Toddlers are curious, creative, and crafty. If it has a door or drawer they can open, they will try to open it and explore whatever is inside.
One of a toddler’s favorite places is the refrigerator. They know there’s food in there, and they want it. It is incredibly easy for them to swing the door open and have a fantastic time. So it can be important to have a lock, so they don’t eat all your food or hurt themselves.
If you’ve ever walked into the kitchen to see condiments painting the floor, eggs smashed all over, and a small human covered in all types of food matter, then you know the stress an easily accessible fridge can create. Your best solution to the problem is a fridge lock.
There are so many products on the market that you may feel overwhelmed when choosing the best fridge lock for toddlers. It can be almost as frustrating as cleaning up your toddler’s food mess.
To make it easier on you, we’ve done some of the leg work to come up with three bestsellers that all make a great choice.
The 3 Best Fridge Locks for Toddlers
A fridge lock is a simple device. It holds the doors of your refrigerator together so that only those who know how to work the lock can open it. The best ones will be too difficult for a toddler to operate but easy for adults and older children to use.
With that in mind, here are three of the best fridge locks we recommend to anyone with a curious toddler in their life:
1. Safety 1st OutSmart Multi-Use Lock
The Safety 1st OutSmart Multi-Use Lock is versatile. If you love it for your fridge, then you can use it on a variety of other doors to keep your toddler out of things that could hurt him or her or that your toddler could use to make a mess.
The unique feature of this lock is that it has a false decoy button on the front. The button will appear to your toddler as the way to open the lock. It will keep him or her busy for quite some time, pushing it to try to get the lock open.
The lock also pivots out of the way, so it isn’t bobbing around, making it tough to shut the door. It has an 8.25-inch flexible strap that allows for a custom fit and makes this usable for French door style refrigerators. However, if you pull it too tight, be aware that it will be tough to unlock.
It is super easy to install because it uses an adhesive that sticks securely. You won’t need any tools to install it.
The product goes through proprietary testing methods to ensure safety and strength. You’ll get one lock per package.
Pros:
- Extensive strength testing
- Faux button keeps kids occupied
- Multiple uses
Cons:
- Only one lock per package
- Difficult to unlock if pulled too tightly
2. Jool Baby Child Safety Strap Locks
The four-pack Jool Baby Child Strap Locks feature 3M adhesive for quick and strong installation. You won’t need the drill to install this lock.
These locks work for a variety of purposes but are perfect for the refrigerator. They slide to open, which can make it tricky to open them with one hand. There’s also a learning curve that might take some people a while to master.
The lock can adjust from three inches to seven inches, making it usable for various refrigerator styles. It also won’t damage your fridge when you remove it. Best of all, it has a very decreet and stylish design that isn’t bulky or unsightly. You get security without making your fridge an eyesore.
Jool Baby is a brand known for simple yet safe solutions to common parent problems. It provides a lifetime warranty for defects.
Pros:
- Adjustable length
- Discreet design
- Comes in pack of 4
Cons:
- Hard to work one-handed
- Difficult usage
3. Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Latches
The Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Latches come in a two-pack. Like the other locks, it is versatile and usable for many different situations. You rotate the lock to release it and open the fridge door.
It has a non-damaging adhesive that creates a strong attachment. It can be challenging to remove the locks, but your toddler won’t be able to bother them. In fact, these locks get high marks for being incredibly strong and durable.
The lock features a double layer of security. It has tamper resilience and double locking. It is flexible and goes around corners well. Also, installation is easy and requires no tools.
It is a bulky design. If you want flowing lines, then it may not be the top choice. However, it is super strong, and toddlers who seem to break through locks easily will not get past this one.
Pros:
- Incredibly strong and kid-proof
- Double-layer security
- Flexible
Cons:
- Bulky design
- Difficult to remove
Reasons to Use a Child Lock on Your Fridge
Parents Magazine explains that the refrigerator is a fun and interesting item to a toddler; that also poses huge risks. Kids love the fridge because they know food comes from there, and he or she sees it as a chance to have a feast on all the good things inside.
Once a toddler knows how to open the fridge door, it becomes a game. No matter how many times you say “no,” your toddler will still want to get inside and pull things out. It becomes a power struggle with your toddler trying to get into the fridge anytime he or she can.
Some new fridges come with child locks installed, but many parents can’t afford them since prices run into the thousands of dollars. For everyone else, there are child locks.
SafeWise explains that child locks are an easy to use and effective option to keep your toddler out of the refrigerator. It will stop your child from getting into food items and making a mess or potentially suffering an injury.
It will help to ensure your toddler doesn’t open the fridge and leave the door open so that you lose food items to spoilage or waste electricity. It also stops the temptation of climbing in the fridge, introducing serious fall risks for a toddler. A lock can keep your child out of food items that pose a choking hazard, or that could make him or her sick.
Overall, you need a child lock if your toddler won’t stay out of your refrigerator. It will keep him or her safe and prevent accidents that could cause injuries or other issues.
How to Buy the Right Lock
There are two primary considerations when buying a child lock. First, make sure you can easily work it. Some locks are notorious for being difficult to open. You don’t want to deal with that frustration.
Second, make sure the lock style suits your fridge’s design. Many locks are versatile, and you can use them on any type of fridge. Just make sure it is usable for the type you have.
In Conclusion
When it comes to the best fridge locks for toddlers, the bottom line is that you choose something that will work for your situation. It will protect your child and help you avoid situations that can be a continuous source of frustration.