If you’re a new parent or about to become one, baby-proofing your home is probably at the top of your to-do list. The kitchen, in particular, is one of the most dangerous places for a curious little one. With sharp objects, cleaning supplies, and other hazards within reach, it’s essential to secure every corner. But what if your kitchen cabinets don’t have handles? You might be wondering how to baby-proof them without making your space look like a fortress. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!

Why Baby-Proofing Without Handles Matters

As a parent, the first thing you’ll notice is how quickly your baby starts exploring. I remember when my child first began crawling—everything seemed like a potential new discovery. Kitchen cabinets were no exception. Without handles, they may seem like a mystery, but this can be even more dangerous. Babies often find creative ways to open doors—using their tiny hands, feet, or even their mouths to figure out how to get inside. If the cabinets aren’t securely locked, a curious little one might get into cleaning supplies or worse, sharp utensils.

You might be thinking, “But my cabinets don’t even have handles—how could my baby open them?” Trust me, they will find a way. And that’s why it’s crucial to take preventative action before anything happens.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Baby-Proof Kitchen Cabinets Without Handles

• Choose the Right Childproofing Locks: For cabinets without handles, adhesive locks are your best bet. Adhesive locks are designed to stick to the inside of the cabinet door and prevent it from being opened. Some adhesive locks can be activated by pushing a button, while others require a squeeze or a slide. Whichever method of opening, they offer a secure solution without the need for handles. I remember the first time I installed them in my own kitchen. At first, I thought it would be difficult to open but it was surprisingly simple, and I felt a huge sense of relief knowing my toddler couldn’t easily get into things they shouldn’t.
• Magnetic Locks: If you want something a bit more discreet, magnetic locks are a fantastic option. These locks require a magnetic key to open the cabinet, making them nearly impossible for babies and toddlers to operate. They’re also hidden, so you won’t see them on the outside of your cabinets, maintaining the sleek, modern look of your kitchen. I personally found magnetic locks to be a lifesaver, especially when I wanted to keep sharp kitchen tools safe and out of sight.
• Strap Locks: If you prefer a more straightforward approach, you can use strap locks. These are essentially heavy-duty, adjustable straps that latch across the cabinet doors. To open them, you’ll need to unclip the strap, which is difficult for little ones to do. I remember struggling a bit with these in the beginning—especially trying to find the right tension. But once I got the hang of it, they were incredibly effective.
• Adhesive Door and Drawer Bumpers: Adding some cushioning to the edges of the cabinet doors and drawers can prevent injury if your baby somehow manages to open them. While not a lock in itself, this is an added layer of protection to avoid painful bumps. After my child’s first “oops” moment (where they accidentally slammed their fingers in a drawer), I was quick to add these bumpers—and trust me, they made a huge difference.
• Internal Cabinet Locks: For a more secure option, consider installing internal cabinet locks. These can be tricky to install, but they are incredibly effective in preventing your little one from opening the doors. Another type of lock are internal locks that can be attached from the inside of the cabinet and help to lock the door in place. Just please keep in mind that these types of lock do require some drilling so if you are not aware of how to use eletrical tools then you can consult with someone who does.

Personal Experience: Struggles with Baby-Proofing

When my little one started exploring, I remember how overwhelming it felt to secure everything. Cabinets with no handles posed an extra challenge for me. I thought, “How hard could it be to lock these up?” but soon realized that the lack of handles meant I had to get creative with my approach. It took a few tries to find the right locks that worked, and at one point, I accidentally installed the locks upside down. (Cue the toddler pulling on the cabinet door and giggling as I scrambled to fix it!)

But after some trial and error, I found the perfect balance of safety and style. And let me tell you—being able to confidently cook dinner without constantly checking if my child was inside a cabinet pulling out dangerous items was a game changer.

Baby-Proofing Made Easy

Baby-proofing doesn’t have to be stressful, even when your kitchen cabinets don’t have handles. You don’t have to forego the beauty of your kitchen but adding these additional locks because most are easily concealable. The most important thing at the end of the day is that your baby is safe away from getting into things that they should not be. As long as you can prevent that, then that is all that matters.

As you start baby-proofing, think about your child’s growth. What works now might need to be updated as they get older and more curious. But taking that first step to secure your cabinets is one of the best ways you can protect your little one.