<

---

Baby Safety Cabinet Locks

Baby safety cabinet locks will help keep your little ones out of a lot of places they shouldn't get into including cupboards and drawers.  As your baby starts crawling and getting more mobile the allure of what's inside all those closed off doors is irresistible to some children so it's important to make sure they are locked up. 

Anywhere dangerous items are stored should be considered for baby proofing but whenever possible these items should be moved somewhere that your child can't reach them incase they do manage to get into the cupboard.  

There are a few areas in the home that you should consider including the kitchen, bathroom or anywhere potentially harmful (or messy) products are stored.  If you haven't already done so it's a good idea to do a complete survey of your home and either move dangerous products out of reach or consider a baby safe alternative to prevent possible injury, poisoning, or costly damage. 

These are some of the items that are dangerous or damaging and you should consider keeping locked up or moved somewhere out of reach:

• poisonous items including cleaners, detergents and medications
• sharp objects including knives and razor blades
• small items that present a choking hazard
• anything that can cause a costly mess or headache

It might seem like a daunting task and almost impossible to do but with the use of baby safe cabinet locks it can be done quite easily with some minor installation.  It's important to find a product that will keep baby out but allow easy access for parents so it impedes your daily activities as little as possible. 

Baby Safety Cabinet Locks Options

While is important to understand that no baby proof device is 100% effective there are a few options to choose from that can help keep your home safe.  It's a good idea to install any of these devices when children aren't present so they aren't aware they exist.  In addition you should try your best to not let your child see you use them whenever possible. 

We'll take a look at what we feel are the best child cabinet locks for your home based on quality, ease of use, effectiveness and customer feedback. 

1. Magnetic Cabinet Locks
2. Dual Action Multi-Use Latches
3. Cabinet Locking Latches

1.  Magnetic Cabinet Locks

Magnetic locking devices are effective and easy to use and quite simply the best option when it comes baby proofing cabinets and drawers. There are a lot of varieties on the market that all work by the same principal. 

A latching device needs to be installed on the inside of the cabinet or drawer door that latches onto the receiving end that is installed on the frame.  The receiving end needs to be in line with the latching device in order for it to lock securely.  It's a good idea to test the lock to make sure it works before relying on it as a safety device. 

The key is a separate unit that has a powerful magnet that when turned it disengages the lock.  One key can be used for multiple locks and most manufacturers include a spare key incase it is lost. 

Magnetic cabinet locks are neat in appearance and when the door is closed the device is out of sight of baby and guests. 

Pros

• Easy to install
• Simple to use
• Effective safety device
• Versatile and fits most standard drawers and cabinets
• Can be disabled if needed
• One key can be used or multiple locks

Cons

• Some installation required

Magnetic locks are the best option when considering baby safety cabinet locks because of their effectiveness and versatility.  They are really easy to use and can be counted on to keep cabinet locked and secure. 

2.  Dual Action Multi Use Latches

Multi use latches are a versatile and easy way to baby proof all of your doors and drawers around the house and even work for appliances, windows and doors.  They work by attaching with an adhesive that won't damage furniture or appliances and are easy to remove when you no longer need them.  

They clips are released by clicking and turning and can be done with one hand which is handy if you  have your hands full.  The simple push button operation and multiple uses make these a serious consideration when purchasing baby safety cabinet locks. 

Pros

• Versatile and can be used to baby proof almost anything
• Easy to install
• Simple to operate
• No drilling required
• Neat and tidy appearance

Cons

• Adhesive may cause damage on painted surfaces
• Limited by the length of the strap

If you are a parent that wants something simple and easy to use that will work for many different applications this product is for you.  It can be used to secure several items around the home and as an added bonus they have a neat and tidy appearance. 

3.  Cabinet Locking Latches

Cabinet latches have been around forever it seems and it's because they work plain and simple.  The string latch is wrapped around cabinet handles and once it is tightened it prevents the doors from opening.  The locking mechanism is easy for parents to use but children can't figure it out.  To unlock them you simply press the button release and loosen the string. 

Pros

• Easy to use
• Easy to install
• Secure and safe
• Durable and long lasting
• No drilling required

Cons

• Only work on round knobs
• Requires two hands to unlock
• Appearance not as tidy as other options

Baby safety cabinet locks can be a bit tedious to operate but worth having installed if you want to keep baby or children out of cabinets that have potentially dangerous items or anything that could cause a mess.

Baby Safety Cabinet Locks Tips

There are other options out there for baby proofing your cabinets but we recommend sticking with what we've listed above.  Some devices just aren't reliable enough to consider "baby safe" and others are difficult to use even for parents!

If you are a do-it-yourself type of parent you might want to consider an elastic band as long as it restricts the cupboard from opening which can be tested easy enough.

We hope this article on baby safety cabinet locks was helpful and remember they are worth the extra work if they add safety to your home as well as prevent a few catastrophes. 

BHS Home Page > Baby Proofing Products