When your little one starts crawling and exploring, everything in your home suddenly looks like a potential hazard. One of the biggest concerns? Cabinets. Whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or living room storage, curious hands can easily get into places they shouldn’t. But what if you live in a rental, don’t want to drill holes, or simply prefer a no-damage solution? Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to baby-proof cabinets without using screws.

I remember the first time my toddler managed to pry open a cabinet. I had turned away for just a second, and suddenly, he was playing with a bag of flour. It was a mess, but more than that, it made me realize how quickly accidents can happen. If you’re in the same boat, let’s explore the best screw-free ways to keep your little explorer safe.

Adhesive Cabinet Locks

One of the most popular solutions is adhesive cabinet locks. These locks use strong, sticky adhesive to attach to cabinet doors and keep them securely shut.

Benefits:

• Easy to install – No tools required. Just peel and stick.
• No permanent damage – Ideal for rentals or cabinets you don’t want to drill into.
• Strong hold – Most high-quality brands can withstand a toddler’s determined efforts.

Things to Consider:

• The adhesive needs 24 hours to set properly.
• Removing them can be tricky if left on too long—some brands may leave residue.
• If your child is particularly strong or persistent, some models may not hold up.

If you go this route, choose a reputable brand. I once bought a cheap version, and within two weeks, my son figured out how to yank them off. Lesson learned—invest in quality.

Magnetic Cabinet Locks

Magnetic locks offer an invisible way to secure cabinets without screws. They use a strong magnet inside the cabinet, and you unlock it using a magnetic key.

Why Parents Love Them:

• No visible locks – Keeps cabinets looking clean and modern.
• Secure and durable – A strong toddler won’t be able to force them open.
• Adhesive installation – No drilling required.

Potential Downsides:

• You need to keep the magnetic key handy. If you lose it, opening the cabinet becomes a challenge.
• Some cheaper versions don’t have strong enough magnets, making them unreliable.

When I used these locks, I had to remind myself not to misplace the key. At one point, I lost it and had to fish through a drawer full of kitchen gadgets to find it. Lesson learned—keep the key in a designated spot.

Sliding Cabinet Locks

If your cabinets have handles or knobs that are close together, sliding cabinet locks are a quick and easy option. These locks work by threading a plastic or rubber piece through both handles and locking it in place.

Why They’re Great:

• Super easy to install – Just slide them on and tighten.
• Affordable and reusable – You can use them on different cabinets as needed.
• No residue or damage – Completely screw-free.

What to Watch For:

• They work best for double-door cabinets with handles. If your cabinets have knobs that are too far apart, they won’t work.
• Some toddlers eventually figure out how to slide them off.

A friend of mine swore by these until her daughter watched her unlock one too many times. After that, her little girl mimicked her movements and easily got into the cabinet. If your child is a quick learner, consider combining these locks with another safety measure.

Rubber Bands or Hair Ties (Budget-Friendly Hack)

For a quick and inexpensive fix, use thick rubber bands or hair ties to keep cabinet handles together. Simply wrap a strong rubber band around both handles, twisting it tightly so little hands can’t pull them apart.

Pros:

• Super cheap – No need to buy anything special.
• Easy to apply and remove – Works in seconds.
• No damage – Ideal for rentals or temporary baby-proofing.

Cons:

• Not the most secure – A determined toddler may still pry them open.
• Only works on certain cabinet styles – You need double-door cabinets with close-set handles.

When I first tried this trick, I thought it was genius—until I saw my son stretching the rubber band like a slingshot. It worked for a while, but I eventually upgraded to stronger locks.

Tension Rods Inside Cabinets

This method involves placing a tension rod (the kind used for curtains) inside the cabinet, blocking the doors from opening.

Why It Works:

• Completely damage-free – No adhesive, screws, or marks left behind.
• Easy to adjust – Works for different cabinet sizes.
• Difficult for toddlers to remove – If positioned correctly, little hands won’t be able to dislodge it.

Downsides:

• It only works for certain cabinet types. If your cabinet has no lip or support inside, the rod won’t hold.
• You have to remove it every time you need access, which can be annoying.

A neighbor of mine used this method in her rental apartment, and it worked well. She liked that she could adjust it as needed and remove it without damage when she moved out.

DIY Velcro Strips

If you’re in a pinch, strong Velcro strips can keep cabinets closed. Simply attach Velcro to both cabinet doors and press them together firmly.

Why It’s a Smart Fix:

• Cheap and easy to find – You can grab Velcro strips from any craft store.
• No tools or drilling required – Just peel and stick.
• Removable – You can take them off without damage.

Possible Issues:

• The adhesive may weaken over time, especially with frequent use.
• Strong toddlers may pull the doors apart if they figure it out.

I tried this method once, and while it worked for a short time, the Velcro lost its grip after a few weeks. It’s a great temporary solution, but not the most reliable for long-term safety.

Baby-proofing cabinets without screws is completely possible with the right tools and creativity. Whether you go for adhesive locks, magnetic closures, sliding locks, or simple hacks like rubber bands, there’s a solution that will fit your needs.

The most important thing is to stay one step ahead of your little explorer. If you notice them outsmarting one method, it may be time to switch to something more secure. Every child is different—what works for one may not work for another.