A latch or lock that prevents children from opening cabinets and drawers. Magnetic locks are popular because they're hidden and don't affect the look of your cabinets. Strap-style locks wrap around knobs and handles. Prioritize cabinets that hold chemicals, medicines, and sharp objects.
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Keeping toxic substances locked away and out of sight. Cleaning products, medications, laundry pods, and even some houseplants can poison a child. Store chemicals up high or behind locked cabinets, and save the Poison Control number: 1-800-222-1222.
The kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms for babies and toddlers. Hot stoves, sharp objects, heavy pots, cleaning chemicals under the sink, and small magnets on the fridge all pose risks. Use stove guards, cabinet locks, and keep kids out of the kitchen during cooking when possible.
Bathrooms combine water, electricity, slippery surfaces, and toxic products in a small space. Toilet locks, non-slip mats, medicine cabinet locks, and GFCI outlets are baseline requirements. The bathroom door should ideally have a childproof cover or stay locked when not in use.
An invisible lock installed inside cabinet doors that opens with a magnetic key. They're popular because they don't require drilling through the cabinet face. The downside: if you lose the magnetic key, you need another magnet to open them.