Baby proofing doesn’t have to be clunky, there are plenty of subtle and aesthetically pleasing options that will still keep your baby safe and put your mind at ease. Depending on what you’re looking for, we’ve researched and put together a list of the best child proof locks for cabinets including magnetic and non-magnetic locks.
Best Child Proof Cabinet Locks
For a great adhesive cabinet lock, the Munchkin Latches are durable and easy to use. On the other hand, if you prefer non-adhesive locks, the Adoric Sliding Locks offer quality at a great price.
Adoric Sliding Cabinet Locks
The Adoric Sliding Cabinet Lock is an adjustable U-shaped lock perfect for cabinets with handles. The extra-long length allows for flexibility among various cabinet styles and shapes.
This lock is a great temporary solution that can easily be moved around to various cabinets or brought with you when traveling. Installation does not require any drilling, hardware, or adhesive making it a damage-free option.
In order to unlock you need to push both buttons and slide the lock down, which is nearly impossible for small hands and fingers to accomplish, but easy enough for adults.
Each set comes with four, eight, or twelve locks so that you can use it on multiple cabinets or doors. While these are reusable and practical, they are not very discreet and only come in white.
Pros
- Quick and easy install, temporary solution that can be moved around or traveled with
- No hardware or adhesive that will leave damage to cabinets
Cons
- Bulky and not very discreet
- Only works on cabinets with handles
Jool Baby Safety Strap Locks
The Jool Baby Safety Strap Locks are multipurpose adjustable child locks that adhere to cabinets or appliances with 3M strips leaving no permanent damage.
These straps are perfect for cabinets and can adjust from 3 to 7″ allowing for a wide range in cabinet styles. They also work well on other furniture or appliances such as drawers, ovens, washing machines, toilets, trash cans, etc.
These straps use 3M strips so you do not need to worry about the permanence of screws or drilling holes. When you’re done with the child-proofing stage, you can easily remove them without leaving any damage to your cabinets or appliances.
These only come in white, making them an obvious child-proofing solution, but safety comes first and they are a practical solution that will keep babies and toddlers out of your cabinets.
Pros
- Non-permanent solution that does not require drilling
- Multipurpose lock that works on more than just cabinets
Cons
- Only comes in one color, white.
- An obvious child proofing option, harder to blend in with cabinets and appliances
- Some users may find that they leave a sticky residue behind, but can usually be removed with rubbing alcohol.
Kiscords Cabinet Locks for Knobs
The Kiscords Cabinet Locks for Knobs are a temporary easy to install option if you have cabinets with knobs on them. You get five locks in a pack, plenty to spread out to all the easy to reach cabinets your child roams towards.
This damage-free cabinet strap option means you don’t have to worry about drilling holes or sticky adhesive leaving a residue on your cabinets. Because these are temporary and don’t physically attach to your cabinets, they are also easily portable and can be moved around to fit your needs or brought with you when traveling.
The Kidscord uses a sturdy nylon rope with secure knots so you don’t have to worry about small pieces becoming accessible. Children will find them difficult to open, but adults can get the hang of it with one hand fairly quickly.
Kiscords aren’t necessarily the prettiest and they are an obvious childproofing option, but if you properly install them they are nice and tight and definitely child-proof cabinets. Pulling on the cords will not adjust them unless you are pressing the latch so you don’t have to worry about little fingers working them loose.
If you’re looking for a temporary, portable, no-damage option, the Kidscord is a great choice.
Pros
- Portable, temporary solution that is easy to move around or travel with
- Damage-free, no drilling or sticky residue to worry about
Cons
- Only works on cabinets with knobs
- Some parents find them hard to lock and unlock
Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Use Latches
The Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Use Latches are part of a multipurpose latch system great for cabinets that don’t have handles as well as other furniture and appliances. If you have an especially dexterous toddler, this is a pretty tricky lock system that should work for deterring almost any child.
These Munchkin Xtraguard latches require dual-button operation to release, making them extra difficult for toddlers and kids to figure out, but are easy enough for adults. You can keep them unlatched when not in use, just don’t forget to re-latch when you’re ready.
