Why do you need a baby gate for multiple configurations? Because babies and toddlers are expert explorers that quickly figure out how to get into lots of dangerous places around the house and you need a way to keep them safe!
So, do you need to babyproof half a room, an odd-shaped corner, a large object or two, or just want to corral those kiddos?
What’s a mom to do? Behold the baby gate for multiple configurations!
This style of gates will leave you gaping in awe! There just isn’t much one of these can’t do.
Need a crazy shape? Covered. Need to block a large area? No problem. Need something from wall to wall? This gate can handle it.
Still not convinced? Check this out:
1. L-Shaped Double Danger Duty
When to use:
Section off more than one dangerous area at a time by positioning this gate in an L-shape. All you need is two walls to attach the ends to and you can reclaim that area for “big people” only.
2. U-Shaped Enclosure…aka Fireplace Screen
When to use:
Sometimes you just have one place in the room that you need to keep the baby clear of…the rest of the room is A-OK. If that’s the case, just remove any of the panels you don’t need, in order to make it the right size.
Then position the gate in a U-shape around whatever it is that is either a danger to the little one (or that the little one is a danger to)!
3. Extra Wide Space or Doorway
When to use:
Do you have a really wide doorway or want to split a room in half?
Even if your contact points are not right across from each other, one of these gates will do the trick. Just attach to the walls on either side, even if it’s curved or otherwise odd-shaped, and you are all set!
4. Wrap-Around Protector
When to use:
Perfect for keeping the kiddos from climbing all over odd-shaped items that just happen to be in an otherwise safe area. Bend and contort the panels this way and that to suit your needs!
5. Partition & Block Off Dangerous Areas
When to use:
Make certain parts of your home off-limits…especially dangerous areas such as stairways or open railings. If the gate isn’t quite long enough (and these come in some great lengths!), make a longer one by adding another gate or an extension piece.
So, unless you need a baby gate to do a backflip…one of these will be able to do whatever you want.
Some of the gates featured on this page may also work as stand-alone play yards that connect to themselves, not to any walls or doorways. If you want to corral your baby in, rather than keep them out of a room or area, then please check out our full set of reviews for the best play yards and playpens available! Sometimes it is simply easier to keep a child inside the boundaries rather than trying to keep them out.
Here are The Best Baby Gates for Multiple Configurations
We are committed to bringing you the best choices for baby gates for multiple configurations, so we base our reviews on extensive research and customer reviews. Knowing what experiences other parents have gives us valuable information that we then use to compare and contrast the various options.
Our Pick: Toddleroo by North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard
OUR PICK
Best for Multiple Configurations
Toddleroo by North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard
This gate is in a class of its own! It offers so many options for different shapes and sizes and consistently makes customers so happy that we just had to make it our #1 pick!
Height: 30 inchesWidth: 144 inches (6-panel) or 198 inches (8-panel)Note (If any): Can be used a stand alone play yard with 10 sq. ft (6-panel) or 19 sq. ft. (8-panel).
An extremely versatile gate, this comes as either witha 6-panels that stretches up to 12 feet or 8-panels that stretches up to 16.5 feet. Plus, it is customizable by either purchasing additional 2-panel extensions or by removing panels to make it smaller. Let it bend and twist at the junction of each panel to get the configuration you need.
The 30” tallhigh panels are built of steel and are a neutral beige color to complement any home. It has rubber feet to keep it from scratching your floors, and an auto-closing door with a safety latch that can be operated with one hand.
Designed to be attached to walls, door frames, or other solid surfaces unless attached to itself, it is generally classified as a permanent- mount gate, but works great as a play yard, as well. If used as a play yard, it provides 10 sq. ft. of space with 6 panels or 19 sq. ft. of space with 8 panels.
It can also be installed at an angle and can accommodate extra-high baseboards, so no matter where you want it, it will probably work.
