We have a great Evenflo gate. We initially put it at the top of the stairs about a year ago to keep the dogs gated, but now it's going to come in handy for baby proofing for DS, too. It's very easy to open one-handed, although I think it would be difficult for a child to figure out, and it seems really sturdy. It's stood up great to a year of use. I would buy it again in a second.
I have this first years gate from Target. I like how there isn't a bar you have to step over which is nice for the top of the stairs. We've only had it for about a week but we like it so far.
Re: Easy open gates