Top child safety locks for a worry-free home
Julia Smith
Julia Smith
As little ones start exploring, ensuring your home is a safe space becomes a top priority.
Child safety locks are an essential tool to safeguard your home, giving you peace of mind while your toddler discovers their world.
We all know how curious toddlers can be, and they seem to have a knack for finding items that they shouldn’t have.
They always seem to find their way into cupboards, drawers, and doors that are best kept off-limits. That’s why baby-proofing is so important!
Child safety locks help prevent accidents and injuries, especially as kids start to crawl, walk, and climb.
By securing dangerous areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry, your little one can explore their environment safely. (And you can relax a little knowing your baby is safe.)
Choosing the right locks for baby safety
Every home is different, so it’s important to choose locks that fit your family’s needs (and favourite places to wander).
Whether you need to lock cabinets, drawers, or doors, there’s a right latch for every purpose. Magnetic locks, adhesive locks, and latch locks each have their own benefits for different spaces. We also recommend you pick locks that are easy to install and simple to use, while still providing maximum safety. Lest you have to spend your weekend paging through instructions and wondering “Is it just me or are the words ridiculously small?”
Be sure to choose options tested for durability – you want them to withstand the chaos of your home and keep your child safe. Also, think about how many locks you’ll need. Some products come in convenient multi-packs, perfect for homes with lots of areas to baby-proof.
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Types of cabinet and drawer locks
Magnetic cabinet locks
Magnetic locks are perfect for keeping little hands out of dangerous areas like under-the-sink cabinets or drawers with sharp objects. These locks are hidden inside cabinets, keeping them out of sight but highly effective. They’re easy to install, often without needing tools, and are a great option if you want a clean, minimalist look. Choose magnetic locks that are tested for strength and ease of use, so you know they’ll keep your child safe.
Consider a multi-pack like this to get you started.
Adhesive cabinet locks
If you’re renting, or just looking for a versatile and damage-free option, adhesive locks are a great choice. These locks stick right onto your cabinets and drawers, making them easy to install without screws or drills. They work well on different surfaces and are a quick way to safeguard your home. The best part? They’re easy to remove when you no longer need them.
There are a lot of different products on the market, but something simple like these works well and comes in convenient multi-packs.
Door knob and lever locks
Door knob covers
Sometimes, it’s the doors we need to keep little ones from opening. Door knob covers are a simple yet effective way to prevent children from accessing rooms like the bathroom or laundry, where they shouldn’t be. They’re easy to install and use, and clip-on over the knob, making it difficult for small hands to turn, while still allowing adults to open doors easily.
They’re easily available, and can also be bought as part of a complete safety starter kit like this.
Lever handle locks
If your home has lever-style door handles, you’ll want to choose a lever handle lock. These locks prevent children from pulling down the handle and opening the door. They’re easy to install and don’t require drilling, which means no damage to your doors.
Different appliance locks
Refrigerator locks
It’s not just doors and cabinets that need securing—appliances like refrigerators can be just as dangerous. Refrigerator locks help keep your child safe by stopping them from accessing harmful substances, choking hazards, or just making a mess with food.
As they get older, it also stops them from helping themselves to un-approved snacks and goodies. They’re easy to use, and thankfully, won’t stop us adults from getting into our snacks!
Refrigerator locks are available at most hardware and baby stores, and also at baby stores.
Oven door locks
The oven is one of the most dangerous appliances, and door locks are essential for keeping your child from opening a hot oven or playing with the knobs. These locks are heat-resistant and easy to install, giving you extra peace of mind during meal prep. Be sure to choose locks that are tested for safety and durability.
Appliance locks like these are appropriate for most ovens, washers, driers and appliances.
Installing and maintaining safety locks
Installing child safety locks should be quick and easy if you follow the instructions provided (and have had your morning coffee.)
Once installed, regularly check your locks to ensure they’re still secure and functioning properly. Over time, as your child grows and becomes more mobile, you may need to add extra locks or upgrade to stronger ones. It’s a good idea to keep a few spare locks and accessories in a handy cart or drawer, so you’re always prepared.
Wrapping it up
Baby safety is so important. By taking these simple steps, you can create a safe, happy environment where your little one can explore freely.
Child safety locks may be small, but they make a big difference in giving parents peace of mind while keeping their baby safe.
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Julia Smith
Follow +Julia is a Sydney born-and-raised mum of three girls. With over twenty years in the media industry, including four years with parenting publishers, she’s passionate about creating entertaining content that connects with parents. When she’s not working or parenting, you’ll find her binge watching TV and revenge-procrastinating about bedtime… or nerding out at gigs...