Your child is learning and growing and very soon, you will need to learn how to baby proof your cabinets & cabinets before they find out how to open them!
Babies love to explore their environment and test what is shiny, fun, and tasty. However, how many times has your little one decided to go on an adventure into the kitchen cabinets or drawers? Has your infant tried to conquer the bathroom cabinets in attempt to finding something cool to play with? What about your bedroom dressing drawers? If you have experienced any of the prior issues, guiding your child and having a good guide to help you find the best way to baby proof cabinets & drawers is definitely a must.
Safety is top priority when children reach the age of exploration. As you know, cabinets and drawers are storage places for hazardous household products and sharp objects that babies can potentially harm themselves with. In addition to this, cabinets & drawers have the ability to jam little fingers and cause a whole leap of discomforting crying fits. Mother, fear not. Thankfully we have you covered! Kick your feet up and rest assured. Here is our tried and true guide to how to baby proof your cabinets & drawers.
Different types of Cabinet & Drawer Locks
In general, there are about 4 – 5 types of commonly used cabinet & drawer locks that can securely close them and keep those little curious fingers away. Depending on what type of cabinets or drawers you have, you’ll be able to find a suitable lock that is simple to install and durable to keep your little one away.
Here are the different locks available in the market:
– Magnetic Locks
– Adhesive Locks
– Cord Cabinet Locks (mainly for cabinets)
– Tension Rod (mainly for drawers)
– Furniture Anchors
Magnetic Locks
One of the best child proof cabinet locks is hands down the Magnetic Lock. This type of lock is completely easy to use and hard for curious toddlers to access. Most magnetic locks consist of a set of locks with a single key exclusively for parents. This feature allows you to install the locks on virtually any cabinet and drawers that you desire to keep locked.
Additionally, this type of cabinet lock does not require arduous hardware mounting. The way this locking system works is it is typically mounted inside of your cabinet. The cabinet lock will not unlock until the key holder opens it with the included magnetic key. When you desire to open the locked drawer, you can simply place the key in front of the lock with one hand, turn it and pull the cabinet door with the other.
When you wish to utilize cabinets or drawers when cooking, you can simply deactivate locks during that length of time. Just remember to reactivate when finished or your little one will find that golden opportunity to explore the cleaning products!
The magnetic cabinet locks are extremely minimal. If you live in a rented apartment where you are unable to incur damage on the cabinets or drawers, this will be the perfect fit for you.
Safety 1st Magnetic Locking System, 1 Key and 8 Locks (Click here to read reviews and check price)
Adhesive Locks
The adhesive locks are another way to baby proof cabinets without drilling and screws. This method is a not so permanent option, only requiring two anchor points to stick on the surface of your cabinets, cupboards, and drawers.
Many of the adhesive locks are budget-friendly. This means that with this childproof option, you will not need to spend loads of money to maintain security for your baby. The only extra requirement is that you clean device in the area of attachment to ensure the best hold for your buck.
Using this type of lock also prevents you from unnecessary wall mounting and damage. This provides the versatile option of disassembling the lock and relocating somewhere else. Simply place adhesive where needed and go! This option puts you at ease while you keep your little one safe from harm.
Lastly, the adhesive cabinet lock is a smart option for those who live in spaces where cosmetic customization is not allowed.
Vanguard Safety Adjustable Cabinet Locks with 3M Adhesive for Cabinets & Drawers (Click here to read reviews and check price)
Cord Cabinet Locks
Another one of the best cupboard locks for babies is the cord cabinet lock. Most of these models come with an adjustable cord that can easily wrap around two adjacent cabinet knobs of any size. Simply pull cord to adjust the lock in place. Slide the main stopper up as tight as you wish to maintain a safe hold.
This is such a simple option that all members of the family can help keep spaces secure from baby. In addition, if you would like to disengage the lock, all that is needed is a quick adjustment of the cord’s main stoppers that slacken the firm hold. This is so easy and simple!
Kiscords Baby Safety Cabinet Locks for Knobs (Click here to read reviews and check price)
Kiscords Baby Safety Cabinet Locks for Handles (Click here to read reviews and check price)
Tension Rod
How do you baby proof multiple drawers at the same time? While it is possible to buy multiple adhesive or magnetic locks to close them tight, that would mean buying a lot of these to help baby proof just 1 set of drawers. Instead, you may want to consider using a tension rod which can effectively lock all the drawers at the same time.
A tension rod works in the same mechanism as your shower rod where you can adjust the length of the rod by applying pressure to the two surfaces that the rod pushes against.
How do you baby proof multiple drawers at the same time? While it is possible to buy multiple adhesive or magnetic locks to close them tight, that would mean buying a lot of these to help baby proof just 1 set of drawers. Instead, you may want to consider using a tension rod which can effectively lock all the drawers at the same time.
A tension rod works in the same mechanism as your shower rod where you can adjust the length of the rod by applying pressure to the two surfaces that the rod pushes against.
When buying a tension rod for your drawers, start by measuring the vertical length of the drawer. Next, check if the top of your drawer has a top ledge that extends over the drawer. If your drawer doesn’t have this ledge that extends over the drawer, then you won’t need to buy a tension rod. Any simple rod will work for you since there is no way for the tension rod to apply pressure on the upper side of the rod.
To install the tension rod, loop it through the handles of the drawers, press it against the floor and expand it so that it wedges into place between the floor and the counter top. This would firmly secure yoru drawers and your child should be unable to open them.
If your drawers have knobs instead of handles, you can also use the tension rod by lining it against the vertical line of knobs and use the same method above to secure the rod. For those drawers that does not have a ledge that extends over the drawers, you can still use a simple rod such as a broom stick, bamboo stick etc to loop through the handles of the drawers. The drawback of this method is that if your child is strong enough to try to pry open the drawers, he/she may end up toppling the entire drawer forward towards his/her body. If you think that this may happen, then we’d recommend you to consider the next item – furniture anchors which will hold your drawers or any other furniture securely to the wall.
InterDesign Forma Constant Tension Bathroom (Click here to read reviews and check price)
Furniture Anchors
Stabilizing & securing some of your furnitures to prevent them from falling forward may seem to be something you have never considered before. However, when your child decides to use the dresser drawers as a ladder to peer over the contents at the top of your drawers, then you may have a problem of the drawers toppling forward, on top of your child, resulting in severe injuries.
To begin with, do not let your child play near furnitures that could possible fall forward to minimize the chance of that happening. Next, remove all interesting or dangling items from the top of the drawers to discourage your baby from even trying to climb the drawers.
Lastly, secure the furniture with an anchor hook which will be attach the furniture to the wall.
Safety First Furniture Wall Strap (Click here to read reviews and check price)
Where has time gone? Your little one is growing right before your very eyes! Baby is now older and independent. He or she is on their feet more than half the time. This means that it is time for a change. It is time to safeguard your home! What better way to begin that tedious process than to start with your cabinets, cupboards, and doors. These are the places that contain most of the hazardous items used for household cleaning and maintenance. In this way, it is essential to purchase the best child proof cabinet locks. Thankfully these convenient safety tools come in all different shapes and sizes. From magnetic to cord options, Amazon & local stores are flooded with so many solutions to fit your lifestyle. We do hope this article gave you the helpful information need in order to help you understand where to buy baby proofing products.
So relax! Put your mind at ease with your feet up. Baby is safe because you chose the best options to keep them happy. Now that is what we call a happy home!
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