I was just in the process of purchasing the child safety locks I posted below for my file and kitchen cabinets - again. The first go around they broke; it seems they can’t withstand the wear and tear that I give them every day opening and closing. However, these are the most adjustable, flexible locks for cabinets that do not have standard knobs and for people who don’t want to drill holes.
The other suggestion I’ll make is making these in at least a few wood shaded colors. Why are most of the childproof pieces mostly white? While it may prohibit the child a bit more from attempting entry, it stands out much more, especially when you have an open house and people are looking around carefully.
Last, the only major online store I’ve found that sells these two together is Buybuybaby.com. Kudos to this store, as they also have a concise range of products that should fit nearly all your childproofing needs!
Mommy’s Helper Slide Latch
KidCo Adjustable Locking Strap
I’ve been getting some good feedback on summer products that need help, so please feel free to comment with more suggestions!
These three products have really outdone themselves, so pay attention:
1) Sun Smarties Infant Cabana
This looks like a wonderful idea from OneStepAhead.com. You want to get some sun, you have to bring baby with you, and she can’t wait to go to sleep in this tent because it looks nicely shaded and just like her crib. Far from reality. I’m not saying all babies won’t love this, but mine did not like it one bit. She cried inside the tent, it seemed too isolating, too bumpy, and she didn’t want to sleep in it. Plus, putting it back together into it’s nice, round little pouch is next to impossible. You have to go online to see a video of how it’s done.
My suggestion is to keep baby in the stroller or shaded area on a blanket.
2) Sun Smarties Shades
Another product from OneStepAhead.com that was not tested well. First, do not get these glasses for your infant - they will not fit until he is at least 1 because the adjustable strap is too long. Second, you try these on - you will feel your eyes pressed against the shades. The strap design pulls the glasses so close to the eyes, it makes it difficult and annoying to see out of them. This same type of product is offered on other sites like Diapers.com; I would test them before using on baby, or better yet, go with regular baby glasses - Gymboree has good ones. Your toddler may not keep them on, but at least he can see. I started putting glasses on my daughter whenever we go out in the sun, and now she expects to wear them and keeps them on.
3) Little Kids Squeeze and Blow Pop-up Bubbles
This one is an impulse buy at the checkout counter at Buy Buy Baby. My daughter gets so messy when she plays with (practially washes herself with) bubbles, I thought this was an ingenious idea. Squeeze the bottle and up comes the wand to blow the bubbles. Except no bubbles ever happen. It could be the solution, it could be the lack of solution being swept up with the wand when squeezed. Stick with regular bubbles unless someone else has a better idea!
