In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Is your little one a daredevil exploring every cabinet and door in your home? We tested 8 of the most popular babyproofing kits on the market to find the best options for whole-home and individual rooms that work well and are budget-friendly. Finding an excellent babyproofing kit could be the next move on your list. Don't wait until your little one is crawling and exploring; babyproof now to stay ahead of the game. After months of research and hands-on testing, we think we've found a solution for every family and need, no matter your budget.
Editor's Note: We updated this childproofing review on May 31, 2024, reviewing current pricing and availability. We also include recommendations for alternative options to our top award winners.
The Inaya Child Proofing Kit comes with 40 items, including many corner guards for sharp corners, outlet covers, six-strap locks, and eight pressure cabinet locks. The straps are easy to use and install, and the components all use adhesive installation. We think this kit is best for people who tend to lose things quickly. With the pressure release locks, there is no danger of getting locked out of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets when the key is nowhere in sight.
This babyproofing kit is on the smaller side, especially for the price, and the components are only average compared to competitors. While they have some advantages, the pressure cabinet and drawer locks have a somewhat dated design that can cause pinching and potential injuries. Unlike magnet locks, like the Vmaisi Magnetic Locks, the door can open partway to expose the coil for pressing, allowing little hands to get trapped inside. Overall, this is an excellent basic set and can work well for parents who don't want one more thing to keep track of.
The Inaya Child Proofing Kit has cabinet locks, outlet covers, corner protectors, and strap locks.
The Inaya Child Proofing Kit includes the pressure style cabinet lock we like less than the magnet locks that prevent any potential for accidental pinching.
The Family Care Baby Proofing Kit is the most limited package in the review, with only corner guards and straps rounding out the complete kit. So you may need more kits depending on your home. We think this smaller option would be a good add-on for a home office or smaller room with only a few items to babyproof. While it can't deck out a kitchen or more ample space, it may be all you need to secure office furniture. The straps are adjustable and versatile, making them an excellent addition to other childproofing products. Family Care is also a good option if your chosen kit didn't quite do the job and you still have a few more things to lock up.
This is a smaller babyproofing kit, making it barely enough to get you started or finish your childproofing goals. We only recommend it if you have most of your childproofing needs covered. Without supervision to promptly redirect them away from the straps, determined toddlers could potentially sort out the strap's slide mechanism if they are motivated enough. If you need a more comprehensive kit, the 40-piece Inaya Child Proofing Kit includes various items such as strap locks and corner covers. Otherwise, the Family Care kit is a small, budget-friendly kit and a good choice for a single room with few needs.
The Family Care Baby Proofing Kit is the smallest and least diverse option in the group.
The straps included in the Family Care Baby Proofing Kit are good for a variety of uses where you need to keep a door closed but a cabinet lock won't work.
Number of items: 18ft & 8 corners | Type: Edge Guard
REASONS TO BUY
Includes edges & corners
Different colors
Thicker foam
REASONS TO AVOID
Adhesive attachment
The Roving Cove Baby Proofing Edge Corner Protector is a simple edge and corner protection set. It includes 18 feet of foam edge guard and eight foam corner protectors. The foam has an adhesive backing that is easy to install and works well. It is available in three colors, and the foam is free of BPA, phthalates, heavy metals, latex, and SCCPs. We like that this product does one thing well.
Like all stick-on products, the adhesive in this babyproofing kit can fail if not used correctly or a little one pulled aggressively over time. However, this is true of any edge protection guards, as they all use an adhesive installation method. If you need edge guards for a hearth, consider a more suitable model like the heavily padded KidKusion Hearth Cushion. Overall, we like the Roving Cove edge guard, and the corner protectors are easy to install and work well with no muss/no fuss.
The Roving Cove protector is a basic straight edge and corner protectors.
The Roving Cove corner protectors are soft and thick enough to prevent most injuries.
Number of items: 9ft & 2 corners | Type: Edge Guard
REASONS TO BUY
Long
Heavily Padded
Includes corners
REASONS TO AVOID
Only two corners
Won't work everywhere
The KidKusion Hearth Cushion works best for hearth use, providing edge and corner protection around fireplaces. The foam with this kit has a double-sided adhesive Velcro backing and is crinkle-free, closed-cell. This foam is made in the USA and free of BPA, phthalates, latex, and noticeable odor. It comes in two colors, and the hearth-specific cushion has a semi-beveled edge that looks somewhat fancier than the rolled edge we see on most competing guards. The foam is easy to install and looks nice.
