When your babies show signs that they are able to crawl, this is when you should begin baby proofing your house, including drawers and cabinets. Babies know nothing about safety, and it’s our job as parents to install the safety measures required.
Your baby could have hundreds of toys, but whatever is in those drawers and cabinets will never be able to compete. Before we take a look at how you should and the ways in which you can baby proof your house, let’s talk about why you need to.
Before your baby came along, you’d never think that anything was dangerous. Drawers and cabinets are simply seen as storage spaces.
As soon as your babies enter the world and become adventurous and curious, this is where you’ll begin to realize just how dangerous certain things can be.
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Best Overall Cabinet Locks
Mama Of Five #1 Choice: Sliding Cabinet Locks for Child Safety
- Adjustable lock with multi-purpose use
- Easy to install and remove
- Reusable locks and easy adult access
- Peace of mind
Not only will you have peace of mind with this highly recommended magnet cabinet lock, but you don’t have to worry about spending hours installing or removing them.
These locks work on a variety of different handle types, whether you have knobs or longer handles. You can rest assured there will be a perfect fit.
Once you’ve moved on from the toddler stage and feel as if they are responsible enough to not touch the drawers or cabinets unless asked, they are easy to remove and don’t ruin any paint or materials underneath.
Take a look below at the list of top cabinet locks that you can choose from.
Our Top 10 – Quick View
#1 Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Use Latches
This incredible product can secure cabinets, drawers, appliances, toilet seats, and more. It includes a dual button operation used to release the latch which makes it difficult for a child to open, but easy for adults.
When you’re not using the latch, release and rotate and push it back to fasten. Because of the flexible strap, it allows for latching around corners, making it easy to fit.
Installation is quick and easy and includes adhesive which removes well without damaging any surfaces.
Pros
- Suitable for different styles of cabinets.
- Easy to install
- Very strong and durable
- Keeps little hands out of unwanted spaces.
Cons
- May need addtional help when removing – such as heat.
- Doesn’t come with extra adhesive for ‘just in case’ moments.
- Quite large in size.
#2 Adoric Sliding Cabinet Locks
This product is adjustable with an extra-long U-shaped latch. You have a maximum lock length of up to 5 inches, so plenty of room to adjust and play around if need be. The installation of Adoric Sliding Cabinet Locks is easy, and no drills or tools are required.
This product doesn’t have any adhesive designs, so you are able to conveniently remove the lock without leaving any marks on the furniture.
You get 4 pieces included within the pack, which means you have safety locks for multiple doors. They are also reusable and will meet the exact requirements for your needs.
Pros
- Easy installation and removal
- No drilling or tools are needed
- Durable
Cons
- Not very long for some cabinets or drawers
- Not great for use on round handles
#3 Safety 1st Adhesive Magnetic Lock System
This product is toddler tested and proves to be strong. It is discreet and hidden behind drawers and cabinet doors. You can use a magnetic key to unlock the lock and this can be stored safely out of reach.
To disengage the safety lock, you just push a button when it isn’t in use. Once it is activated, a secure tech locking indicator will confirm that the lock has become engaged.
It is easily installed and there are no tools required. However, you may need to use tools if you have certain materials such as particleboard.
Pros
- Worth the money
- Discrete and durable
- Easy to install
Cons
- Doesn’t contain extra adhesives
- Should be measured before purchase and can be too large for cabinets/drawers
#4 Baby Proofing Magnetic Cabinet Locks
The baby proofing magnetic cabinet locks will keep your curious baby’s fingers away. They are really easy to install, and no tools are required.
These cabinet locks are discrete which makes installing them aesthetically pleasing. The mini magnet is very powerful and they even work on doors up to 35mm thick.
Within each pack, you get 20 locks and 3 keys, along with spare tape so you’re able to remove and reuse them in the future.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Comes with extra adhesive
- Can be reused
Cons
- Don’t work on all drawers
#5 Eco-Baby Cabinet Locks for Babies
These cabinet locks for babies are easy to install with a simple measure, stick, and secure. No tools or drilling is required. Each lock comes with a 3m adhesive tape that resists any pulling of any drawer.
The Eco-Baby Cabinet Locks for Babies are very discrete and remain hidden from the outside world. You get extra accessories with these locks, including, 20 magnetic cabinet locks, 3 keys, an installation cradle, a measuring ruler, and extra 3m adhesive tape.
