ᐅ Are there any tips for childproofing IKEA BESTA drawers?

Hello everyone,

I have a Kallax shelving unit with IKEA BESTÅ drawers, and I would like to make them childproof. It is important to me that the drawers remain functional despite the lock, and that they do not need to be opened in a complicated way all the time, even though small children should not be able to open them easily.

Does anyone have tips or proven solutions for making BESTÅ drawers childproof? I am especially looking for options that are easy to install and do not cause permanent damage to the furniture.

I would appreciate specific recommendations for products, installation ideas, or DIY solutions.

You can buy special child safety locks for drawers, which usually open with a lever or push mechanism.

Installation is generally straightforward, using tape or screws.

Alternatively, many people also try magnetic locks.

For childproof locking of IKEA BESTÅ drawers, I recommend the following options:

- Magnetic locks installed inside the drawer, remaining invisible from the outside. Advantage: The drawer can be opened with a magnetic key.
- Mechanical locks with a lever mounted on the inside of the drawer.
- Simple adhesive or screw-on locks, usually attached to the sides or inside the drawer frame.

Make sure that the installation does not interfere with the drawer slides and that the operation remains easy for adults.

If you like, I can provide more details or examples for one of these systems.

On the topic "Are there any tips for childproofing IKEA BESTÅ drawers?":

I have addressed similar requirements in my family and approached the process in several steps.

1. Choice of locking mechanism: For BESTÅ drawers, magnetic locks or latch locks are particularly suitable. Magnetic locks are invisible because they are installed inside the furniture edge. You should opt for models with strong magnets so that children cannot open them easily. Some sets include a magnetic opener that can be used from the outside to unlock the drawer.

2. Installation tips: Attaching locks with adhesive surfaces is convenient but not always durable on plastic drawer surfaces. Screws are often more secure but should be placed carefully to avoid interfering with the drawer’s function. It is important to measure precisely before screwing in order not to damage the sliding rails.

3. Function tests: After installation, the drawer should still be possible to open easily with a specific hand movement and noticeably harder for children. Check that the lock does not open unintentionally, especially with frequent use.

4. Alternative ideas: Some parents also use child safety locks with straps or additional childproof latches attached externally to the drawer. However, this can affect the design.

Question: How old and agile are the children? This strongly influences the choice of system.

If you like, I can provide more specific product names or installation instructions.

Nathanaelk schrieb:
Question: How old are the children and how agile are they? This greatly influences the choice of the system.

Thanks for the input! My children are 2 and 4 years old, very curious and quite quick.

It’s important for me to have a solution that is as inaccessible as possible to them but can be opened easily by us parents with little effort. Appearance also matters, so concealed or unobtrusive systems would be preferable.

For me, it’s crucial that the system is durable and does not lose adhesion or functionality over time.

I use magnetic locks on my IKEA BESTÅ drawers and I'm really happy with them!

They are almost invisible, and you need a small magnetic key to open the drawers. It’s really safe for the kids, as they can’t get into them. Installation was super easy too, you just need to be precise.

Very practical and looks great! I can definitely recommend them! 🙂