This edge protector is relatively thin compared to some of the competition and will only work in specific situations. To avoid disappointment, we recommend measuring your space and checking your fireplace hearth for compatibility before purchasing. However, if it is the proper selection for your home, it is a good choice for making hearths safer for little ones to stumble on, and it seems thick enough to prevent most serious injuries when used properly. If you only require corner protection for furniture, check out the CalMyotis Corner Protectors.
The Hearth protector from Kid Kushions is designed specifically for hearth protection.
The adhesive for the Kids Kushion has separate adhesive you apply to the edge before you put the foam on.
The CalMyotis Corner Protector is a soft, transparent PVC corner protector. The pack contains no phthalates, BPA, chemicals, or added toxic fire retardants. Each corner includes a clear, pre-installed adhesive that works well and installs easily (you may need a hairdryer to heat the glue). We like the look of these unobtrusive corner guards and think they are an excellent choice for those who need them but aren't interested in the unsightly foam options.
These guards are thin and not soft or squishy, as foam protectors traditionally are. So, while you can avoid point-related injuries, it does not offer the same impact protection as a foam buffer, and toddlers could get a bump or a bruise. If you'd rather have foam protection, the Roving Cove Baby Proofing Edge Corner Protector is our favorite for corners and edges. However, if aesthetics are your priority, CalMyotis corner protectors have the potential to protect little ones from sharp corner-related injuries.
The adhesive component of the CalMyotis is separate from the clear corner guards.
The CalMyotis have an unobtrusive look that doesn't distract from the beauty of the furniture itself.
The Vmaisi Magnetic Locks is a pack of magnetic locks that install adhesive or hard-mounted. This kit includes 20 locks and two magnet keys that work on drawers, cabinets, and some closet doors. Once installed, these locks are entirely invisible, so no unsightly lock is on display. The keys work well, and installation comes with a guide to help ensure they align properly. We like that you can turn off the magnet if you don't need the lock. They worked well in most locations during testing, and the set comes with good step-by-step directions and a template for easier installation.
The biggest issue with this babyproofing kit is the potential to lose the key required to open the lock. If you misplace the keys, you cannot open the lock without ordering and waiting for a replacement key. Also, using the adhesive means it could fail if a determined toddler pulls hard enough. Overall, we love how easy these locks are to use and that they are hidden from view and don't allow pinching. We recommend placing keys where they won't get lost and buying backups ahead of time just in case they do. Still, if you know there's a good chance you'll misplace the key, the Inaya Child Proofing Kit includes pressure cabinet locks, so you don't have to worry about getting locked out.
The locks are held in place with adhesive stickers.
Vmaisi Magnetic Locks come with 2 keys to easily open the magnets when you need to get inside.
The Skyla Homes - Multi-Purpose Child Lock is a sliding lock that works on a double handle or knob design doors and cabinets. This gadget is a temporary option, leaving no holes or adhesive residue behind. The fastener comes in two parts, and they slide together to create the lock, and one end has a pinch release. It is plastic, lightweight, and suitable for travel or temporary use.
This lock is challenging to use and requires two hands to operate. Some testers felt it was frustrating to use and would prefer it as a temporary solution instead of something they have to deal with daily. This babyproofing kit has limited uses, as it only works for cabinets with knobs or handles. Overall, we don't think this is the best solution for most applications, but we believe it is a great travel tool to help create a safer area for your baby when you aren't at home and can't set up a more permanent solution. For cabinets and other things without handles, the Vkania Child Proof Kit strap locks can help keep your child out.
The Skyla Homes - Multi-Purpose Child Lock is suitable for any two sides with handles or knobs and the temporary nature makes it good for travel.
To unlock the Skyla Homes - Multi-Purpose Child Lock you need to pinch the sides and this can be challenging for some users.
The Vkania Child Proof Kit is a kit that includes strap locks and outlet covers. The outlet covers are plastic two-prong covers, and the straps are adhesive attachment straps suitable for cabinets, drawers, toilets, ovens, and more. These versatile straps can keep trashcans and diaper pails closed to tiny explorers. Installation is quick and straightforward with adhesive backing, and they can be adjusted to fit various size needs. We found these to be useful in almost every room during testing.
