Safety is a constant concern regardless of whether your first child is on the way or you already have a growing family. However, keeping your house secure can seem complicated and even overwhelming.
Parents browse the internet for childproofing guides to reduce potential risks, especially for cabinets and other furniture. This task can get complicated before you know it (not to mention time-consuming) as you prepare your home for a newborn. Let's discuss the best ways to childproof cabinets to help you quickly complete the task.
6 Best Options in Childproofing Cabinets (+ DIY Method)
If you're looking into child-safe cabinet and drawer locks that don't require drilling, this usually comes in five categories: spring latches, cord, cord adhesive, and magnetic locks. Read on to discover which is better for your needs, as each has unique advantages and drawbacks.
1. Magnetic Cabinet Locks
Magnetic cabinet locks are an excellent no-show solution because they are invisible from the cabinet's exterior. Until they attempt to open them, nobody will ever know that you have locks on your cabinets!
How to install: Peel the sticker away from the adhesive to place it, then use the yellow template to ensure it is aligned correctly. The lock latches shut when the cabinets are shut. A magnetic "key" activates the clasp to open them.
They also have a switch to disengage the lock, so you can use it if you need to open and close doors frequently while busy with something else.
2. Adhesive Cabinet Locks
Adhesive cabinet locks are one of the best childproof cabinet locks. It is usually made of two adhesive pads that are joined by a flexible band and are attached to the cabinet's sides. Although these locks are not as invisible as magnetic locks, they are highly versatile– meaning you can put them in a wide range of locations thanks to their flexibility.
These locks prevent children from exploring certain areas, including the refrigerator door, the trash can, or the toilet lid.
3. Cord Cabinet Locks
Another way to childproof your cabinets home is to use cord cabinet locks. These are cost-effective, easy-to-use solutions for surfaces that can be challenging to stick adhesives onto.
How to install: Similar to the cords you find in the hood of a raincoat, wrap the cord around the knobs. Then, tighten it with the cord stop.
Additionally, these locks are simple to relocate from one cabinet to another or another location if you move. They won't require installation or removal whether you take them with you to any other destination outside your home. Since these are among the less expensive options, many cord cabinet locks are relatively simple and prone to breaking.
4. Sliding Cabinet Locks
Sliding locks are another simple yet efficient way to childproof cabinets. They function best on handles but depending on the diameter; they can also work well on some knobs. It has a lock at the end that can be easily slid on and off the U-shaped plastic piece that loops through the handles.
Like cable locks, they are convenient for tenants, travelers, and grandparent visits as they don't need intricate installations.
5. Spring Latch Locks
Spring latch locks are great for drawers and cabinets. These are hidden from view from the cabinet's exterior and are attached using powerful adhesive. The hook and the optional grip are the two components of the latch.
Since the hook is spring-loaded, all you need to do to open a drawer or cabinet is pull it open slightly before pushing on the hook.
6. The Velcro DIY method
The DIY velcro approach is another good DIY option to have makeshift child safety strap locks. This approach will work best for younger toddlers but is not foolproof. A stronger toddler will be able to tug on the cabinet doors to open them. This simple approach is worth trying, especially if you already have some extra velcro strips around the house.
Best Childproof Cabinet Locks to Consider
If you’re browsing for child safety strap locks to add to your shopping cart, we’ve compiled our top picks as of late:
You need to install this peel-and-stick lock on the interior of cabinet doors. So when you need to open the doors, use the magnetic key that is provided to unlock them. If you need quick, regular access to a cupboard while your child isn't around, the safety lock feature can be engaged (and disengaged) with a simple push of a button. Just be careful to put the key out of your child's reach.
Other than keeping your cabinets and drawers secured, these latches can also hold down toilet seats and seal the doors of refrigerators, microwaves, and other appliances.
How to Install: Strong yet releasable adhesive holds each strap end. To release one end, you must simultaneously push down on both sides of the strap. Since the strap is flexible, you can latch it around any corner.
Simply peel and stick the lock inside your cabinet door or drawer to install these durable adhesive locks. Another benefit? You may place the magnetic key holder with them far up out of your child's reach. As a result, you'll constantly be aware of where the key is, and they will never be able to take it.
You can forget measurements and screwdrivers because these magnetic locks do not require installation tools. Talk about convenience, right? Using the included adhesive pads, it takes less than three minutes to install each one inside a drawer or cabinet. Once fitted, the Jambini locks' magnets may be turned off with a flick of a switch when toddlers are not around.
These U-shaped latches connect two knobs or handle together to prevent double doors from opening, which is a straightforward yet effective childproofing method. On double-door cabinets, they can accommodate a variety of knob and handle shapes placed up to 4.5 inches apart. It's simple for you to squeeze two inner buttons near one another to open, but it's difficult for your child to figure out. What’s more– no amount of tugging will make these break.
These versatile peel-and-stick latches can be used on anything, such as cabinets (even handleless ones), toilets, to refrigerators.
Additionally, the latches are provided with additional adhesives so you can remove them and reuse them elsewhere. You may reuse them again in the same place if you need to babyproof the area a second or third time!
Parental Supervision is the Key
Now that you’ve selected the best child safety strap locks to childproof your cabinets at home, this doesn’t go on to say you are all set. No amount of baby-proofing can replace the importance of parental supervision and meticulous monitoring. Remember that a curious toddler can get into different kinds of problems, and in some cases– they can bypass your child-proofing measures at home.
They move at a rapid pace. So, they may be digging through the trash or opening your knife drawer when you're preoccupied with something else. A good rule of thumb is to practice a habit of locking down your cupboards and drawers. Put a higher priority on the locations where you keep harmful items such as household cleaners, blades, pesticides, and medications.