Walk into a baby store or search Amazon for "baby locks" and you'll get hundreds of results. Magnetic locks, spring latches, strap locks, sliding locks, adhesive locks, screw-in locks. How do you know which ones to buy?
We've tested a lot of them. Here's what we found.
Magnetic Cabinet Locks
These are our top pick for most cabinets. A magnetic latch mounts inside the cabinet, and you open it by touching a magnetic key to the outside of the door. From the outside, you can't tell the cabinet is locked at all.
Pros: Invisible from outside. Very difficult for kids to figure out. No drilling required (adhesive mount). Work on wood, laminate, and most cabinet materials.
Cons: You need to keep track of the magnetic key. If you lose it, you're locked out of your own cabinet until you buy another one. Some people mount a spare key under the counter with a hook. Also, they cost more than basic latches — roughly $5-8 per lock vs $1-2 for spring latches.
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, anywhere aesthetics matter, anywhere with dangerous contents.
Spring-loaded Latches
The classic. These mount inside the cabinet with screws or adhesive. You press a tab to release the latch and open the door. They've been around forever and they're cheap.
Pros: Inexpensive. Easy to install. Reliable. Available everywhere.
Cons: Visible from outside (you can see the latch through the gap). Smart toddlers figure out the pressing mechanism around 18-24 months. The adhesive versions can lose grip over time, especially in humid environments.
Best for: Low-risk cabinets (pots and pans, Tupperware), budget baby-proofing.
Strap Locks
A flexible strap with a button release that loops around cabinet handles or knobs. You press a button to unhook the strap and open the cabinet.
Pros: Work on handles and knobs that other locks don't fit. Easy to install and remove. Good for temporary situations (visiting grandparents).
Cons: Some toddlers figure out the button mechanism. They don't work on cabinets without handles. They're visible and not very attractive.
Best for: Cabinets with knobs or handles, temporary baby-proofing, double-door cabinets.
Sliding Cabinet Locks
A U-shaped device that slides through two adjacent cabinet handles, preventing both doors from opening. Dead simple.
Pros: Ridiculously easy to install — literally just slide it on. No adhesive, no screws. Easy to remove for guests.
Cons: Only works on side-by-side cabinets with handles. Some toddlers can figure out the sliding mechanism.
Best for: Double-door cabinets with handles, renters who can't drill or use adhesive.
Drawer Latches
Drawers need different solutions than cabinets. Most drawer latches mount inside the drawer and catch on the frame when you try to pull the drawer out. You reach in, press a tab, and the drawer releases.
The main thing to look for: does it allow the drawer to open a crack (enough for small fingers to get pinched) or does it hold the drawer completely shut? The best ones hold it completely shut.
Appliance Locks
Ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, and fridges all have specific locks designed for them. Oven locks are usually a heat-resistant latch that mounts near the handle. Dishwasher locks are similar.
Fridge locks are worth getting once your toddler can open the fridge — which happens sooner than you'd think. A strap lock that wraps around the handle works for most models.
Washing machine and dryer locks matter because front-loaders are at kid height and the drum is an enticing space to climb into. If you have a front-loading washer, a lock on the door is worth the peace of mind.
Our Overall Recommendation
Go magnetic for the important cabinets (chemicals, medicines, knives. See our poison prevention guide for what to lock up, heavy items). Use spring latches for everything else. Get strap locks for appliances. And buy a couple of sliding locks for the cabinets with handles.
You'll spend roughly $50-80 to lock down an entire house. That's a small price for a lot of peace of mind.