Best Babyproofing Cabinet Locks of 2026, Tested by Experts
See the best cabinet locks that stood up to all our pushing, yanking, and pulling
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Kitchen cabinets seem to be an endless source of wonder for curious tots—especially if the handle or knob is at the just-right height for them to reach. But you may not want “help” pulling out all your food storage containers or pots and pans. Not to mention, some things stashed inside those cabinets and drawers—like cleaning supplies—are dangerous for little ones.
Cabinet locks are a staple of babyproofing, and the best ones can hold up to plenty of shaking, tugging, and pulling—while staying secure. In CR’s testing lab, test project leader José Amézquita spent two weeks testing 10 different babyproofing cabinet locks. He measured the force needed to open each lock, what happens if you jiggle the locked door for several seconds (just like a tenacious toddler might do), and whether the lock’s design allows any gaps wide enough for small hands to access a cabinet’s interior. See our top choices for cabinet locks and straps below, plus expert tips for making your kitchen a safe setting for babies and young children.
How We Tested Cabinet Locks
We tested magnetic, adhesive, and sliding cabinet locks on three cabinets: one made of unfinished wood, one made of painted wood, and one made of metal. We tried each lock on a variety of knobs and handles of different sizes and formats. Here’s what we looked for in our evaluations.
Force to open: “We used a force gauge to measure the force required to push the release buttons,” says Amézquita. They should be difficult enough to deter a young child but not so tough that they require superhuman strength from an adult caregiver.
Force to break or remove: How much force can the locks resist if a determined child is trying to pull them apart or remove them entirely? We also used a force gauge to measure this metric.
Gap after installation: After installing the lock, does trying to open the cabinet door create a gap that the child could insert their hand into? We measured the width of any gaps created.
Opening after shaking: How much shaking can the locks withstand before failing? We shook each installed lock for up to 15 seconds and observed whether the straps or locks disengaged, loosened, broke, or held firm.
Inside Our Labs
How we test babyproofing cabinet locks
