The so-called “Perfect Fit” gate we had purchased before might work with our earlier concerns (not scarring up the wall, supposedly one-hand easy-open latch), but did not meet the needs of reality. While holding a squirming four-month old, walking down our stairs, I could not open the gate with my hand, in fact, the squeeze action was too painful for my hands even if they were baby-free. Thankfully one of my physical therapists recommended a gate you opened by pushing a pedal and it definitely fit our needs.

There might be newer models or other brands on the market that meet the same needs, but we use The First Years’ Hand-Free gate. Instead of gripping and coercing a gate to move aside or lower while managing a baby, this gate operates by mashing a pedal with your foot. Doing so releases the gate to swing open, which is easy to do with a knee or a quick push with a free hand.

Pros
Eases strain on hands
Easy to use!
Extenders are available for purchase to make sure the width is correct for your stair/door openings
Sturdy

Cons
Medium priced
Made of metal
Design not “ideally” convenient to mash the pedal as you go down the stairs to open the gate (a small space on the step to get to it)
“Attaches” on both sides with a rubber pressure knob to the wall/banister, so it is not as secure/permanent as a screwed-in mount

Originally, we were just looking for something that would work and not scar the walls (hence our preference for plastic and a gate that did not permanently mount). Once the baby came, we realized once again, one’s ideals change. Although we still chose a gate that does not permanently mount into the wall (we don’t plan on being in our house very much longer due to the stairs), this gate offers a compromise in its ease of function.

Product review written by Carrie Beth Burns © 2008 butyoudontlooksick.com