These are not the most attractive locks; they are big, white, and draw the eye. If you want to hide the lock rather than put it on display, the Vmaisi Magnetic Locks are completely hidden. They are also somewhat challenging to unlock if you have trouble with finger dexterity. Like all adhesives, there is a chance this lock could fail with enough persistence from persistent toddlers. Overall, we love how many uses the Vkania locks have and think it is a budget-friendly choice for those with needs outside of only cabinets and drawers.
The Vkania straps can be used in a variety of locations where only your imagination is the limitation.
The straps on the Vkania straps attach to the other side and can be challenging to remove for some users.
We purchased and tested each kit in this review to determine which options were the best and most useful on the market.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Test Babyproofing Kits
When researching baby-proofing products, we tried to consider styles that new parents might use the most, and we looked for quality options that offer a lot in one pack of include a variety of options for different applications. During testing, we used and installed each option and assessed metrics like ease of installation, ease of use, effectiveness, and more.
Flexible cabinet locks like the ones found in the PandaEar kit are one of the most versatile options.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why Trust GearLab
Bob Wofford, a Senior Review Analyst and dad to 7, researched and led the babyproofing kit review. Bob has been testing baby gear for more than seven years, conducting testing in various categories, from strollers to car seats. We chose the babyproofing kits with safety and variety in mind. We tested them for how easy they are to install, how effectively they work, and how much ground they can cover in the typical home. Senior Review Editor Wendy Schmitz completes the babyproofing team undertaking the test analysis and write-up.
Clear corner guards offer protection from sharp corners without disrupting the style of your furniture.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Analysis and Test Results
We purchased and tested the most popular babyproofing kits for testing. We assessed each kit for ease of installation, how much the kit can cover, and how well the components work.
Safety First
Childproofing is a crucial component of babyhood. However, no childproofing product is 100% effective. As with all childproofing products, we believe you should use caution and monitor little ones regularly to avoid accidental proofing failures that could lead to accidental injuries. We recommend viewing childproofing gear as a stop-gap that buys you time instead of final solutions that never fail.
This is an example of the magnet lock key you place on the outside of the cabinet door or drawer to release the hidden magnet lock o the opposite side.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Basics of Babyproofing
Childproofing needs may change as your baby grows. This childproofing checklist by age can help you build a timeline for your growing baby. A good starting point is to get on your baby's level… literally. Viewing your home from a different perspective can reveal safety hazards you never noticed before and allow you to think proactively.
Best Practices
Before purchasing babyproofing supplies, keeping your baby safe starts with good habits. As a first step, try storing hazardous or poisonous substances such as cleaning supplies and medication in a high, difficult-to-reach place rather than locking cabinets directly in your baby's line of sight. Ensure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in working order, and always have a fully stocked first aid kit in your home. Curious babies and toddlers will put almost everything in their mouths, so check all plants in your home to ensure they are not poisonous when ingested. If you would like to learn more about potentially toxic substances that are common in most households, the Poison Control Center has helpful information on how to store items and what to do if your baby gets into anything suspicious.
Outlet covers are one of the most common, and possibly the most important, components in any babyproofing kit.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
What Supplies Do I need?
So you're ready to start covering outlets and locking cabinets! A general babyproofing kit will provide you with an excellent base to start. From there, evaluate your home - you don't need everything on this list. Do you have an extra-large kitchen? You might need more cabinet locks than come in a kit. Do you have a fireplace? KidKusion Hearth Cushion could be a wise supplementary purchase. You may also want to consider how many rooms your baby can access. Where do you spend the most time? These rooms should be the most protected. If you spend a lot of time on the road or frequently visit family or friends, reusable cabinet locks like Skyla Homes - Multi-Purpose Child Locks can come in handy. If you have a multilevel home, a top-ranked baby gate is essential for older babies and toddlers who are becoming more mobile but have not yet mastered stairs.
Other Considerations
Final deciding factors include ease of use and efficacy. The ideal babyproofing gear is easy for adults to install and operate but not so easy to use that a toddler can figure it out.
