By Owen PalmerThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) childproofing guide identifies safety latches and locks as a key line of defense against accidental poisonings and injuries in the home. Cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas often store medicines, cleaning products, laundry detergent, matches, lighters, and sharp objects like knives. A properly installed latch or lock can keep a curious toddler from accessing these hazards, but the CPSC stresses that even items in child-resistant packaging should be locked away because that packaging is not childproof.
Where to Use Safety Latches and Locks
The CPSC recommends installing safety latches and locks on any cabinet or drawer that holds medicines, household cleaners, laundry detergent, matches, cigarette lighters, knives, or other sharp objects. The guide names cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas, so start wherever those items are stored in your home.
What to Look for When Choosing Locks
The CPSC advises looking for safety latches and locks that adults can easily install and use, but that are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. There is no single design that works for every home; the right choice depends on the cabinet or drawer style and the caregiver’s ability to operate the device quickly. Regardless of the type, follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully and reengage the lock after each use, because a latch left undone offers no protection.
Limitations of Cabinet Locks
The CPSC cautions that no safety device is completely childproof. Determined toddlers have been known to overcome or disable latches and locks. That means these products are a helpful barrier, not a substitute for supervision. Always keep the poison control hotline number (800-222-1222) handy, and if you suspect a child has ingested something harmful, call immediately.
Maintaining Your Locks
The CPSC emphasizes that safety devices, latches and locks included, must be properly installed and reengaged after each use, and that installation instructions should be followed carefully.
Other Safety Devices That Work Alongside Locks
Cabinet locks work best when combined with other childproofing measures. Both the CPSC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend using window guards, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors as part of a whole-home safety plan. The CPSC’s guide also highlights safety gates, door knob covers, outlet covers, and furniture anchors.
The AAP’s room safety checklist also emphasizes the importance of a hazard-free sleep environment. It advises against using bumper pads, pillows, or loose bedding in cribs, and it recommends cordless window coverings to prevent strangulation. These precautions, combined with cabinet locks and other devices, create layers of protection throughout the home. For more on crib safety, read our crib safety standards guide.
The table below summarizes where to use each device and what to look for, based on CPSC recommendations.
| Device | Where to Use | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Latches and Locks | Kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas with cabinets or drawers holding medicines, cleaners, matches, lighters, or sharp objects. | Easy for adults to install and use; sturdy enough to withstand a child’s pulls and tugs. |
| Safety Gates | Stairs, and openings to rooms and other areas with possible dangers. | Meets current child safety standards; children cannot dislodge easily; adults can open and close without difficulty. For top of stairs, only use gates that screw to the wall. Never use pet gates. |
| Door Knob Covers and Door Locks | Doors to rooms and other areas with possible dangers. | Sturdy cover that allows an adult to open the door quickly in an emergency. |
| Outlet Covers and Outlet Plates | All unused electrical outlets within a child’s reach. | Cannot be easily removed by children; large enough to prevent choking. If replacing receptacles, use tamper-resistant type. |
| Furniture and Appliance Anchors | Television stands, bookshelves, dressers, chests, ranges, and any furniture that could tip over. | Secure attachment to the wall or floor; free-standing ranges should have anti-tip brackets installed. |
| Window Guards and Safety Netting | Windows above ground level, balconies, decks, and landings. | Limit window openings to four inches or less; check frequently to ensure they are secure and properly installed. At least one window per room must be usable for fire escape. |
For more detailed guidance on each of these devices, see our guides on baby gate types, outlet covers and tamper-resistant receptacles, furniture anchors and tip-over prevention, and window safety for kids.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need to lock away items in child-resistant packaging?
Yes. The CPSC states that even products with child-resistant packaging should be locked away and kept out of reach. Child-resistant packaging is not childproof, and a determined child may still be able to open it. Safety latches and locks provide an additional layer of protection.
Where should I install cabinet locks?
The CPSC recommends installing safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and any other area where you store medicines, household cleaners, laundry detergent, matches, cigarette lighters, knives, or other sharp objects. Think about all the low cabinets and drawers your child could reach now or as they grow.
Can my child still open a cabinet with a lock?
The CPSC warns that no device is completely childproof. Determined toddlers have been known to overcome or disable safety latches and locks. That is why these devices should be used alongside active supervision and other safety measures. Regularly check that the locks are still secure and functioning correctly.
For a complete look at keeping your little one safe, explore our Baby Safety guides, which cover everything from cabinet locks to car seat safety.
Sources
- CPSC: Childproofing Your Home, Several Safety Devices to Help Protect Your Children
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Make Baby’s Room Safe: Parent Checklist
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our baby gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
