The 5 Best Electric Outlet Covers

When your baby starts crawling and exploring, it's important to baby proof your home. One important area to make safe is your outlets. You don't want your little one sticking a fork or finger in an outlet. To help keep them safe, you can install electric outlet covers. These are typically easy to use, and make it hard for curious babies and toddlers to access the outlets. To help you check baby proofing off your to-do list, here are five of the best electric outlet covers.

Outlet Plug Covers (32 Pack) – Jool Baby

Classic Outlet Covers

These outlet plugs are clear, so they blend into your home while keeping your baby safe.

Best Overall

Find on Amazon

If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to cover your outlets, this pack of 32 electric outlet covers is a great deal. They are clear, so they won’t catch your baby’s attention. The clear coloring also allows the outlets to blend into your home. Each plug slides into one outlet. You will need two for each traditional outlet that’s found within your baby’s reach. You slide one into each outlet, and it provides a flat cover that your baby can’t get out. It will be a tight fit, without gaps, which is what you want. If you need to use the outlet, they are easy for adults to remove. The plastic is sturdy, and these covers are very durable.

Pros

Easy to install
Durable
Inexpensive

Cons

Persistent toddlers will learn to pull them out, especially after watching you do so

Safety Innovations Twin Door Babyproof Outlet Cover Box (1 Pack)

Lots of Interior Space

If you're trying to cover a large plug, these electric outlet covers have a lot of room on the inside.

Best for Large Plugs

Find on Amazon

If you want to prevent your baby from pulling a plug out of the wall, this outlet cover is for you. It features a double locking system, which requires two hands to open. This is extremely difficult for babies and toddlers to open. A large electric outlet cover, the inside dimensions are 5 3/8-inch by 3 3/16-inch by 2 3/4-inch. It is large enough to securely cover large plugs and adapters. To install, you will need a screwdriver. It includes the screws and faceplate that you need. There is an installation video that provides step-by-step guidance for using this product. It is a twin-door style. The two doors meet in the middle, allowing you plenty of space for accessing the inside.

Pros

Large size
Keeps babies from unplugging things
Step-by-step installation video

Cons

Need a screwdriver and some time to install

Universal Self-Closing Electrical Outlet Cover, 8 Pack

Safe Sliding Design

These outlet covers close automatically so you don't have to remember to reinstall them after using the outlet.

Best Self-Closing Cover

Find on Amazon

When you need to use an outlet that’s covered by an outlet cover, it’s essential to put the cover back. If you don’t want to have to worry about remembering this, check out these self-closing electric outlet covers. When you need to use them, you can slide the cover out of the way. Then, when you remove the plug, the cover will automatically close. These are a standard size, so they cover most electrical outlets. The covers are BPA free, so you can have peace of mind about the quality of materials. They are simple to install when you follow the directions. You can also remove them easily and replace them with your old faceplates when your child grows up.

Pros

Self-closing
Toddlers can’t remove them since they replace the entire cover
BPA free

Cons

Won’t work for wide outlets

Safety 1st Outlet Cover with Cord Shortener

Keep Your Baby from Unplugging Things

These outlet covers store up to four feet of cord.

Best with Cord Shortener

Find on Amazon

Putting items in an electrical outlet isn’t the only hazard for your baby. They can also pull out cords and get tangled in them. To help keep your baby safe, these electric outlet covers are able to store up to four feet of cord. This allows you to shorten the cord on the outside, giving your baby much less to pull. These cover the entire outlet, so babies and toddlers can’t unplug things. To open them, you have to push two buttons at the same time. This is difficult for children, but simple for adults. The package includes the replacement wall plate and cover, you will need to remove your old ones and replace them. You will need a flat head screwdriver to complete the installation. This is large enough to cover standard-size plugs.

Pros

Completely cover electrical plugs
Store cord inside to prevent entanglement
Must push two buttons to open

Cons

Aren’t large enough for larger plugs or adapters

Mommy’s Helper Outlet Plugs, 36 Count

No Tools Needed to Install

These inexpensive outlet covers are easy to install.

Best on a Budget

Find on Amazon

You can keep your baby safe without spending a fortune. These budget friendly electric outlet covers prevent your child from getting shocked. They are simple to install, you simply insert them into the outlet and push them into place. They should have a firm fit so they don’t fall out on their own. When you need to access the outlet, you can slide your fingernail or a flat non-metal tool underneath and gentle pull. The pack comes with 36, which allows you to babyproof several outlets. They fit all two or three-pronged outlets. They are a great shape, completely covering the outlet without leaving any gaps for little fingers to squeeze into.

Pros

Simple to install
Inexpensive
Completely cover the outlet

Cons

Takes a lot of effort for an adult to remove

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install electric outlet covers on every outlet in my home?

As you begin the babyproofing process, it’s essential to look at your home through the eyes of your child. Get down on the ground and see what catches your eye. You want to cover any outlets that your little one can reach. Typically this will include any that are close to the floor. Your outlets that are up high may not need covered until your child is a bit older. However, you know your child best. So, any outlets that you think they may be curious about, it’s important to cover.

Can babies and toddlers remove electric outlet covers?

Eventually, many toddlers will learn how to pull out or open electric outlet covers. Your children learn from watching you, and enjoy mimicking your behaviors. However, it is often tricky for children to remove these covers. It will likely take them time to do so. That’s why it’s so important to supervise your child, and not completely rely on your baby proofing efforts. Nothing can replace supervision from a responsible adult.

How do you install electric outlet covers?

The installation of these baby proofing products vary greatly based on design. Some are simple to install. These slide into the outlets and just need pushed in to secure them. Others replace your existing outlets. These will require more time and knowledge. A screwdriver will be required. You’ll need to remove the existing faceplates by removing the screws. Then, you will line up your new outlet cover and install them with screws. If you will be putting the old ones back when your child is older, make sure you save your old faceplates.