10 Best Freestanding Baby Gates (+ Reviews)

You will need good freestanding baby gates once your little bundle of joy starts crawling with the energy of a kitten and the speed of light. 

Toddlers love to explore all areas of the home including the danger zones like the stairs, kitchen, and areas of the parlor where electrical devices and switches are.

A very good freestanding baby gate will give your little adventurer the freedom to move and explore places safe for them while keeping them away from hazardous areas of the home. 

We’ve put together a list of some of the best freestanding baby gates to help keep your child safe. 

Types Of Baby Gates

There are different types of baby gates and it is good to know the various options so that you can make a better choice. 

Retraceable gates 

These baby gates have the same working principle as that of a roller blind. You fit one side of a retraceable baby gate to a doorway or wall while you extend the other side and attach it to a hook. 

This type of baby gate is a permanent structure and usually ideal for unusual angles. 

Pros 

• It is good for odd angles and wide spaces.

Cons 

• It is not as strong as other baby gates because it is made from fabrics. 

Pressure mounted baby gates

This type of baby gate makes use of tension on each side to keep it in a firm position. 

Pressure mounted baby gates are made of different materials and sizes, and have extension kits for wider spaces. They are easier to fit and move around the home. They are even good for traveling but you have to be watchful of the base bar which is a potential trip hazard. 

These types of baby gates are the best if you want to prevent falling accidents. And they are best used in areas like level surfaces, and bottom of the stairs. 

Even though you don’t drill holes to fit this type of baby gate, the pressure points can still leave marks on the areas that they make contact. 

Pros

• It is portable 
• It is quick and easy to install 
• It won’t leave holes behind on the walls when you remove it 

Cons 

• The tension has to be accurate so that your baby doesn’t push the baby gate over 
• It is not as sturdy as the hardware option 
• The base bar can cause your baby to trip

Hardware mounted gates 

These are the sturdiest options when it comes to baby gates. These types can be screwed into walls, banisters, door frames, etc. and the screws hold them securely in place. 

However, they can be more difficult to fit in the home when compared to other types of baby gates as they need precise and careful measurements for accuracy. 

But there is a much less chance of tripping or stubbing your toes because they don’t have a base bar. If you choose this type of baby gate, remember to ensure it opens towards the landing and not towards the stairs. 

Pros 

• It has reduced trip hazard 
• It is sturdy and robust 
• Ideal for staircases

Cons 

• It is not portable 
• Once you remove it, you need to repair the holes left in the wood frame

Freestanding baby gates

These types of baby gates don’t need any fitting and you can easily move them around with ease. These are the best option for wider openings and areas of the home with weird shapes. They have rubber feet and wider side panels that hold them in place. 

However, they are not as strong as pressure fitted or hardware baby gates but they are heavy enough to hold back a toddler and the toddler can’t move it. 

Freestanding or expandable baby gates are used to set up barriers in an instant. They can even be configured as a play pen and used to create a safe baby play room outdoors or in a large living room. 

Pros 

• It is good for unusual spaces like a wide doorway, kitchen, etc. 
• It is easy to move when you need it 

Cons 

• It can be burdensome 
• It is difficult to store when not in use
• It is less sturdy than other types of baby gates 

Freestanding baby gates are the most common type of baby gates used by a lot of parents, and this post lists the best freestanding baby gates you can find. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Baby Gates

Choosing the best baby gate is more than just picking one that is pleasing to your eyes or one that goes with your décor. There are lots of important things you need to put into consideration aside from aesthetics. These include:

Location of use

You have to decide where you would place this baby gate so that you can get the right one to suit your exact need. If you want to prevent them from falling down the stairs, a hardware mounted baby gate is the best option. If you want to keep your child away from the kitchen or bottom of the stairs, a pressure mounted baby gate would serve that purpose. 

But if you want to create a no-go barrier for your child in any location, in the house, then opt for a freestanding baby gate.  

