The 5 Best Fridge Locks

There are certain things that happen when a baby enters your life. Some things are inevitable. Some things are even predictable. But when it comes to baby-proofing, you're going to routinely be surprised as to what they can, and will, get into and destroy in a matter of seconds. One such place in the house you might not think of? The fridge. The refrigerator is a source of much curiosity for a young, investigative toddler or preschooler, and believe it or not, the curiosities can cause a lot of damage. The easiest solution is to figure out a fridge lock--a device that is exactly what it sounds like. The idea behind a fridge lock is to keep sneaky kiddos out of the refrigerator. Some work better than others, and because food is necessary and expensive, having an open fridge without your knowledge can lead to some serious unnecessary waste. Because of this, you're not going to want to skimp on this baby-proofing device. We've found the top 5, listed below.

Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Use Latches

Easy Installation and Truly Baby-proof

The strap baby-proofing method is easiest for parents to install, and can be used on multiple surfaces. These ones are our favorite.

Best Overall

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You know those baby-proofing items that are actually not baby-proof at all, but parent-proof? No worries, these straps are not in that category. Easy for caregivers to both apply and use, you’ll easily and quickly baby-proof your entire home in a matter of minutes. The strap latches around corners with a provided adhesive that will not damage furniture or stainless steel.

You can use these straps on hot or cold items, as well as items that see moisture (such as the toilet). The strap itself is clear, while the small-but-mighty adhesive squares are grey. While many baby proofing items become a bit of a game for persistent toddlers, these locks are notoriously tough for curious little ones to figure out.

Pros:

Durable…these fridge locks will hold up to even the most dramatic of tantrums.
Come in a two pack.

Cons:

These straps don’t make a sound when you unlock them. This is great when you’re trying to be sneaky…but no so great if your toddler has somehow managed to figure them out.

Jool Baby Products Child Safety Strap Locks

Simple Yet Sturdy

These strap style locks are easy to use and easy to install...yet tough for little ones to figure out.

Runner-Up

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These strap-style locks are adjustable enough to fit almost all of your household items that need to be baby proofed. What’s more, you don’t need to use any tools or screws to apply this lock…just (the included) 3m adhesive. Because of the flexibility in these straps, you’ll be able to use them on household drawers as well.

Jool Baby is a company that has excellent, feel-good business practices as well: they work with their local New Jersey community for quality education on child safety. Additionally, they donate free products as well as a portion of their profits to less fortunate families. Supporting this company means you’re supporting a good cause, and that’s something we can all get behind.

Pros:

Totally adjustable, which is great for multiple household items.
White, with a clear-white strap.

Cons:

If you’re using these straps for your toilet, you’ll want to attach them to the side. Otherwise, the strap hangs with nowhere to go but between your legs.

Safety 1st Multi-Purpose Appliance Lock

More Bang for Your Buck

You'll love this multi-purpose child-proofing lock that works as well on the fridge as it does on the microwave.

Most Budget-Friendly

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Don’t feel like doling out a bunch of money on baby-proofing? We don’t blame you. Typically, baby-proofing items are only used for a relatively short period of time, so it’s nice to stick to a budget with necessary items. These fridge locks are affordable, easy to install, and will keep Baby completely safe.

What’s more, they can be used for multiple appliances. The flexible strap attaches around the corner of appliances, so these will work with ovens, freezers, refrigerators, and the like. The attachment works on both hot or cold surfaces, so these locks are great for hot, in-use dishwashers, as well.

Pros:

Economical, multi-purpose locks.
Sleek black design that’s low-profile.

Cons:

Adhesive can work a little too well at times—on stainless steel, you might be left with some relatively easy-to-remove adhesive residue.

Parent Units Double Door Fridge Guard

A Black Belt in Child-Proofing

This black belt is easy to use and ideal for keeping a double door refrigerator closed.

Best Strap Style

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You know those straps that go around handles and are somehow harder for adults to figure out than toddlers? This is not one of those. Made like a belt, this buckle is sturdy and durable enough to deter curious toddlers, yet simple enough for you to get in the fridge without much of a hassle. It’s a simple design, with a hardy buckle attachment and a solid rubber strap that effortlessly locks your refrigerator’s doors.

One downfall: you can really only use this fridge guard for double door style refrigerators.

Pros:

Completely user-friendly.
Sleek black design.
Solid construction that’s durable.

Cons:

If you have a kiddo who likes to figure out buckles, you’ll be in trouble. This isn’t much more than a sturdy belt.

Computer Security Products Refrigerator Door Lock with Padlock

When All Else Fails

If you have tried everything else or know your kiddo is an extra curious kiddo, you're going to want to get this padlock fridge lock. It's durable and impossible to break.

Best Padlock Style

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When all else fails, get a padlock lock for your fridge. No, seriously. Some babies just naturally figure out baby-proofing devices, rendering seemingly impenetrable fridge locks into a fun game of ‘Nice Try’. So if you’ve tried it all and nothing seems to be working, get yourself a fridge padlock.

This incredibly strong, no-drill required padlock has a master lock key to keep curious minds out of the fridge. It’s small, lightweight, and incredibly durable. When you’re busy in the kitchen, however, you don’t have to have the lock attached, which makes this padlock fridge lock a nice option.

Pros:

Sleek, black design with a small, simple padlock.
Full one year warranty included.
Solid brass padlock with key.
Easy installation.

Cons:

If this is installed correctly, the plates are permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why baby-proof your fridge?

We currently live in an old rental with a refrigerator that doesn’t close properly. We’ve gotten used to checking the door when we close it, but we’ve definitely had a few times where the refrigerator door was left open, food spoiled, and once…the dog was able to get into it when we were gone. It didn’t take very long to learn from this, but at first? Our electricity bill was sky-high, as was our grocery bill.

What’s this all got to do with baby-proofing your fridge? Well, your curious toddler can be the equivalent to the damage that our old, fussy fridge door can cause. There’s a simple solution for this: a fridge lock. You’ll never have to worry about your toddler or preschooler getting into the fridge again.

When do you need to start baby-proofing your house?

The answer is, like all things parenting, completely dependent on you and your child. Although children are naturally curious and investigative, some are a bit more than others. And some tend to be mobile and curious at earlier ages than others. If you’re the type of parent who wants peace-of-mind right off the bat, baby-roof when you’re still pregnant. If this is a hassle to you and you’d rather figure out from your toddler what you need to baby-proof, then you can certainly wait awhile to fully baby-proof. Go with what feels right and necessary for your peace-of-mind and the safety of your little one.