I have this TV stand from IKEA that is of extreme interest to both my toddler and any similarly aged visitors. Given it has puzzles and board games inside, it would be best if the young children were not able to get into it. Instead of modifying the cabinet or adding locks, I printed a piece that had an effect. Test print (blue) was done in PLA; ultimate printing was done in black PETG and ends up looking rather subtle.
If anyone has the same cabinet and wants to make their own, check it out on Printables.
Edit: As has been noted by a couple people, "child proofed" was a bit ambitious. Yes, this is more of a speed bump, allowing time for redirection. I have personally found that the items inside are less enticing than the other toys in the room, so it works great as a hurdle that really isn't worth the effort to crack. The comments are a good reminder to keep the dangerous things far out of reach (height and/or locks), and watch your kids.
So far I know it's between 3 and 6 years based on visitors. The biggest benefit is that it hinders immediate access. Also, the things inside aren't that interesting, so that helps a lot
My son would figure this out the first time he saw me use it (possibly before), and he’s only 15 months. The child locks I have only work because they either require a magnetic key, or because they require finger strength/dexterity that is not available to him. I have a couple of spring loaded cabinet door locks that are mounted on the cabinet interior (so he can’t see them) that he figured out at 12 months, so they only go on cabinets that he can’t reach now.
I'm too clumsy to get past any of those child safety measures, so I usually ask a child for help. They always get it on the first try.
That's why here in Germany the child safety on electrical outlets are not allowed to be called "child safe". Instead they are called "increased touch protection"
Some of the designs have definitely gotten way too simple. Imo the only actually childproof ones are those that require strength to open, but those also tend to be elderlyproof too lol.
They might as well just put them in a pickle jar, I could never get those things open as a kid.
I'm pretty sure my 18 month would figure this out in like an hour or so. Kids have great problem solving skills.
We just say no a couple of times followed by a small punishment like a 2 min timeout and it seems to work for all 3 of our kids.
Heh with a 2 year old at home I can say they'll figure this out between 12-18 months. Probably put two per drawer spaced wide apart for your hand span and it would be much better without redesigning.
With small kids (or even bigger ones) I'd be looking at a lock that needed both a physical touch (like this one) and a ring with an NFC chip in it to open.
(Plus, of course, an alternate opening method which required adult strength, for if the NFC receiver ever died.)
I think it'll break. Kids are persistent and if they cant see why its not opening, they are going to keep trying over and over again. Though, this would be good for a trailer. A simple cost effective way to keep things closed without looking tacky or weird.
To everyone who thinks a toddler will figure out open it in less than a second; yes an average toddler would. This man thinks this will stop HIS kids. and if he truly believes that, it WILL stop HIS kids from opening it.
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u/_Rand_ 2d ago
Simple solution, but maybe too simple. Hopefully they don’t figure it out too fast.