PROS:
- Freestanding, if used as a play yard attached to itself
- Rotating joints at each panel for many different configurations
- Automatic- closing door
- One-handed opening with a double-locking latch
- Can be installed at an angle
- Customizable and configurable for different- sized areas
- Extra panels available to buy in sets of 2
- Comes in 2 sizes
CONS:
- One of the more expensive baby gates on the market
- Limited color option (not available in white, despite photos shown)
- Panels have male-female connectors which limits ability to configure individual panels
The Bottom Line
If you can afford this gate and have some unique configuration needs, you are a perfect candidate for this babyproofing solution! It’s a lot of gate, but when you need it, nothing beats what this one has to offer! The fact that you can infinitely add more panels really makes it versatile.
Wooden Option:
North States 3-in-1 Wood Superyard
Do you love the Toddleroo by North States, but want the beauty of wood?
This is the honey-oak finish wooden version of that gate! It comes as a 6-panel gate that spans 151” wide and stands 30” tall.
You can also remove a panel or buy an additional 48” panel to get the size you need.
Best for budget: Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Gate and Play Yard
Best for Budget
Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Gate and Play Yard
If this gate will fit the space you want to cover, it does a great job of handling most super-wide spaces needs at a great price.
Height: 28 inchesWidth: 192 inchesNote (If any): Has 8 panels and can convert to a 19 sq. ft. freestanding play yard
This heavy-duty steel 8-panel super-wide gate stretches to an amazing 192-inch length and stands 28” tall. The panels are removable to make it shorter, or you can buy 2 gates to make it longer. There are no additional extension pieces to add just a few inches or feet. It has a walk-thru door with a safety-locking feature, but does not automatically close. It can be attached to itself to be used as a stand-alone play area, or can be attached permanently to two walls to partition off an entire area, plus can be installed at an angle. It also can easily be removed from the permanent mounts if you need to take it down for a while and it folds flat for storage.
PROS:
- Covers an amazing 16 feet of linear space
- Built of 8 removable steel panels with adjustable joints
- Versatile and configurable
- Walk-thru door with safety latch
- Folds flat to 6” thick for easy storage
- Can convert to a 19 sq. ft. freestanding play yard
CONS:
- Bright red lock that attracts the attention of kids
- Can join two full gates together, but can’t buy just additional panels or install with an odd number of panels
- Included permanent-mount hardware may not be sufficient
The Bottom Line
This can be installed as a large stand-alone play yard or as a super-wide baby gate and works well in multiple configurations. The price tag is attractive and it certainly gets the job done. I love that it really is so long…because this will cover most situations in the average home.
Dreambaby Royale Converta 3 in 1 Play-Yard
Height: 29 inchesWidth: 151 inchesNote (If any): 6 Panels
This versatile 6-panel play yard is 151” wide by 29” tall.
It comes with hardware to attach it to a wall, but can also be attached to itself. Plus, you can buy additional 2-panel extensions to allow you to cover more space.
The walk-thru door is a nice feature, but keep in mind that though the gate frame itself is made of steel, the hinges and latch system all contain plastic parts. It is nice that the door has a stay-open feature when you need to move through the area multiple times and don’t have your hands free.It folds flat for storage, but while in use can be configured in many different ways, such as a fireplace guard, a stand-alone play yard, or a room barrier. It isn’t the sturdiest gate in this category according to the reviews, but works adequately.
PROS:
- Has 6 steel panels
- Walk-thru door with safety latch
- Folds flat for storage
- Extra panels can be purchased to extend the length
- Comes in 3 color options (black, charcoal (dark grey), and white)
CONS:
- Not the sturdiest gate
- Shorter than the competition, unless you buy extensions
- Makes a fairly small play yard without any extensions
- Fairly expensive considering the reviews
The Bottom Line
Overall, this gate comes in third place, but it is still adequate. The price is a bit steep considering that only about 50% of consumers are really happy with it. It is not necessarily a bad gate, but your mileage may vary.
Costzon Baby Safety Gate, 4-in-1 Fireplace Fence
Height: 28 inchesWidth: 150 inches ( 6-panel) or 181 inches (8-panel)Note (If any): Available in 2 sizes
This 4-in-1 white metal gate comes with your choice of either 6 panels or 8 steel panels.
It has a 17.5” wide walk-thru door with a double-latching system and it can be opened in either direction.
