Baby gates can detract from the decor of a home. This is why retractable gates have gained so much popularity over the last several years.

Baby gates are designed to keep babies safe. And while there have been some improvements in the look of the metal and wood gates over the years, in most cases, they are still an eyesore in the home. That is why retractable baby gates have become so popular over the last several years. Not only are they durable like their wood and metal predecessors, but they can be rolled up when not in use. Virtually hiding the baby gate from view. Leading those in the market for a baby gate wondering what they need to look for when buying a retractable baby gate.

For those who have stairs, areas of the house with valuables, or just want to keep babies and toddlers in one area of the home, baby gates are a must. Try as little ones like, no matter how hard they pull or push on a gate, if properly installed, it is not going anywhere.

That is something that causes a bit of frustration for babies and toddlers who want to explore but gives peace of mind to parents knowing that their small children cannot get into as much trouble when a baby gate is in use.

RELATED: The Advantages Of Having A Configurable Baby Gate

Here is what to look for when buying a retractable baby gate.

One of the most important things that parents can do is measure the area that needs a baby gate installed. This will ensure that the baby gate purchased is the right size and can be installed properly to keep little children safe.

It all depends on where the baby gate will go that will determine how to measure it. If it is simply going from wall to wall, that is a simple measurement to take. If it is going at the top or the bottom of the stairs, the banister may need to be taken into consideration.

According to BabyGates Expert some common places where baby gates go include:

With all of these different spaces that baby gets should go, it should be researched as far as the best place to mount them would be. Then, those measurements should be taken accordingly so that a rock-solid retractable baby gate can be installed with ease.

Before buying any baby gate, parents should make sure that it is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturer's Association. The organization is consistently testing baby gates and increasing safety standards to ensure that babies and toddlers are as safe as they possibly can be.

According to Consumer Reports, it is not enough that a retractable gate appears to have sturdy construction. It needs the seal from the JPMA as well.

This is because if the gate is JMPA-certified, parents know that it can withstand 30 pounds of pressure and that the mounting material requirements have been upgraded as well, just from 2021 alone, according to JPMA.

Therefore, if the gate is not JPMA-certified, it is not worth purchasing.

For those parents who have babies and toddlers who are relentless when it comes to trying to escape from an area that has a baby gate, they may want to consider whether a single-latch system will hold or if they need to move to a double-latch system. Something that makes it much harder for babies and toddlers to open retractable gates on their own.

According to Baby Post, if babies and toddlers are quite good at opening a single-lock system gate, then that gate does not provide the safety that little ones need. Instead, they should purchase a retractable baby gate that has a double-latch system.

That way, even if the top lock is able to be undone, the second one on the bottom will prove to be more difficult. And if nothing else, give parents a second to get to their little ones before the baby gate comes down.

Retractable baby gates come in several heights and lengths. While the length is a non-negotiable, given it has to fit the area to be blocked off, the height is. Something that parents will want to take into consideration if they plan on using the baby gate for longer than just toddlerhood.

According to KidsHealth, baby gates need to be at least 22 inches high or "no less than three-quarters the child's height." As such, if parents are planning on using a baby gate for an extended time, it may be worth getting a larger gate from the get-go so that several gates do not need to be purchased, leading to extra money being spent.

If there are pets in the household, they need to be taken into consideration when purchasing a retractable gate as well. This will ensure that the fur babies can get to where they need in the house and not destroy the gate in the process.

According to Retract-A-Gate, the mesh is made from "reinforced polymer composite." This will stop dogs and cats from being able to chew or scratch through the screen.

Depending on where the retractable gate is mounted cats may be able to jump over it to get to where they need in the house. Dogs will be confined to where the gate is. The only issue there may be is if the gate is up off the ground to an extent where either can crawl under. But, if this is the case, babies likely can as well.

The retractable baby gates work well in a home with pets because they can be retracted when little ones are napping or are in bed for the night, allowing pets to roam as they normally would. Something that wood and metal gates do not allow for.

Source: BabyGates Expert, Consumer Reports, JPMA, Baby Post, KidsHealth, Retract-A-Gate

Jessica is a writer based out of California. She is a mom to two fiercely independent, fun-loving girls and wife to a man who helps her find balance in life. Jessica is an avid runner, consumer of really great cups of coffee, and enjoys adventuring off the beaten path whenever possible. Family is number one to Jessica and is what makes living this crazy, hectic, beautiful life worthwhile.