Assembly: How easy was the gate to install? Were the instructions clear? Were any additional tools or fixings required? Both, if possible. Stair gates should be used to close off dangerous spaces. It’s best to use screw-fit stair gates at the top of the stairs where possible. Are pressure-fit stair gates safe? Ways to keep your family living costs down, and kids of all ages happy Get our Family newsletter – it's free monthly. When testing and selecting the best stair gates we considered, safety, ease of installation, suitability, fit and value. We also tested Lindam's other gate, the Sure Shut Deco. While more expensive, it received a similar score from our tester and has previously passed Which?'s safety testing. This is why we have chosen the Sure Shut Deco as Mumsnet Best. Pros

We love the fact it can be used inside door frames or fitted to walls either side of the door and –thanks to its 180-degree mount – it can be installed at an angle giving it the stability of other screw-fit, metal gates in this list but the versatility of a material/mesh model. Pressure-mounted or pressure-fit gates require no drilling and rely on pressure to stay in place. When you buy a pressure mounted gate from Munchkin, all the tools and fixings you need are included with your gate. The gates must be fitted between two flat, structurally-sound surfaces. Full visual instructions for installation are provided in the instruction manual included with your gate.Day-to-day use: Does the gate do the job it’s supposed to? Does it withstand a toddler’s weight? Is it easy to open and close with one hand? Pressure-fit gates are very safe for use at the bottom of a staircase or in a doorway, as long as they’re installed correctly and regularly tightened as necessary. The most popular recommendations were pulled together to include in a longlist of approximately 30 stair gates, then whittled down to form our final shortlist. How we tested the stair gates

An opening mechanism that can be operated with one hand, so that you can safely use the gate while carrying a baby or toddler Material A wooden or metal side-opening stair gate will need plenty of room to swing open, so you need to think about potential obstructions and whether it will be awkward to navigate around. Space A retracting or concertina stair gate is ideal for areas with restricted space or if you want the gate out of sight when it’s not in use. You can buy wide gates or extensions if the opening you want to cover is particularly big. Pressure-fit stair gates are ideal for use in rented accommodation as installation requires absolutely no drilling. This type of stair gate comprises a U-shaped metal frame, which squeezes against your wall or bannister, holding the gate in place through pressure alone. It often requires a small cup to be applied to your wall with an adhesive, which the bolts of the gate then sit in. It’s also a good idea to watch out for the uncovered bottom corner of the gate, as the turning circle is slightly wider than average and it’s easy to catch a bare foot.It’s recommended that you invest in a high-quality stair gate as soon as your baby starts crawling and/or walking, but when it comes to something as important as your child’s safety, how do you know which is the best stair gate to buy? With the many, many essential baby items you’ll be buying – from bottles to car seats – it can be tempting to either put off spending money on a stair gate or consider not getting one at all. Babies and toddlers are explorers at heart, so it’s worth getting a stair gate before they’re even showing signs of crawling or walking. It’s surprising that the Easy Fit Plus Deluxe is essentially Lindam’s entry-level pressure gate: it’s less expensive than the auto-closing Porte and Orto, and less striking to look at than the Deco – but it performs impressively in every metric tested. Screw-fit gates are the best type to use at the top of the stairs because they are the most secure and don’t cause a trip hazard. Wall mounted gates or wall-fix safety gate or stairgate are usually installed by drilling into the surrounding walls