Pros
- Ideal for rented properties due to no tools required
- Work for every cabinet and drawer
- Great quality
Cons
- Doesn’t work with all drawer types
#6 Child Safety Strap Locks
These locks are adjustable so make it easy to child proof cabinets, drawers, fridges, ovens, toilets, washing machines, and trash cans. No tools are required for installation, making the process easy.
Each safety strap comes with a strong 3m adhesive tape to ensure that your home is secure. The locks adjust from 3” to 7” and they fit almost any sized furniture and appliance.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Ease of use
- Low profile lock
Cons
- Can only be resized once
#7 Upgraded Invisible Baby Proofing Cabinet Latch
This upgraded version of invisible baby proof cabinet latches has new features which include longer hook arms that even work in kitchens with countertop overhangs. This cabinet latch is easy for adults to use but secure against little fingers.
The installation is easy and no tools are required. The 3m strong adhesives create peace of mind for you in regards to security.
The invisible baby proofing cabinet latches are discrete and can be hidden behind your cabinet and furniture doors. You don’t have to worry about the latch not fitting on your cabinets because one size fits all.
Pros
- Suitable for all drawers and cabinets
- Easy to install
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- Latch is bigger in size
#8 SKYLA HOMES Baby Locks
These baby locks are multi-purpose which come with a high-grade 3m adhesive. The flexible strap means that you can bend them around items.
They are easy to install and easy to use for adults but keep prying baby fingers out. You will rest assured that this product provides the safety you’ve been looking for.
Pros
- Flexible but sturdy
- Quick and easy installation
- Replacement pads included
Cons
- Unable to readjust sizing
#9 Safety 1st OutSmart Flex Lock
This product includes a smart decoy button that can be pushed by a child and has no effect. The safety 1st outsmart flex lock can adjust to fit cabinets from 3” to 8” apart.
You will be thankful that this has easy installation and no drilling is required. They fit multiple designs, such as cabinet knobs and pull handles.
You can hang these conveniently out of sight for when they aren’t needed.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Adjustable
- Secure
Cons
- Hard to open at times
#10 BABY TRUST Baby Proofing and Child Proof Magnetic Cabinet Locks for Child Safety
These baby proofing and child locks are easy to install, with no screws or drilling required. They come with a 3m tape to keep them sturdy and in place.
The child locks are kept out of sight by being hidden behind closed doors. You can disable to lock when you don’t need it. You just flip the switch and your cabinets and drawers will open and close without the magnetic key.
This product works on most cabinet and drawer materials and sizes.
Pros
- Extra adhesive included
- Easy to install
- No drilling or screws needed
Cons
- Not suitable for metal or glass surfaces, painted cabinets or old wooden cabinets with a weaker fiber.
Why should I baby proof my house?
Children can use drawers as a ladder to reach higher areas. You may think that your baby isn’t this clever, but they are. They’re geniuses that will become perseverant when they realize there’s a space they can’t and shouldn’t get to.
Drawers and cabinets hide objects that can pose dangers to them, such as knives or poisonous substances.
Children don’t understand or know the definition behind pain, and when cupboards or drawers are open, they may not realize that their fingers are in the way and shut their fingers in them. This can cause serious injury.
The items in a drawer or cabinet are kept safe, concealed, and organized. Your child getting ahold of these items will mean that they won’t be in those spaces for long and will end up over your rooms because it’s what children find fun.
Mess is great for children, but not so much for us.
How do you baby proof a drawer?
There are many ways in which you can baby proof drawers and cabinets. There is a wide variety of drawer locks available on the market.
Be sure to read reviews from other parents before buying a specific lock. Not all of them are created equal, and some can be quite flimsy and easily manipulated by your child.
There are other things you should be wary of when looking at childproof items. Such as:
Buying childproof items can be a case of trial and error. If you find that one lock doesn’t work for you, or you find it difficult to use, try another.
Your drawers and cabinets are in daily use, so you will want something that you don’t spend hours trying to open. You will end up becoming really frustrated, and it might then become a reconsideration of whether you actually need the locks.
Be careful you’re not buying a lock that allows for a little crack. Prying fingers can still get into these spaces and can still be dangerous. You need a lock that is airtight.
If you rent your property, you may want to consider whether the locks you’re looking at purchasing need to be hardware mounted. Your landlord may not be happy with holes being placed and they may prohibit you from modifying any permanent fixtures.
If a lock you’re looking at has a magnet, ensure that the magnet is strong enough to stop your baby from forcing it open. Babies and children are very stubborn and will try their best to open any drawers and cabinets.
What should I baby proof?
When looking around your house, you might be confused as to where to start when it comes to baby proofing. Everything becomes a danger.
