Also goodHome safetyCrawling to ~2 years
Perma Child Safety Wide Retractable Gate
A screw-mounted mesh gate with no floor bar when open — our choice for the top of the stairs.
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The top of the stairs is where a gate matters most, and that gate should be screwed into the wall or frame. This Australian-brand retractable gate is hardware-mounted, rolls away to the side when open, so there is no floor bar to trip over, and stretches up to about 1.4 m, which helps with wide or awkward openings. The trade-offs: you need to drill (renters, ask first), the mesh feels less solid than steel bars, opening it is a two-step job, and owner ratings are mixed — Bunnings shows middling scores, Amazon higher. Install it exactly as the manual says, mounted at the top level of the stairs rather than below it, and test it with a firm push.
Researched, not used by us · Not sponsored
Pros
- Hardware-mounted for the top of stairs
- No floor bar when open
- Fits wide openings up to about 1.4 m
- Low price
Cons
- Needs drilling
- Mesh is less rigid than a steel gate
- Mixed owner ratings; two-step opening
Who it suits
- Top of stairs
- Wide or open-plan gaps
Who should look elsewhere
- Renters who cannot drill
- Families wanting a one-hand walk-through gate
Price
$30–80
Typically $45–$85 at our last check (8 Nov 2026). Prices change — check the retailer.
Specs
| Gate type | retractable mesh |
|---|---|
| Mounting | hardware (screwed) |
| Top of stairs | yes, installed as instructed |
| Width cm | up to about 140 |
| Height cm | about 84 |
| Floor bar | no |
What to look for
- Look for No mandatory Australian standard for safety gates; brand lists ASTM/EN compliance on the label or in the product details.
- Screw into studs or a solid frame
- Mount at the top level of the stairs, not below it
- Check the mesh for tears
Where to buy in Australia
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Other home safety picks
Our pick for most familiesCrawling to ~2 years
Dreambaby Chelsea Auto-Close Security Gate
A pressure-fit metal gate that swings shut and latches itself — for doorways and the bottom of stairs.
Sources
Last checked 8 Nov 2026 · Report a problem with this pick