Measure your space 

Baby gates come in various lengths and sizes, so you need to measure the gap you have so that you can get the right baby gate for that. Some areas of your home may be so large that you may have to get extension panels. 

Measure the space carefully where you wish to place your baby gate. 

If your space is small, narrowed, or has an awkward angle, a retractable baby gate will serve you best. 

Do you have pets? 

If you have pets and you want to keep them away from your little one, you should get a baby gate with a pet door. 

Your child’s height 

This is also important. Knowing how tall your child is will help you get the right baby gate to serve you best. Most baby gates are 30-inch high, this should be high enough to stop most kids up to the age of 2. 

However, if your child is taller, there are baby gates that are taller than 30-inch and you should go for that. 

Do you want to move your baby gate around? 

It would be frustrating having a baby gate at every doorway. If you want to place a baby gate when and wherever you want it, you should consider getting a baby gate with flexible installation.

This permits you to move it around, and put it anywhere you want to put it. 

Safety certifications 

This is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for baby gates. Certifications enforce safety standards which makes the baby gate safe for your child. 

A certification to check the product label for is the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA). This organization ensures that the set standards are being obeyed. 

Do you want to open and close the gate easily? 

Most parents love a gate that is easy to operate. Some baby gates have a one-hand system that makes it easy for you to manage but this is not suitable for a child over 2 years old. 

Others have a hand-free approach in which you unlock them using a foot pedal. Some baby gates swing open and others slide. There are also baby gates with a stay-open feature. 

Another thing you need to consider is how tight or securely the baby gate shuts. Some baby gates come with indicators that let you know if they’ve been properly locked and some have an auto-close function. 

However, some baby gates need to be locked manually when you have passed through them. 

The Best Freestanding Baby Gates

1. WELLAND Wooden Freestanding Baby Gate

This 24-inch wooden baby gate and room divider is one of the best you can get. It is built with a tough and elegant wood and 360 degrees’ metal hinges. It also has non-slip rubber pads. 

One good thing about this baby gate is that it is foldable and expandable. It comes fully assembled and it is easy to install. You also don’t need to secure it to a wall. 

The Welland wooden freestanding gate can be expanded to fit the width of stairs, bedrooms, balconies, kitchens, hallways, exits, entrances, etc. You can use it pretty anywhere you like. 

It is also easy to store and it takes up very little space when stored. 

Sharon, Co-Founder and Career Coach of  Management Help LLC said “When my kids were younger, I used the WELLAND Wooden Freestanding Baby/Pet Gate. 

It’s a very sturdy gate that is made of tough wood so my babies were able to use it as a support to stand, all the while preventing them from going out of their play area. 

I loved that it is non-slip because of its non-slip rubber pads so the gate doesn’t move from one place to another, and this is a very important feature when taking care of kids. 

It is easy to assemble and easy to store so I am very happy with this product.”

Pros 

• Sturdy and excellent quality 
• No assembling required 
• Beautiful and can go with most home décor 

Cons

• We didn’t find any major issue with this baby gate 

Buy on Amazon.

2. Toddleroo by North States 3 in 1

You will love this versatile and reliable freestanding baby gate. The swing walk through door panels has a child-proof double locking mechanism. 

Apart from acting as a protective barrier, it can also be used as a portable playpen. 

It can be configured to fit any open space and it has locking panels. It is 30 inches tall, 144 inches wide and weighs 34 pounds. Suitable for kids aged 3 months to 2 years old. 

Pros 

• The extension option is infinite 
• A double locking system is used for extra security 
• It can serve as a portable playpen 
• Has walk through door panels 
• It can be installed in angled walls, openings, and uneven walls 
• It can be a hardware mounted or freestanding baby gate 
• It has a heavy duty metal frame 
• This baby gate is extra wide 
• It is JPMA certified 

Cons 

• If you configure it to use an odd number of panels, you must purchase an additional mounting kit. 
• It doesn’t have a specific walk through gate 

Get this product on Amazon. 

