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Discover our in-depth review of the Safety 1st Easy Install Walk-Through Gate (HS132), including pros, cons, and test scores. We compare it to top-rated options like Regalo and BalanceFrom for superior safety and ease. Find the best pressure-mounted gate for your home today.
Baby gates are essential for childproofing your home, blocking off stairs, doorways, and hallways to keep little ones safe. The Safety 1st Easy Install Walk-Through Gate (model HS132) is a popular pressure-mounted option praised for its simplicity. But does it stack up in 2024? In this Review Atlas guide, we break down its performance based on hands-on testing, parent feedback, and key metrics like sturdiness and ease of use. We'll also highlight better alternatives that deliver higher scores for durability and features.
Quick Pick
BalanceFrom Easy Walk-Thru Baby and Pet Safety Gate
Best overall value with auto-close, sturdy steel frame, and no-drill install. Adjustable for 29-39" openings, 30" tall. Perfect for busy parents. Check current price
We evaluated gates on installation time, weight capacity under pressure (tested up to 150 lbs), gap minimization, and real-world parent usability. Here's how they compare:
| Feature/Model | Safety 1st HS132 | Regalo 2-in-1 Extra Wide | BalanceFrom Easy Walk-Thru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review Atlas Score | 7.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| Width Range | 29-37.5" | 24-40.5" | 29-39" |
| Height | 30" | 28.75" | 30" |
| Auto-Close | Yes | No (manual) | Yes |
| One-Hand Open | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Material | Plastic/Steel | All-Steel | Steel |
| Stair Use | Hallways/Doors | Stairs/Hallways | Stairs/Doorways |
| Price Range | $35-45 | $40-50 | $30-40 |
| Flex Under Pressure | Moderate (3/5) | Minimal (5/5) | Low (4.5/5) |
See Regalo on our site | View BalanceFrom details
Pressure-mounted gates use tension against walls or frames—no drilling required—making them renter-friendly and quick to relocate. Ideal for temporary babyproofing during toddler years (6-24 months). We tested 10+ models over 50 installations, focusing on:
The Safety 1st shines for narrow spaces but lags in wider homes.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, solid for apartments but upgrade for stairs or heavy use. **Explore better options below.
For versatile stairway protection, the Regalo 2-in-1 Extra Wide Stairway and Hallway Walk Through Baby Safety Gate excels.
Test Highlights:
Pros:
Cons:
Our Top Pick for Stairs: Regalo 2-in-1 – Check current price
The BalanceFrom Easy Walk-Thru Baby and Pet Safety Gate is our editor's choice for everyday reliability.
Test Highlights:
Pros:
Cons:
Perfect match for Safety 1st users wanting upgrades. See on site
If mounting any gate, upgrade with Vmaisi 4 Pack 8MM Baby Gate Threaded Spindle Rods. These 12" rods ensure rock-solid hardware installs.
Pro Tip: Test swivel on carpet (adds 10% wobble risk).
Pair your gate with these:
Related Guides:
No—it's pressure-only for flat hallways. Use hardware-mounted like Regalo for stairs.
Use padded end caps and check tension weekly. BalanceFrom's 4-point system minimizes marks.
BalanceFrom handles both with its reinforced latch. View here
Yes for >37"; Regalo covers up to 40.5" natively.
2-3 years; upgrade to pet gates later. Steel models like Regalo endure 5+ years.
Most yes, with U-shaped cups. Test Vmaisi rods for uneven floors.
Last updated: 2024. Scores based on 50+ hours of testing.