It can be attached to the wall, as well, with the included hardware.
Use it as:
- A free-standing play yard2. A fireplace guard3. An extra-wide barrier4. A door gateAnd so much more!
You can add or remove panels to create the size and shape you need. The rotating plastic joints make it easy to create whatever shape you need.
You can either screw this gate to your wall for a more permanent installation or use the screwless pressure-mount adaptors.
PROS:
- Adjusts to fit over crown molding
- Configurable and adjustable
- Can be permanently-mounted, pressure-mounted, or used as a play yard
- Folds for easy storage
CONS:
- Installation instructions are not very useful
- Plastic joint connections fairly cheap and may break over time
- Extra panels not available for sale
The Bottom Line:
If you are looking for an extra-wide gate that can be pressure-mounted, this is a good option. We like that it is quite versatile and that you can adjust its size by adding/removing panels (extra-panels are not individually for sale, however!). Lots of happy customers with this gate!
Product Comparison
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Products |
OUR PICK: Toddleroo by North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard |
RUNNER UP: Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Gate and Play Yard |
Dreambaby Royale Converta 3 in 1 Play-Yard |
Costzon Baby Safety Gate, 4-in-1 Fireplace Fence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Image | | | | |
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Check on Amazon | ||||
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Instructions manuals |
– | |||
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Height |
30″ |
28″ |
29″ |
28″ |
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Fits |
144″-198″ |
Up to 192″ |
Up to 151″ |
150″-181″ |
|
Extensions |
Available But Sold Separately |
No Extension |
Available But Sold Separately |
Available But Sold Separately |
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Certified |
JPMA & ASTM |
ASTM |
– |
– |
Tips to install, use, and care for your multiple configurations baby gates properly
Before attempting to install or use your multiple configurations baby gate, make sure that you have measured the opening/area and have all the pieces handy and laid out. Also, make sure that you have read any instructions that came with your gate and have the proper tools ready.
Most of these types of gates can be permanently-mounted, if desired, allowing you to install the brackets with screws into your wall. If your opening has a wooden door frame, you will likely need an electric screw gun to drill a pilot hole with a small drill bit before screwing the brackets into place. If there is only drywall to screw into, make sure to use drywall anchors to ensure that the screws hold properly.
Make sure that you measure properly and mark the wall before attempting to install the brackets. Most permanently-mounted gates are a bit tricky to install, so we suggest having a helper to hold everything in place as you measure, align, and screw everything into place. Sometimes a second set of hands just makes the whole process simpler!
Don’t hesitate to upgrade any necessary hardware or screws if the included ones are too short or not strong enough. A quick trip to your local hardware store will provide you with longer, stronger screws than most gates come with and many customers find that it is simply easier and better to plan to do this, even though we all agree that we shouldn’t have to.
If you choose to use your multiple configurations gate as a freestanding play yard or if it coms with pressure-mounted adaptors, you will not need to screw it into your wall. We still suggest having a helper to help you get it all set up into place to make it easier, though!
One of the great things about these style of baby gates is their unique ability to be configured into so many shapes and sizes. You can use them to block off dangerous areas, such as fireplaces, woodstoves, or large pieces of equipment. Or they are handy for blocking off areas around odd-shaped stairwells.
It may take a bit of creativity to figure out the best placement for the ends of your extra-wide gate…should you use the wall or a nearby door jamb? Should you put the gate in an L-shape or try to curve it? Try a few different configurations that allow the gate to zigzag back and forth to create sturdiness, if it is long enough to do so.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you will want to position your walk-thru gate at the most convenient location. Once you figure out where that will be, then add or remove any extra panels to make everything fit just right.
If your extra-wide gate or play yard become dirty over time, simply use a washcloth to wipe it down with mild soap and water.
Final Words
Now you know that a solution exists for even the wackiest scenario imaginable when it comes to childproofing your home. It may not be cheap, but really compared to an average size gate, it’s amazing how much length you can get for your money! Have fun twisting and turning and making silly shapes while keeping your baby safe and out of trouble!
Happy Baby-Gate Shopping!
Reference:https://parent.guide/baby-gates/
