Although it may seem early, you should ideally begin childproofing your house before the baby is born. It’s amazing how quickly the first few months pass. Your baby may start rolling, scooting, or crawling by six months, or even earlier for some. Great if you’re on top of things! If not, be encouraged by the fact that even experienced childproofers occasionally fail to anticipate cunning mobile ones.
All of this helps to emphasize how crucial it is to put babyproofing in place, especially when it comes to cupboards and drawers. Since there are so many in your home and there are numerous baby proof drawers alternatives, the chore can be difficult. Fortunately, cabinets and drawers frequently call for the same fix.
You’ve set up your house so far to make it as convenient as possible. It’s time to make it child-safe.
Step 1: Get rid of hazardous items
While many people think about pinching fingers in drawers or cabinets, that is near the least of our concerns, because that can usually be remedied with an ice pack, hug or reassurance.
Avoid tempting fate by placing potentially hazardous items in cupboards and drawers that infants and young children may access, even if you intend to latch them. In this manner, nothing within the drawer or cabinet may actually injure the child if you neglect to re-engage a latch. Make sure to babyproof your kitchen while undergoing your cabinet work.
Examples of what should not be kept in lower drawers and cabinets :
- Medications and personal care products on nightstands or in bathroom cupboards.
- Chemicals and cleaning supplies in the laundry room and kitchen cabinets or vanities.
- Cooking utensils. Allowing a child to play with a wooden spoon initially appears great, until the youngster notices their “toy” wooden spoon lying against the side of a pot of boiling noodles.
- Important papers are kept in the filing cabinet in the home office.
- Cosmetics in a makeup vanity, including lipstick.
Step Two: Measurements and Numbers
Your latch/lock choice will be influenced by how many drawers and cabinets need to be secured as well as their dimensions.
Step Three: Select Your Baby Proog Drawer Locks & Latches
Babyproofing cabinet and drawer latches come in three different basic varieties:
1. Belt Or Strap Latches
These latches, also known as belt or strap drawer latches, hold the drawer or cabinet door closed and are often attached to the side and front of the cabinet. U-shaped or circular outside latches that close with a snap are another design option. These are only compatible with matched cabinet knobs or handles.
Because outside latches don’t rely on the interior structure of the frame for attachment and operation, they are a viable option for frameless cabinets.
Exterior Latch Positives
- Cheap
- Simple to use
- Others need a tiny screw that can be easily hidden when you remove the latch, while some allow no-tool installation.
Exterior Latch Negatives
- You need to release and release the latch each time you open and close the cabinet or drawer.
- Some outside latches are only functional if the cabinet has two handles or knobs right next to one another.
They could interfere with your aesthetic because they are constantly visible. Additionally, your children will see them and may be interested. - They are typically the easiest for children to go around.
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2. Standard Tab Latches
The interior of the cabinet has these latches placed. The drawer or door cannot open more than a few inches thanks to a plastic arm that snaps within. To fully open, the plastic arm must be pushed down by the user. Some kids eventually figure out how to open these latches, so keep an eye on them. There are also baby proof drawer spring locks available.
Tab Latch Positives
- Inexpensive
- Simple to use
- Hidden out of sight – won’t ruin the looks of your kitchen
Tab Latch Negatives
- A child could be able to open it if they can get to it
- Protection can vary depending on plastic grade
- Installing it can take a little longer
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3. Magnetic Cabinet Latches
Magnetic drawer locks are you safest option, and are our favorite.
Magnetic Cabinet Latch Positives
- Out of sight, out of memory, is a mounted sign within the drawer.
- Kid-proof because there is no access without a key and knowledge on how to use it;
- Most don’t require removal after use because they can be turned off by pushing a tab or sliding a retainer.
Magnetic Cabinet Latch Negatives
- Concealing or keeping track of the key is necessary to open
- For convenience and in case of loss, you might want to purchase extra keys
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Step Four: Install Babyproofing Latches
Almost always, babyproofing latches and locks come with thorough, simple-to-follow installation instructions. Search your lock brand on YouTube to find a ton of useful videos for extra assistance.
Step Five: Do Some Final Safety Checks
Give all newly installed latches and locks a test run to make sure they operate properly. Even when they are, remember these reminders:
No substitute exists for adult supervision!
The growth of children is continual. Regularly check your latches and locks to make sure they are functioning properly and are the right kind of child safety measures for your family.
No matter what your childproofing strategy comprises, you should never employ a hack. Rubber bands and hair ties are not safety equipment. The value of your child exceeds that.