You will find installation quick and easy with an easily removable adhesive that will not damage your cabinets. The flexible strap is perfect for bending around corners, but the strap length is not adjustable. The grey/white combination is the only color available making these latches another obvious but practical child-proofing solution.
Pros
- Multipurpose option that works on more than just cabinets
- Easy to install, adhesive based that should not leave damage to cabinets
- Dual button release making them especially hard for children and toddlers to release
Cons
- Some users have found that adhesive can leave residue or damage paint
- Once you remove them you will need to purchase a 3M strip or other adhesive to use again
- Only comes in one color, grey/white combination
SUNIRY Baby Cabinet Safety Latches
The SUNIRY Baby Cabinet Safety Latches are a temporary invisible child-proofing option for any type of cabinet or drawer. You can easily install these latches with the included 3M strip, or there are convenient optional screw holes if you’re looking for something a little more permanent.
You don’t have to worry about misplacing a key with these latches, and they discreetly tuck away into the inside of your cabinet for a seamless design. There are two parts, the latch itself and the catch that gets installed on the opposite side. Because they are two separate pieces they can be installed on virtually any type of cabinet or drawer, no handles or pulls necessary. If your cabinet has a top lip you likely will not even need to install the catch piece.
If you choose to utilize the screws, once removed you do not have to worry about any visible damage to the exterior of your cabinets. These make a nice and neat invisible option for families concerned with aesthetics.
Pros
- Invisible and discreet design
- No key or tricky buttons to push
- Sturdy spring that latches well
Cons
- Not a multipurpose latch, only works on drawers or cabinets
- Only comes in the color white
- Some customers say screws are necessary if your child will continue to yank on locked cabinet doors
Adoric Child Safety Locks
The Adoric Child Safety Locks are a temporary, damage-free option for the exterior of cabinets. Easily install these locks with the included 3M sticky pads for a damage-free option.
These locks require you to push a button and rotate clockwise to disengage, which is very difficult for children to figure out, but easy for an adult to complete one-handed. You also don’t have to worry about misplacing a magnet or key, making them an ideal child-proofing option.
They only work on the exterior of cabinets less than one inch apart, so have less flexibility than straps, but are a sturdy option that will keep your children safe and out of cabinets.
Pros
- Non-permanent solution that does not require drilling
- Easy installation and durable locks
- 2 step unlock difficult for children to figure out
Cons
- Only works on cabinets less than 1 inch apart
- Bulky and not very discreet
- Only available in one color, white
Kiscords Baby Safety Cabinet Locks
The Kiscords Baby Safety Cabinet Locks are a great damage-free option for cabinets with side-by-side handles. Currently available in both black and white if you want to blend in with your decor, although these are a visible lock.
These cabinet locks use a military-grade zip-tie strap which means you don’t have to worry about drilling holes or sticky adhesive leaving a residue on your cabinets. They are not portable or removable, but once you are done needing locks just cut the zip-tie and no damage will be left behind.
The safety lock is designed like a buckle, very difficult for children to disengage but easy for adults. When unlocked, they remain hanging on your handles so you don’t have to worry about losing a part or it falling off if you’re only using one hand.
Pros
- Damage-free, no drilling or sticking residue to worry about
- Easy installation and durable locks
- Buckle style lock, difficult for children to figure out
Cons
- Only works on cabinets with side by side closed handles
- Bulky and not very discreet
Inaya Child Safety Latches
The Inaya Child Safety Latches are a discreet hook and latch system that are easily installed on the inside of your cabinet doors. This package comes with a set of 8 hooks and latches so you can childproof multiple cabinets or drawers in various rooms.
With this Inaya lock, you don’t have to hunt down where you left a magnet or key in order to open, and they are tricky enough that they should deter most young children from continuing to try and get into cabinets.
The adhesive is sturdy, which is good because they do not come with a screw option, but you will want to be confident you know exactly where you want to install them before applying the sticky side. The adhesive is designed to work on all surfaces including laminate, wood, and metal. You don’t need to worry about damaging your surface when you are ready to remove as the adhesive can easily be loosened by heating with a hairdryer.
