ᐅ How can I securely and childproofly lock IKEA BESTA doors?

Hello everyone,

I have a question that has been on my mind for some time: How can I securely childproof IKEA Besta doors?

I mean that small children definitely shouldn’t be able to open the doors easily, but at the same time, we want to access the items behind the doors without much hassle in everyday use. The door mechanism with the hinges makes it somewhat difficult to install standard child safety locks, and I also want to avoid leaving permanent holes or unsightly marks on the furniture.

Has anyone had practical experience or recommendations on the best way to childproof such doors? I am especially interested in solutions that remain as discreet as possible, are reliable, and do not have small parts that could pose a risk to children.

Thanks in advance for your tips and suggestions!

Pausix schrieb:
How can I securely childproof IKEA BESTA doors?

I can really understand your situation, Pausix. It was similar at our home when the kids were little. What helped me was a combination of clamp locks and magnetic catches that can be installed without drilling.

Sometimes you feel almost helpless because you don’t want to be constantly vigilant, yet still want full safety. The products I tried, however, were not completely foolproof – sometimes the kids quickly learned to manipulate the locks.

But: If you make sure the doors require some “effort” to open rather than just pulling, that already provides good protection. What worries me most are the small parts – for those, I would prefer a magnetic lock that is mounted inside the frame.

I hope this helps you a bit!

Pausix schrieb:
How can I securely and childproof IKEA BESTA doors?

From a technical perspective, the following proven methods are available for IKEA BESTA doors:

- Magnetic child locks: These are installed inside at the back of the door and cabinet and open with a special key. The advantage is no visible locks on the outside.
- Clip-on locks without drilling: These hook onto the top or side edges of the doors and are easy for adults to open.
- Swing and knob locks: These are fixed in place and provide reliable security but may leave marks.

Generally, non-drilling installation is preferred for BESTA due to the thin door materials. Magnetic solutions offer the best balance between security and appearance. For small children, only locks that require some force or a tool to open are suitable.

Important: Follow the installation instructions carefully to ensure the doors are properly secured and do not jam.

KAULIS schrieb:
Magnetic child safety locks: These are installed on the inside rear of the door and the cabinet body and can be opened with a special key.

In my opinion, these magnetic locks are quite overrated. Sure, they look neat and don’t leave ugly screws visible from the outside, but once the child is around 3 to 4 years old, they figure out how to open them.

Honestly, there’s hardly anything that’s 100% childproof. Eventually, kids manage to bypass any lock.

I think it makes more sense not to rely solely on technology but also to childproof the environment by storing inaccessible items out of reach. Maybe I’m too pragmatic, but I focus less on locks alone and more on a combination of supervision and smart storage.

What do you think?

GALEO4 schrieb:
Well, I think these magnetic locks are totally overrated.

That’s an interesting point. I partly agree that no solution is completely secure—especially with very curious small children who like to explore.

However, my question is specifically about a practical, as reliable as possible solution that remains effective for at least some time. I think a combination of locks and child-friendly placement can be sensible.

I would also be interested to know if anyone here has long-term experience with specific models. Sometimes the cheaper locks for IKEA furniture wear out quickly or get damaged by little hands.

Are there any experiences with locks that are sturdy enough but still easy to reinstall if you want to change the setup?

Pausix schrieb:
Are there any experiences regarding which locks are sturdy enough but still easy to reinstall if you want to reposition them?

Yes, I can briefly share the following:

Focus on magnetic locks that are mounted on the inside using screws without drilling holes. These provide strong holding power and are very reliable when used with the appropriate key.

Alternatively, there are clamp locks that grip between the door and the frame. These are much easier to install and remove but generally offer less holding strength.

Avoid adhesive-based options, as they often do not hold up over time and tend to fail in households with children.

In conclusion: if you want to secure multiple doors, it is best to choose solid magnetic solutions with screw mounting, even if this requires a bit more effort. The investment is worthwhile for reliability and durability.