.
Baby Fence FAQs
We thought it would be useful to answer some of your most frequently asked questions about baby fences.
Where Do You Put Baby Gates?
When you put up a baby gate, it must always be placed between two solid items. This could be between the upright sections of a doorframe or at the top of the stairs, between the wall and the newel post.
The important point is that the two sides of the gate are affixed to two solid spots, and not on something that could move.
What Age Do You Stop Using Baby Fences?
Children develop at different rates, so the best indicator that you should stop using a baby fence is when your child tries to climb over it.
Even if your child has not tried to climb, you should stop using a baby fence when they are 2 years old.
Do You Need a Baby Gate at the Bottom of the Stairs?
It is safest to place a baby gate at the bottom of the stairs, as long as you have two immovable anchor points to which you can affix it.
If you do not have a suitable anchor point, you should use a baby fence to keep your child within a certain area of your home, away from the stairs.
What About DIY Baby Fences?
There are many articles online about making your own baby gate out of mesh, fabric, wood, and PVC. Being a parent is expensive, so I understand why people want to find cheaper alternatives.
While this may be appealing, especially if you have an irregular stair opening, there is a reason why you can only purchase baby fences and gates that have been independently assessed and passed stringent safety standards.
Homemade gates and fences may pose safety risks to your child by lacking features such as two-step opening (2). From openings between slats that are too wide to materials that could injure your child, there are many potential failures for a homemade baby fence.
Are Fabric Baby Gates Safe?
Professionally manufactured and certified fabric, retractable style baby gates are safe. Homemade ones are likely not or won’t give you the same peace of mind — they haven’t passed the same rigorous standards testing as the professionally made ones have.
Safety First
Baby fences can be used to create a barrier or a play area for your child to explore in safety. To find the best baby fences for your needs, consider where you want to use it, the age of your child, and whether you need the flexibility of a baby fence you can move or reconfigure.
Whichever baby fence you choose, be sure to mount it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use it as directed. You don’t want your safety equipment to become a danger.