Pros
- No key or tricky buttons to push
- Sturdy adhesive patch that can remove easily with heat leaving no damage
- Invisible and easily concealed on the inside of cabinets
Cons
- Not a multipurpose latch, only works on drawers or cabinets
- Only comes in the color white
- Smaller latch that only leaves room for one finger to push down and unlatch
Secure Home Multipurpose Safety Locks
The Secure Home by Jessa Leona Multipurpose Safety Locks is an adjustable, flexible, and multipurpose lock option. It is available in the colors brown as well as white, which will help disguise them a little bit.
This package comes with 2 latches, and additional 3M adhesive strips if you plan to remove and reuse. The installation is nice and easy and damage-free, making these a great option for your childproofing needs.
This multipurpose latch works on more than just cabinets — the flexible strap allows them to latch around a corner and they work well on all surfaces including glass, metal, porcelain, wood, and laminate. You could utilize them in almost any room of the house.
The latching system is difficult for even the most dexterous toddlers to figure out, but adults can handle it one-handed, making them a practical choice for busy parents.
Pros
- Non-permanent solution that does not require drilling
- Multipurpose lock that works on more than just cabinets
Cons
- An obvious childproofing option, harder to blend in with cabinets and appliances.
- Some users may find that they leave a sticky residue behind, but can usually be removed with rubbing alcohol.
Safety 1st Outsmart Slide Lock
The Safety 1st Outsmart Slide Lock is a great temporary solution that can easily be moved around to various cabinets or brought with you when traveling. Installation does not require any drilling, hardware, or adhesive making it a damage-free option.
This lock option fits on cabinets with side-by-side handles or knobs making them fairly versatile with cabinet styles. There is a large decoy button on the front, that your toddler will love pushing thinking they are going to unlock the doors, but in reality, the button doesn’t do anything. The actual lock uses smooth buttons on the side which you have to press and pull the lock down to disengage, something children and toddlers will not be able to do.
While this is a bulkier obvious childproofing option, it works well and will secure the cabinets that you need to keep your children out of. It passes the tug test, so they can pull away without being able to successfully disengage the lock, hopefully giving you peace of mind.
Pros
- Quick and easy install, temporary solution that can be moved around or traveled with
- No hardware or adhesive that will leave damage to cabinets
Cons
- Bulky and not very discreet
- Requires side by side handles or knobs
Best Magnetic Locks for Cabinets
The Jambini, Vmaisi, Eco-Baby, and Safety 1st locks use adhesives to secure the locks whereas the other Safety 1st Locking System requires hardware to install. The Eco-Baby locks offer the most pieces (20) for the best price.
Jambini Magnetic Cabinet Locks
The Jambini Magnetic Cabinet Locks are another great adhesive-based magnetic lock and key system. There is no need to damage your cabinets by drilling holes with this easy to install invisible lock system. Because they are installed on the inside of cabinets or drawers they work universally regardless if you have handles or pulls on your doors.
Similar to other magnetic options these locks have a disengage feature if you will be frequently opening your cabinet door, just re-engage the system when you are ready to secure your cabinets again. This set comes with four locks but only one magnetic “key”, you will likely want to purchase additional keys in case this one gets misplaced, however, a strong magnet should work to disengage the lock as well.
When looking for a modern discreet option, this inside cabinet installation is a great option that will not damage your furniture or stand out as obvious child-proofing.
Pros
- Invisible and easily concealed on the inside of cabinets
- Has an on/off feature if there are times when you don’t want your cabinet locked
- Universal design does not require specific handles or drawer pulls
Cons
- Not a multipurpose lock, only works on cabinets or drawers
- Does not come with an option for screws or sturdier hardware than 3M strips
- Only comes with one key
Vmaisi Adhesive Magnetic Cabinet Locks
The Vmaisi Adhesive Magnetic Cabinet Locks is an invisible inside cabinet childproofing solution that works on most cabinets and drawers.