3. Evenflo Versatile Play Space: Easy configurations

This versatile play space for kids offers an enclosed fun and safe place that keeps your baby secured and free from hazards. It has a unique reversible leg feature for outdoor use which gives lawn stability and it is not movable. 

It can be used on any type of indoor floor surface due to its non-scratch floor pads. The unique design allows quick and easy set-up and also folding. You can easily fold and attach the six UV weather resistant interlinked panels. 

It is easy to transport due to its sleek edges and a molded handle. You can increase the size of this baby gate with extra extension panels that are sold separately. 

It is 28 inches high, weighs 16.88 pounds, and made of plastic. It is ideal for kids aged six months to 24 months old. 

Pros 

• It is lightweight 
• Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use 
• It comes with additional panels 
• Any panel can serve as a door of access 
• It has UV-weather resistant panels 
• You don’t need any tool to set up this freestanding baby gate 

Cons 

• It is kinda flimsy 

Buy on Amazon.

4. Summer Custom Fit Walk-Thru: Extra Wide Baby Gate

This freestanding baby gate for summer will enable you to keep your baby in place. The walk through door is wide and made of high quality materials. It is 143 inches wide and 30 inches tall. 

One good thing about this baby gate is that you can configure it in extra-wide openings, spaces with odd shapes, and even create play areas for your baby in a corner of your home. 

It can also serve as a hardware mounted baby gate and it is easy to install. The installation will secure the gate in place. 

Pros 

• It is very wide and tall 
• It can serve as three types of baby gates: pressure mounted, wall mounted, and freestanding baby gate. 
• It is ideal for toddlers 
• It has a stylish and decorative neutral gray color

Cons 

• It has no specific walk through gate 
• You can’t use it on uneven surfaces 
• You need extra hardware mounting tools to assemble 

Get this adorable baby gate on Amazon.

5. Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide: Adjustable Baby Gates and Play Yard Combo

If you need just one freestanding baby gate that you can use in a variety of ways in your home, then you should get this one. It is perfect for uneven walk through, wide space, angled spaces, door frames, hallways, fireplace, and other dangerous areas of the home. 

The panels can be attached to detachable posts and this gives room for a wide range of shaping options. You can mount this baby gate effortlessly to the wall. 

It has a double lock lever handle that allows adults to pass through it. 

Pros

• It is portable and easy to store 
• You can easily convert it from a super-wide baby gate to a 8 panel stand-alone play yard 
• There is a walk through gate 
• The wall mounting hardware is included in the package 
• It is ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and JPMA certified 
• It comes with a 90-day guarantee 

Cons 

• We couldn’t find any major issue with this amazing baby gate 

Get this amazing product on Amazon.

6. PAWLAND: Extra Wide and Tall Baby/ Dog gate

This rubber wood freestanding baby gates are extra tall and this will prevent your toddler or pets from jumping over it. 

It also has multiple uses. You can convert it into a fence, a room divider, a pet pen or door. It is a pressure mounted freestanding gate that is made of strong steel wire and sturdy wood. 

It has rubber pad feet that are non-slip. This feature will protect your floor surface. 

Pawland baby gate is easily foldable, it is easy to set up and also to store. It comes assembled and comes with a set of support feet. 

Pros 

• It can expand to fit almost any width 
• It comes fully assembled 
• It is foldable for easy storage 
• It goes with almost any array of color 

Cons 

• The quality control can be improved on 

Buy on Amazon.

7. Dreambaby Chelsea Auto Close Freestanding Baby Gate

The Dreambaby Chelsea freestanding baby gate is made of steel and it is wide enough to hold back your little one from exploring dangerous places. 

It is 28 to 32 inches wide and 29.5 inches tall. 

It has a double lock system that ensures your little one doesn’t go through the entry. The primary lock is located at the top and it is a slide button. 

Another wonderful feature about this baby gate is the stay-open component which is ideal for moms when you need the entryway to be totally opened. This is helpful for times when your hands are full, you are engaging visitors, or you are gathering the dishes. 

