Home
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Choose the Best Child-Proof Lock?

Troy Holmes
Troy Holmes

There are many types of child-proof locks available. Choosing the best lock depends on how you plan to use the lock. Child locks are generally available for doors, cabinets, drawers, and doorways. Each type of lock has special features that make it work for a specific application. These locks range in price and durability and are an important safety feature for a home with kids.

A child-proof home is one that has undergone safety enhancements to help ensure small children are free from common household hazards. Choosing the best child-proof lock is a common concern for parents. When selecting a lock, it is important to purchase the correct type for doors and cabinets. Each lock type is typically available in either plastic or metal hinges.

The best child-proof lock is one that is inexpensive and easy to install. Plastic cabinet locks are common and relatively inexpensive baby-proofing purchases. The locks can be easily attached to a cabinet with a screw driver.

Metal child-proof locks are a good choice for animal cages. These locks are designed to keep children from accidentally releasing animals. The small metal locks easily fit most bird and reptile cages and are a good option for homes with pets.

Cleaning products, like bleach, should always be kept in a locked cabinet to avoid accidental poisoning.
Cleaning products, like bleach, should always be kept in a locked cabinet to avoid accidental poisoning.

Door knob locks are another type of child-proof lock. These locks are designed to keep children from opening doorways to stairs or external doors. A door knob lock is typically a plastic device that covers the door knob, making it difficult to turn. This is similar to a child-proof medicine cap that can only be opened with pressure.

Cabinet locks are designed to keep cabinet doors securely fastened. Many kitchen cabinets contain harmful cleaning chemicals that could poison children. Using a cabinet lock can prevent exposure to these chemicals. Cabinet locks are typically available in either plastic or metal and are easily attached with a screw driver.

The term 'child-proof home' refers to a home that has undergone safety enhancements to keep small children safe from household hazards, such as power outlets.
The term 'child-proof home' refers to a home that has undergone safety enhancements to keep small children safe from household hazards, such as power outlets.

The drawer lock is a child-proof lock often used for silverware and knife drawers. This special lock is designed with a hooking mechanism that makes it difficult for small children to open. Drawer locks typically come in plastic or magnetic strips and should be installed on the interior portion of the drawer.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

I don't know if there's really any way to completely child proof a home. Kids are ingenious little devils and there's no way someone is going to keep every child out of a cabinet or what have you.

I've seen some intrepid two year olds climb a safety gate like a monkey. The gate confounded the parents, while the toddler navigated it with ease. With some kids, as soon as they start walking, *nothing* is safe.

I was the kind of kid that got into things and my dad said I was worse than a "pet coon," meaning a pet raccoon, since they're notorious for getting into things. No child lock kept me out. My parents just had to watch me a little closer.

Grivusangel

I'd say you also have to consider the age of your child, and what they're most apt to get into. Some kids would never dream of looking under the sink, for example, while it's a magnet for others.

A child lock should keep the youngster out, but it should also be easy for an adult or older child to open, too. A difficult child lock is inconvenient for everyone.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Cleaning products, like bleach, should always be kept in a locked cabinet to avoid accidental poisoning.
      By: design56
      Cleaning products, like bleach, should always be kept in a locked cabinet to avoid accidental poisoning.
    • The term 'child-proof home' refers to a home that has undergone safety enhancements to keep small children safe from household hazards, such as power outlets.
      By: innershadows
      The term 'child-proof home' refers to a home that has undergone safety enhancements to keep small children safe from household hazards, such as power outlets.