These locks are installed on the inside of cabinets making them discreet and easy to conceal. From the outside, you use a magnet to engage the unlock feature. If you can’t find the “key,” any strong magnet should work to disengage the lock.
These locks are secured to cabinets with 3M adhesive but do come with optional screw holes if you want to really make sure they are attached securely.
Each set comes with 12 locks and 2 keys, so you have plenty of options for locking multiple cabinets or drawers. Each lock comes with an on/off feature if your baby isn’t around or you know you will be opening the same cabinet over again and do not want the lock engaged for a period of time.
Pros
- Invisible and easily concealed on the inside of cabinets
- Has an on/off feature if there are times when you don’t want your cabinet locked
- Adhesive installation, but screw holes are available as a backup option as well
Cons
- Some users have found that shaking the cabinet a few times may release the magnet
- Only comes with 2 “key” magnets, so if you are using in multiple rooms on cabinets this may be hard to locate magnets
Safety 1st Magnetic Locking System
The Safety 1st Magnetic Locking System is a more permanent magnet key and lock system. They are installed on the inside of cabinet doors with screws, allowing for a convenient, sturdy, and discreet locking system.
Because these locks are installed with the hardware, you can rest assured that they are able to withstand persistent toddler yanking. Although being installed on the inside of cabinets conceals the locks and will not draw attention to your toddler, so hopefully they will not spend as much time attracted to figuring out a big and bulky lock.
These locks are conveniently unlocked with a magnetic “key” and have the option to be left in an unlock mode if you are frequently using a cabinet. The lock and unlock modes are visually shown with red and green to help remind you which mode you have selected.
This set comes with 8 locks and 1 key, additional keys can be purchased if you are using them in multiple rooms or want to have a spare available. These are a great option for drawers as well as cabinets, no specific handles or pulls are necessary as they are installed on the inside, making them a pretty universal design.
Pros
- Hardware is sturdy withstanding the most persistent toddlers
- Invisible and easily concealed on the inside of cabinets
- Has an on/off feature if there are times when you don’t want your cabinet locked
- Universal design does not require specific handles or drawer pulls
Cons
- Only comes with one magnetic “key”
- Not a multipurpose lock, only works on cabinets or drawers
Eco-Baby Child Safety Magnetic Lock
The Eco-Baby Child Safety Magnetic Lock is a magnetic lock and key system that is discreetly installed on the inside of your cabinet doors for a convenient and practical lock option. These locks come with 3M strips for easy installation, but also have backup screw holes if you choose to permanently attach them to your cabinets.
This is an advanced set that comes with 20 latches and 3 keys for your full childproofing needs. Spread out between multiple rooms with cabinets or drawers you want to secure. This invisible installation will not affect your aesthetic and because the locks are conveniently concealed they will not draw the attention of your baby or toddler.
Each lock does come with a convenient lock/unlock feature if you will be opening a cabinet frequently or know your baby will not be around for a period of time. Quickly switch back to an engaged lock when you are ready to secure your cabinet again.
Pros
- Invisible and easily concealed on the inside of cabinets
- Has an on/off feature if there are times when you don’t want your cabinet locked
- Universal design does not require specific handles or drawer pulls
- Sturdy adhesive with a hardware option as well
Cons
- Not a multipurpose lock, only works on cabinets or drawers
- If you have a very persistent toddler they may require hardware stronger than the included 3M adhesive strips
Safety 1ˢᵗ Adhesive Magnetic Lock System
The Safety 1ˢᵗ Adhesive Magnetic Lock System is a magnetic lock and key option that is easily installed on the inside of cabinets or drawers for a discreet child-proofing option.
This system comes with sturdy adhesive but also has the option for screws if you need a sturdier or more permanent solution. Screws are recommended if you are installing onto cabinets made from particleboard. Each set comes with a plastic template so that you can install it perfectly each time.
Each set comes with four locks and one magnetic “key” allowing you to lock multiple cabinets or drawers. Additional keys can be purchased or a strong magnet should work to engage the unlock feature. You do also have the option to set your lock into an unlock mode if you are frequently using a cabinet, just don’t forget to flip it back when you are ready to have your cabinets locked again.
