The Best Babyproofing Products

Certain areas of your home can be hazardous to your toddler. Outlets and hot stoves can cause serious injuries. Sharp corners on tables, islands, or other furniture can lead to bumped heads or concussions. Children can get into cabinets and drawers of items that they shouldn’t, and they can even get into the toilet. We’ve found some great babyproofing items to help your child (and house) stay safe in all of these areas.

Buying Guide for Babyproofing Products

Why buy babyproofing products?

If you’re expecting or know someone who is, it’s crucial to buy babyproofing products or kits to keep the new arrival safe. Once children start moving around on their own, they enjoy exploring, which can lead to potential injuries. Young ones can be uncommonly fast and curious, so having babyproofing products will give parents peace of mind.

What should you consider in babyproofing products?

• Features: Your corner protectors, cabinet locks, and toilet locks should have strong adhesive or well-fitted hardware, and they should stay in place. Otherwise, they won’t be very protective if they keep falling off!
• Size: Make sure whichever size of baby protectors you choose fits the place you plan to put them, as some bulky designs can create walking hazards in a small space. Wide toilet locks and thick corner protectors can be difficult to navigate around. You’ll also want to be sure that your cabinet locks, oven knob covers, and outlet covers are going to fit.
• Durability: Make sure your little one cannot easily damage your new babyproofing products. Look for high-density foam, heavy-duty plastic, or silicone materials for the most long-lasting protection.

What special tools do you need to secure babyproofing products?

Today, many babyproofing products are made with ultra-strong 3M adhesive and require no tools and little time to install. Some products will require a few tools to install the necessary hardware, such as a drill, drill bits, and a screwdriver. Generally, you don’t need more than that to have your house ready to go for the new baby.

Our Picks for the Best Babyproofing Products

Pros: These cabinet locks can be applied to cabinets in bathrooms, kitchens, or wherever else you need them to keep your cleaning chemicals, heavy items, and tools out of reach from your little ones. Plus, they go inside the cabinets and are magnetically unlocked, so they’re nice and discreet. They require no hardware or tools and easily stick on with 3M adhesive. Depending on your needs, you can set them to a locked or unlocked position. They come with two strong magnetic keys for your convenience.

Cons: The instructions included with this product are a bit confusing. They won’t fit on drawers or cabinets with lips. They’re also not suitable for metal cabinets.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for discreet cabinet locks that are easy to install, try these ones. Children won’t get their little fingers caught in gaps with these tightly closed locks. Plus, you don’t have to drill any holes in your nice cabinetry to use them.

 

Pros: These corner protectors are a great value. The adhesive that comes with them is strong and clear, so it won’t change the look of your furniture. Plus, installation takes less than a minute, so you can stick them on the corners of your tables and hearth and be set.

Cons: These don’t fit all corners. With a lot of contact, they can come off. They’re also not the softest corner protectors, so children may still get a bump on the head, though it won’t be nearly as bad.

Bottom Line: If you’re in the market for clear corner protectors that won’t drastically change the look of your furniture and decor, these are an excellent option. You don’t need any special tools or intensive labor to install them, and they work great for clumsy adults, too!

 

Pros: Once these are in your outlets, you need to use a tool to pry them out. That means that your baby won’t be able to remove them, which is great. Many similar models don’t stay in as well as these. They sit completely flush in the outlet and don’t stick out. They’re relatively inconspicuous as well, so they won’t change the look of your room.

Cons: These won’t fit in all outlets. They’re made for modern outlets, so if your home is older, be sure they fit properly before you install them. Otherwise, they won’t work correctly. They only come in white.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for childproof outlet covers that work so well that they’re also adultproof, look no further. These provide a lot of peace of mind for many parents of young and curious toddlers.

 

Pros: These toilet locks are quick and easy to install without any tools or special hardware. Humidity won’t cause the lock to release, so you can be sure it will remain in place. Keep your kiddos from playing in toilet water, trying to drink or swim in it, or trying to flush toys.

Cons: After this product is installed, the toilet lid can still be lifted 1-2 inches, and little fingers can get pinched. If little ones watch you unlock it, they may be able to figure it out. It isn’t compatible with all toilet models.

Bottom Line: This toilet seat lock installs quickly and securely. While it’s not perfect in its design, it will keep your kids from being able to splash around in the toilet water. It even comes with an extra-sticky pad in case you get a new toilet seat cover.

 

Pros: These stove knob covers will keep little hands from turning on the stove. You get five knob covers in a package, so you can block off the oven knob as well as the stove knobs. The clear finish blends in beautifully so that the look of your kitchen isn’t disrupted. The plastic is thick and durable, and these were designed by a father who wanted a solution to the potential danger of curious kids in the kitchen.

Cons: These don’t fit all stove knobs, so be sure to measure your knobs before you buy them.

Bottom Line: Not only do these clear stove knobs protect children from danger, but they can also protect your home from dangerous gas or heat if you have pets that like to climb around the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Babyproofing products are essential items for parents of young children. To keep your family safe, take a look at our top picks for babyproofing products.