However, is it necessary to baby proof every single drawer and cabinet that you have? The answer is no. You don’t have to walk around putting baby proof everywhere, but the obvious places are a start.
Ensure that any cabinets and drawers that have dangerous objects in them are proofed. These could be cabinets such as; ones with hazardous substances (cleaning products, bleach, etc.) and drawers that contain knives or sharp objects.
You may also have a cabinet full of precious plates and glasses. That will need baby proofing. Babies are like magpies, anything shiny will attract their eyes.
Unplug any appliances when you’re not using them. This can help prevent a child from turning anything on. Ensure they are also out of reach from your child.
Anything that could pose a risk to your little one, should be baby proofed. Whether they could reach it, bump into it, pull it down onto themselves or fall from it, it’s time to look at how you can prove it.
Lock any items away that your baby could swallow, any cords or objects that could pose a serious risk, such as strangulation or suffocation.
Babyproofing stairs, laundry areas, kitchens and also windows, stairs, electrical cords, and power outlets are a serious consideration. All of these areas can create huge risks for children.
Types of baby proof locks
Adhesive Cabinet Locks
Adhesive cabinet locks are connected by a flexible band and have two adhesive pads that attach to each side of the cabinet.
These cabinet locks are visible on the outside of the drawer or cabinet, however, due to the fact they have a flexible band, there is a wide variety of places that you can install them.
Adhesive cabinet locks are great because they are easy to install, great for adults to use, and difficult for little fingers.
Latch Lock Baby Proof
These locks are what you will most likely think of when it comes to childproofing drawers. There is a latch lock which involves attaching a latch near the top of the drawer. It will hook securely to the top of a special piece of plastic that attaches above the drawer.
Once the latch has caught, the drawers are no longer able to be pulled open. The latch locks come in a variety of styles and have been specifically designed for drawers.
No Drilling Baby Proof
The most popular way to babyproof drawers without drilling is using a tension rod. Yes, that’s right. You can use a shower rod if need be.
This will only work if you have multiple drawers in a column. However, before you go running around to find a shower rod, you need to consider your drawer setup.
This method will only work if you have columns of drawers that are over 26 inches high. It is also a requirement for you to have a benchtop to overhang the drawers to ensure you have a surface for the rod to be firmly placed against.
If you’ve found that your drawers fit this description, all you need to do is press your tension rod against the floor and expand it so the wedges are spaces between the floor and your benchtop. This will mean that your child will be unable to open any drawer due to the tension rod pressing hard enough up against them.
If your drawers have handles rather than knobs, you may want to consider running the tension rod through each handle.
The best type of tension rod for this job is a stainless steel one. The stainless steel prevents the growth of bacteria, which is definitely needed considering it’s surprising how grubby things can get with a baby in the house.
When searching for a tension rod, consider the minimum and maximum distances to which it expands, just to make sure it fits within your measurements.
Magnetic Cabinet Locks
One great thing about magnetic drawer and cabinet locks is that they aren’t visible from the outside of the cabinet. So if you’re looking for a lock that can’t be seen, then these are great.
There are many great magnetic cabinet locks on the market that are easy to install and require no drilling. When cabinets or drawers close, the lock then latches shut. The magnetic ‘key’ will trigger the latch when you open them.
Some magnetic cabinet locks also have a switch to disengage the lock. This helps if you’re opening and closing the cabinet or drawer frequently in a short space of time.
You can disengage the lock so you don’t have to use the key again each time you need to grab something.
Other Childproofing Tips
As you’ve gained more knowledge on how to childproof and what you should be childproofing within your home, it’s time to add a bit more knowledge to your brain.
Keep a constant lookout on your child. We understand there are times when you may feel like you can take your eyes from your baby, even for a short period, but it’s best to keep your eyes on your baby at all times.
Remember children copy everything you do, so if they see you going in and out of drawers and cabinets, they’ll want to do the same.
Talk to your children about the dangers. It might be difficult to do this if you have a newly crawling baby. Although, there is never a time to start explaining the boundaries and how they can control their own safety.
How do you remove baby proofing adhesive?
One of the best ways to remove baby-proofing adhesive is by trying to remove it first without removing the foam backing. You could use a constant application of WD-40 and scrubbing with a wet cloth if you find you were unsuccessful.
This is also a great idea due to the fact it doesn’t remove any underlying paint or finish.
You may also want to consider using a hairdryer to warm up the adhesive, making it ‘wet’ and easier to manipulate and take off. Use a knife to peel the adhesive’s remaining material once the top is off.