How to Baby Proof Drawers: 5 Easy Ways to Keep Toddlers Out

Hello lovely mama, welcome! I hope you are doing well.

Your sweet baby isn't so tiny anymore. They are crawling, scooting, or pulling themselves up. Those little hands want to touch everything!

It all happens in the blink of an eye, doesn't it? When they’re small, they lie quietly on the bed. But as they grow, they make it their mission to open every drawer in the house.

I still remember when my own child learned to open the bottom kitchen drawer. At first, it seemed adorable. But then I realized how easily those heavy drawers could crush tiny fingers. Even worse, kids often use open drawers as ladders to climb up. This is scary because heavy furniture can tip over.

I know firsthand how stressful this time can be. Every time you hear a drawer opening, your heart skips a beat. You want your child to learn and explore new things, but you also want them to be safe.

Don't worry, lovely mama; I’ve found a solution. Here are five simple ways you can baby-proof your drawers and regain your peace of mind. If you are also worried about keeping your adventurous little one secure during outdoor seasonal activities, don't miss our guide on The Ultimate Guide to a Safe Baby in a Pumpkin Photoshoot This Fall.

1. Magnetic Drawer Locks

These are my absolute favorite because they are completely hidden from the outside. You don't have to look at ugly plastic pieces all over your beautiful furniture.

• How they work: You stick or screw a small latch inside the drawer. The drawer stays locked tight until you hold a special magnetic key against the outside of the wood.
• Why they are great: Toddlers cannot figure them out because they can't see them. There is nothing for them to pull or press.
• A quick mom tip: Buy an extra magnetic key and keep it high up on the refrigerator. Trust me, you don't want to get locked out of your own silverware drawer because your toddler hid the main key under a couch cushion!

2. Adhesive Strap Locks

If you want something fast, cheap, and very easy to install, these are your best friend. You do not need any tools or drills for these.

• How they work: These are flexible plastic straps with sticky tape on both ends. You stick one side to the side of the dresser and the other side to the front of the drawer.
• Why they are great: They work around corners and on all kinds of surfaces. You can peel them off later when your baby grows up without ruining the paint.
• A quick mom tip: Clean the furniture with a little rubbing alcohol before you stick them on. If the wood is dusty or greasy, the sticky tape will slide right off when your strong little toddler pulls on it.

3. Spring-Loaded Latches

You have probably seen these at a friend's house before. They are the classic baby-proofing choice that has been around for years.

• How they work: You attach a plastic hook inside the drawer. When you pull the drawer open just an inch, the hook catches. You have to push the plastic hook down with your finger to open it the rest of the way.
• Why they are great: They are very inexpensive and last a long time. You can buy them in big packs to do the whole house at once.
• A quick mom tip: Be careful if your baby has very tiny, skinny fingers. Sometimes they can still slide their fingers into that tiny one-inch gap and get a little pinch before the latch catches.

4. The Clever Tension Rod Trick

If you are waiting for your store-bought locks to arrive in the mail, or if you are visiting grandma's house for the weekend, this is a wonderful, free trick.

• How they work: If you have a dresser where the drawers sit right on top of each other in a straight line, you can slide a vertical rod through the handles. You can use a long wooden stick or an adjustable shower curtain tension rod.
• Why they are great: It costs almost nothing and takes two seconds. It completely blocks all the drawers from opening at the same time.
• A quick mom tip: This only works if your drawers have handles that shape like a loop (D-shaped handles). It will not work on smooth drawers that only have round knobs.

5. Create a "Safe Drawer" Just for Them

Sometimes, the best way to keep a baby out of the bad drawers is to give them a drawer of their very own!

• How they work: Choose one bottom drawer in the kitchen or living room and leave it completely unlocked. Fill it with safe, fun items like plastic bowls, wooden spoons, clean dish towels, and large plastic tupperware containers.
• Why they are great: Toddlers love to copy mommy and daddy. If they feel like they are allowed to explore this specific spot, they will often lose interest in the other locked drawers.
• A quick mom tip: Rotate the items in the safe drawer every week. Swap out the plastic bowls for some noisy crinkly paper or safe cardboard boxes. It keeps the magic alive and buys you time to cook dinner!

One Last Important Thing...

Before I go, I want to share one very important safety reminder. Even after you lock your drawers, please make sure your heavy dressers and cabinets are anchored tightly to the wall. Toddlers are like little monkeys, and they will try to climb anything. Anchoring your furniture prevents the whole dresser from falling forward.

Take it one day at a time, mama. This messy, busy, chaotic stage won't last forever. Soon they will be big enough to understand your words, and you won't need all these plastic locks anymore. But for now, take these small steps to make your home a safe space for your sweet baby to grow.

You are a wonderful mother, and your baby is so lucky to have you watching over them. Send you a big hug!

A Quick Note from One Mom to Another (Disclaimer) ❤️

I want to remind you that I am a loving mother just like you, not a doctor, child development specialist, or medical expert.

The tips, ideas, and advice I share on this blog come straight from my own personal experiences raising my children, my own research as a mom, and general home safety information. Every child is completely unique, grows at their own pace, and has different strengths and habits.

Because of this, please always double-check the safety labels and instructions on any baby-proofing products you buy. If you ever have serious questions or concerns about your baby’s safety, health, or development, please talk to a professional pediatrician or a certified child safety expert. Trust your beautiful motherly instincts—you know your baby best!