ᐅ How can I easily childproof IKEA Besta cabinet doors?

Hello everyone, I am facing the challenge of childproofing the doors of my IKEA Besta cabinet. It is especially important to me that the solution is easy to implement and changes the furniture as little as possible. The doors open quite easily, and a toddler has already tried to reach inside, which is not ideal since there are some delicate items stored inside. Does anyone have practical tips or proven methods for securely locking these doors without having to put in a lot of effort every time to open and close them? I would also like to know which types of locks or child safety devices work well without significantly affecting the appearance. I look forward to your experiences and suggestions!

Hey Dandra, your concern is really important – children’s safety should never be underestimated. For the IKEA Besta, I usually recommend the following methods, which are also easy for beginners to implement:

- Magnetic child safety locks mounted inside the cabinet. These are invisible from the outside and can only be opened with a special magnetic key.
- Plastic latch or clip locks that can be attached to the top of the door. They are easy to install and work reliably.

One important tip: make sure the lock is sturdy enough but still easy to open with one hand, so it doesn’t become too much effort in the evening. Have you ever worked with magnetic locks? They are really discreet in appearance.

Magnetic locks are excellent for Besta doors. Simply install them on the inside, with no visible drilling. They can only be opened with a magnetic key – children cannot reach them.

Hello Dandra, I would like to address your concern in more detail to offer you the best possible solution. First, it is helpful to estimate how strongly the child pulls on the doors and whether significant leverage forces are involved. Besta cabinets typically come with metal hinges or flap fittings, which affect the installation of safety locks.

A very practical option is magnetic child safety locks, for example from established manufacturers, which are mounted with plastic clips and do not cause permanent damage to the cabinet or doors. These locks operate with a special magnetic key that releases the latch. The advantage is that they are not visible from the outside and therefore do not affect the appearance.

Alternatively, there are also self-adhesive latch locks or snap closures that you can attach at the top corner of the doors. These are inexpensive and easy to install. It is important that the safety lock is sturdy but can be operated easily with one hand by adults; otherwise, opening will become frustrating.

If you like, I can also provide more information on specific products and their installation. What are the exact dimensions of your Besta (measurements, number of doors), and do you perhaps have a particularly active child who uses a lot of force when opening? This could influence the choice of lock.

Kinbu schrieb:
Magnetic child safety locks that are installed inside the cabinet. These are invisible from the outside and only open with a special magnetic key.

I have also installed these magnetic locks at home. At first, I was unsure because my child keeps getting smarter, but so far they have worked really well. I think it’s important not to compromise on appearance and avoid using cheap solutions. Your windows and doors remain nice, and your child can’t get in – a real relief. Hang in there, Dandra!

Domau0 schrieb:
Alternatively, there are also self-adhesive latch bars or snap locks that can be attached at the top corner of the doors.

Well, I always find these self-adhesive locks somewhat unreliable. Sure, they’re quick to install, but who wants glue residues on nice furniture? In my opinion, the compromise between child safety and furniture aesthetics usually suffers.

Magnetic locks are undoubtedly better—but completely childproof? For today’s clever little crawlers, it’s often just a new challenge. This raises the question for me: wouldn’t it be more sensible to rethink child safety in a room fundamentally? That is, more of a combination of education, room layout, and furniture arrangement rather than relying solely on door hardware? Just my two cents.