Some of the strap locks are almost too easy to release as they slide forward and could potentially be figured out by curious toddlers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
Most kits include easy-to-use items; some are almost too easy and could be figured out by a curious toddler. However, some designs are easier to install and use than others. With modern adhesive technology, we think it is easiest and still effective to skip the hardware-mounted devices in favor of adhesive. Hardware mounting takes installation effort to a new level and requires tools, making it less user-friendly.
Outlet covers that require keys are harder to remove for parents and kids and keeping keys nearby could be challenging depending on how many covers and keys you have.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Another factor is the outlet covers that require a key to remove. All outlet covers work well in our experience and are hard to remove, even for adults. We aren't sure what benefit the key provides other than having assistance with removal, but keeping the key nearby and within reach during testing seemed like a hassle. No matter how hard you try, you can't keep a single key near all covers, and if you lose the key, it is hard to remove the cover. We have tested styles like this in the past but feel that this design is flawed and, at best, just a pain, so we do not recommend them.
We prefer the magnet locks to the pressure design or external strap locks in many cabinet lock kits. The magnet locks are out of sight, out of mind for little ones, and while they require a key to unlock, it is easier to keep the key in the kitchen for all locks than it is to keep an outlet key in every room with an outlet when the kits only provide one. We also like that the magnets don't allow the cabinet or drawer to open. The pressure locks enable the doors to open enough to fit a finger inside to press the top of the latch to disengage and open the door. This design means little ones can often fit their hand inside the cabinet or drawer, and it can pinch or shut on them as it won't open further. The Inaya Child Proofing Kit includes eight pressure locks.
Strap locks can be very useful given their versatility, but some are easier to open than others and because they aren't hidden from view little ones will want to try their hand at opening them.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
While strap locks are functional, versatile, and work well when other styles don't, we don't like them for drawer or cabinet locks as children love to play with them. Many are relatively easy to open, given time and patience. If you need a toilet or trash can lock, these are the way to go, but they wouldn't be our top pick for locations that work with a magnet lock that, in our opinion, is easier and more effective.
While not as cushioned as their foam counterparts, clear corner guards still offer some protection against point injuries.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Efficacy
While any childproofing gear can appear effective on first blush, trust us until a toddler gets their hands on it, you'll never really know. In our experience, some little ones will accept the slightest inconvenience as a giant bump in the road, and they will go no further and accept that they shall not pass this point. However, other toddlers will see every obstacle as a challenge, and you can almost hear them saying, “Hold my bottle; I got this…” This second kind of toddler will sort out every babyproofing obstacle you put in place, and you'll soon find yourself with a master Houdini on your hands that you can't stop no matter what you try.
In our experience, the doorknob covers are better at stopping parents than toddlers and even if they work at first will eventually become useless.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
As parents, we've wrestled with childproof doorknob covers to the point of high frustration, only to have an 18-month-old casually open the same door as if the cover didn't exist. The point? No matter how well-protected you think your home is, depending on your child, it can all fail, given enough time and motivation.
Therefore, we recommend you check your gear frequently to ensure the adhesive is still in place, the corners are securely snug, you can't pull the cabinet locks open or pinch them shut, and all straps are a struggle to take off. While we did not experience any product failures during testing, we can see how some products could fail over time, given an obstinate and savvy toddler looking for adventure.
Potential Hazards
Babies traditionally find small or unique items intriguing. This interest means they might gravitate towards new or novel things like corner guards or outlet covers. This may be even more relevant if your baby or toddler is overly interested in solving the “undo puzzle” of any childproofing gear. We strongly suggest replacing damaged or dysfunctional items to avoid potential hazards or failures related to design or child manipulation. We believe adult supervision is crucial for little ones, even if you have childproof components properly in place.
Some straps are easier to use than others and while they need to stop curious toddlers they also need to be easy enough for adults to use the bathroom.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Also, remember that you don't want gear that is so hard to use that even you can't manage it when you need to. A toilet lock strap you can't open quickly enough could lead to trouble for everyone!
We prefer the simple press in place outlet covers to those that require a key to remove.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
After significant research and testing, we don't think there is a one-and-done child-proofing solution for every home. Depending on your needs or your home's size, you may want to purchase multiple kits or products to get the job done. Alternatively, you may find that a straightforward kit is all you need with leftovers. We suspect that while one or more of the kits in this review might work in your home, you'll likely need to add on one or more other products, so be ready. This review helps provide the information you'll need to find the best kits for you and your family.