Pros
- Invisible and easily concealed on the inside of cabinets
- Has an on/off feature if there are times when you don’t want your cabinet locked
- Universal design does not require specific handles or drawer pulls
- Sturdy adhesive with a hardware option as well
Cons
- Only comes with one magnetic “key”
- Not a multipurpose lock, only works on cabinets or drawers
The Best Child Proof Cabinet Locks Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Eco-Baby Child Safety Magnetic Lock | 5.8 | 9.2 | 38.99 |
| Vmaisi Adhesive Magnetic Cabinet Locks | 9.9 | 9.2 | 33.99 |
| Safety 1st Magnetic Locking System | 9.1 | 9.0 | 29.99 |
| Safety 1ˢᵗ Adhesive Magnetic Lock System | 9.7 | 9.4 | 26.44 |
| Jool Baby Safety Strap Locks | 7.2 | 9.2 | 17.99 |
| Kiscords Baby Safety Cabinet Locks | 8.7 | 8.2 | 12.99 |
| Kiscords Cabinet Locks for Knobs | 9.7 | 9.0 | 11.99 |
| Adoric Sliding Cabinet Locks | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.99 |
| SUNIRY Baby Cabinet Safety Latches | 9.9 | 8.2 | 9.99 |
| Adoric Child Safety Locks | 9.7 | 8.6 | 9.99 |
| Inaya Child Safety Latches | 9.8 | 8.4 | 9.99 |
| Safety 1st Outsmart Slide Lock | 8.8 | 9.6 | 8.99 |
| Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Use Latches | 9.8 | 9.4 | 8.98 |
| Jambini Magnetic Cabinet Locks | 8.6 | 8.8 | - |
| Secure Home Multipurpose Safety Locks | 3.9 | 9.0 | - |
How We Selected Child Proof Cabinet Locks
No-Drill Cabinet Locks
Baby proofing your cabinets without the permanence of drilling is possible, even if your cabinets do not have knobs. Many of the options available today come with sturdy 3M adhesive strips, which will allow you to secure them to almost any surface without leaving permanent damage behind. Most 3M adhesive can be removed with heat from a hairdryer, any remaining residue can be removed with rubbing alcohol.
Invisible Baby Proofing
Many families do not want baby proofing to be bulky and obvious in their house, and the more concealed locks are the less they will attract the attention of curious toddlers, which is why we like discreet options that are tucked away. There are many lock options that are installed on the inside of cabinets, whether with a magnetic key or spring-loaded releases.
Multi-Purpose Use
Having a lock that works on more than just cabinets will make child-proofing your house that much easier. Whether locking cabinets and drawers, toilets, refrigerators, trash cans, or more we looked for multipurpose options that would cover the whole gamut. It was difficult to find multipurpose locks that blend into the decor, but the number one goal is child safety and these options are successful.
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FAQs – Child Proof Cabinet Locks
How can you baby proof cabinets without drilling?
Most options these days include 3M adhesive strips that are study and removable.
How can you baby proof cabinets without knobs?
If your cabinets don’t have knobs there are still plenty of options including straps, magnetic, and spring-loaded locks.
Lost my magnetic key, what do I do?
Any strong magnet should work to disengage magnetic locks, or you can always purchase additional “keys” to keep available as a spare.
Are magnetic cabinet locks better than adhesive cabinet locks?
Many magnetic cabinet locks use adhesive to secure the locks to your cabinets, drawers, etc.. With that being said, some magnetic locks use hardware instead which offers you a reliable and durable lock system. Adhesive locks in general may not last as long since the adhesive could wear off or be pulled off.
How do you remove adhesive child proof locks from cabinets?
When you are ready to remove your adhesive locks, warm them with a hairdryer to make the adhesive soft and flexible allowing you to remove it without damaging your cabinets. You can also slide a credit card or string of dental floss behind your lock to pry loose the adhesive without peeling paint or chipping wood. Any residual adhesive can be removed with rubbing alcohol.
