Once your baby is crawling, every low cabinet becomes an adventure. Child locks buy you time and peace of mind, but there are several kinds, and each works best in different places. Here's how they compare.
Adhesive strap locks
How they work: a flexible strap sticks across two cabinet doors, or from a drawer to the frame, and clips closed.
Good for: renters, side-by-side cabinet doors, appliances and drawers. No drilling.
Watch out for: adhesive needs a clean, dry, smooth surface, and needs checking now and then.
Our adhesive strap locks have a flexible strap up to 7.5 inches long and a sliding button that grown-ups can open with one hand. They come in packs of 1, 3, 5 or 10.
Magnetic locks
How they work: a latch inside the cabinet opens only when you hold a magnetic key against the outside of the door.
Good for: a clean look with nothing visible outside, and cabinets holding the most dangerous items.
Watch out for: they usually need careful installation, and a lost key means a stuck cabinet.
Spring latches
How they work: a hook inside the door catches the frame until you press it down.
Good for: an inexpensive, invisible option.
Watch out for: they usually need screws, and the door still opens a crack, which can pinch fingers.
Sliding locks
How they work: a U-shaped lock slides over two side-by-side knobs or handles.
Good for: quick installs with no tools.
Watch out for: they only work on doors with knobs or handles close together.
Beyond cabinets
Door lever locks
Toddlers figure out lever handles fast. A door lever lock sticks on under the handle and blocks it until an adult presses the release. It works on left- or right-facing levers and comes off later with a hair dryer. Don't use it on exterior doors or any door an adult may need to open quickly.
Stove knob covers
Flip-top stove knob covers fit over each knob, and the lid opens when you cook. The clear version shows the setting. Covers help, but they can't stop every child, so never leave little ones alone near the stove.
Where to put them first
- Under the kitchen sink (cleaners and dishwasher pods)
- Bathroom vanities (medicines and toiletries)
- Low kitchen drawers (knives, foil, plastic wrap)
- Laundry cabinets (detergent)
Locks aren't the whole plan
Even the best lock can fail or be left open. Store medicines and cleaners up high as well as locked, check locks regularly, and keep the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222 in the US) saved in your phone.
Questions parents ask
What's the best cabinet lock for renters?
Adhesive strap locks, since they install without drilling.
When should I install cabinet locks?
Before your baby starts crawling, usually by around 6 months.
Do adhesive locks damage cabinets?
They're designed to come off, often with gentle heat from a hair dryer. Test on a hidden spot if you're unsure about your finish.
Next up: how to anchor furniture to the wall.
See the full list in our babyproofing checklist, or shop Babyproofing.
