Child-Proof Locks: Keeping Your Children Safe

Child-proof locks are a must for any household that has toddlers, small children, or babies. These types of locks are important to help prevent children and babies from getting into potentially hazardous chemicals, as well as making a mess of your kitchen or bathroom. Parents everywhere can spare themselves a great deal of clean-up and worry by installing child-proof locks.

Child-proof locks also eliminate the chance your children might have to play in around your cabinets which may involve slamming, hanging off of the doors, or any other forms of misuse. 

When Should You Install Child-Proof Locks?

This is a great question. For most parents, as soon as your baby starts crawling you will want to make sure that any exits, drawers, and cabinets are properly locked and secured. You should never underestimate the power of curiosity, especially in a young baby or toddler. Parents can prevent their children from getting into cleaning chemicals, kitchen utensils, and other items by locking up drawers and cabinets as soon as their child is on the move.

Cabinet and Drawer Locks

There are several types of child-proof locks available to choose from. Below are some of the most popular that parents prefer. Depending on whether or not you live in a rented apartment or own your home, you will want to carefully consider which child-proof locks to purchase and install.

Some apartment leases may have restrictions when it comes to the type of locks you can use, especially if they are likely to leave any sort of marks or damage when they are removed.

• Pull-Cord Locks

Pull cord locks wrap around the two knobs on either side of a cabinet. A button is then used to release or tighten the two cords. Pull-cord locks are another great option for homeowners or apartment renters that don’t want to leave any permanent marks behind from their child-proof locks.

• Sliding Locks

Sliding locks are a good option if you have cabinet drawers with thinner handles or knobs. They fit on the outside of the cabinet and hook the handles of your cabinet together, preventing them from separating and opening. These locks are easy to use for parents and babysitters, but will prevent your child from opening the cabinet doors.

Securing Your Front Door and Other Exits

You will also want to child-proof your front door and other exits, especially as your child reaches toddler age. Some toddlers may be able to reach the deadbolt lock on your door and let themselves out without you even realizing it. This could be potentially disastrous and should be avoided at all costs.

 There are two types of locks you should consider installing if you are worried about your child leaving the house unattended if they are able to reach and unlatch the deadbolt.

• Sliding Locks

These locks sit at the top of your door so you don’t have to worry about them being accessible to your children. They are simple to operate and will prevent your child from leaving your home unattended, even if they are able to reach and unlatch the deadbolt lock.

• Double-Cylinder Deadbolts

If unlocking the deadbolt is becoming a problem, you should consider installing a double-cylinder deadbolt as a replacement. These types of deadbolts are similar to ones that latch, except they have a key slot on both sides. There will be no way for your child to open the door since locking or unlocking it from either side will require the use of a key. Double-cylinder deadbolts are a great alternative to single-cylinder deadbolts, especially if you want to help keep your child from escaping.

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• Keeping Your Children Safe