Pros

• It is sturdy and strong 
• It can fit a wide open space 
• The smart stay-open and auto-close feature makes it easy and convenient to use when busy. 
• Has an EZY-check indicator which helps you to know if your baby gate is securely locked and properly installed. 

Cons 

• It cannot fit smaller openings 
• Some parents noted that a 9 months old baby can move the gate

Buy on Amazon.

8. Cardinal Gates Stairway Angle Freestanding Baby Gate 

This particular baby gate is designed for use on top of a stairway but you can also use it in all areas of the home. It is 27 inches wide and 24.5 inches tall. 

It has a latch system that enables it to be opened with just one hand by adults only. You can install it at any angle. It also has a stop bracket that prevents the gate from opening when your child is trying to open it. 

This gate provides more safety than some brands of freestanding baby gates. 

Pros 

• Amazing security system 
• Can be used on top of a stairway 
• It has a stop bracket that prevents opening over a stairway 

Cons 

• It may be challenging to install 
• The screws that come with it are not long enough to go into a stud, so you may have to buy your own screws to mount it. 

Get this sturdy freestanding baby gate on Amazon.

9. Munchkin Easy Close Metal Freestanding Baby Gate

This is not just a freestanding baby gate, it is a full security system, it has a double lock system that makes it difficult for your child to open thereby keeping your child safe from danger. 

It has a stylish design and looks luxurious thereby adding to the aesthetics of the home. 

It is 29.5 inches tall and 29.5 to 35 inches wide. 

Pros 

• It is easy to install and use
• Latex free baby gate 
• It can easily be cleaned with a mild soap, water, and damp cloth
• Its dual locking mechanism allows the door swing open in both directions 

Cons 

• We didn’t find any major con with this product 

Buy on Amazon. 

10. QDOS Crystal Freestanding Baby Gates

This baby gate makes baby-proofing beautiful. This brand takes baby gates to a new level with its see through and clear acrylic that will also compliment the beauty of your home. 

This product meets the US and Canadian safety standards and also meets the stringent European standards that are much tougher. 

It is made of high-quality metal and Perspex which gives extra shine and strength to the gate. It is highly durable. 

This baby gate comes with an additional kit that enables you to install it between the banisters and protect your child from stair injuries. 

It is easy to install and it comes with four screws that can be easily mounted without damaging the wall. 

It is 30.7 inches tall and 29.5 to 39.8 inches wide. 

Pros 

• Sturdy, strong, and beautiful 
• Certified kid-safe 
• Easy to install 

Cons 

• It cannot be used with extensions 

Buy on Amazon. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Freestanding Baby Gates

Are freestanding baby gates safe for babies? 

Yes, they are! Although, they are suitable for only babies because older kids can figure out how to escape. They can easily push the gates and get out. Pressure mounted baby gates are better for older kids. 

Where can freestanding baby gates be used? 

They can be used anywhere in the home except on the top of the stairs – this is because the child can fall over when they push hard enough.

Do I need tools to install a freestanding baby gate? 

Yes, you will need tools like a screwdriver or an allen key to put the sections of your baby gate together. However, some baby gates come already assembled and you can easily move them from room to room. 

Can  I use a freestanding baby gate outside? 

Yes, you can! Many freestanding baby gates with doors can be used outside. Look for the ones that have spikes, they can be stable when placed on the lawn. 

Can I wash my freestanding baby gate? 

Yes, you can! You simply wash the baby gate using soap and water and place it in an airy place to dry. 

Can I use a freestanding baby gate near a fireplace? 

Yes, many baby gates are perfect for protecting your child from a fireplace. But you have to read the user manual or instructions to see the rules of placing your baby gates near the fireplace. 

Conclusion

Most children switch from calm baby to turbo explorer overnight and they can always find their way into the most dangerous places in the home.

Instead of being worried every time and thinking of the next dangerous place your child could be, why not install a freestanding baby gate? 

This post contains some of the best freestanding baby gates available, with their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision of the baby gate to buy.

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