The best toilet seat lock should be able to keep your baby safe and completely out of the toilet. And, after testing some of the best toilet seat locks, my favorite has to be the Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Use Latches.
Having three young kids has made me have to purchase lots of childproof safety products. Some of those products work great, some work okay, and some don’t work at all.
What I find is that with each child, I keep having to childproof my bathroom. Kids seem to think that place is a fun room!
They also seem to have a bizarre fascination with the toilet. For that reason, I had to search around and experiment with a few toilet seat locks until I found the Munchkin Xtraguard toilet lock. This is a multi-use lock that works great for locking your toilet.
I also tried a few other toilet lid locks that are worth mentioning. Below are my reviews of them all.
Best Toilet Seat Lock Overall: Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Use Latches (2 count)
The Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Use Latches are the best on my list because they work so well at keeping the toilet lid shut. These latches are versatile and can be placed anywhere in your home to keep your kids out.
They have a strong adhesive on both ends that stick to any smooth surface. And they do not come off easily. Installation is simple and straightforward and unlatching this toilet lock is super easy for adults.
When unlatching, squeeze the two buttons on either side of each latch and pull outward. The latch will come off and you’re able to open the toilet lid or whatever it is you’ve baby proofed.
I’ve used these for a while, and even though my five year old knows how they open, he is not strong enough to press the buttons and open the lock.
What’s unique about these childproof cabinet locks is they open from either side. They also have a flexible strap that works around corners and curves. But, what I really love is that they match my kitchen.
Pros:
- Versatile and can be used anywhere
- Two way open mechanism
- Flexible strap
- Sleek look
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Adhesive hard to remove
- Strap length not adjustable
Best Swing Toilet Seat Lock: Safety 1st Swing Shut Toilet Lock
If you’re looking for a different toilet seat lock design, the Safety 1st Swing Shut Toilet Lock is one to check out. This self locking toilet seat lock sits on the lid of your toilet and prevents your kids from opening it.
This swing lock sticks to your toilet lid with a strong adhesive. It comes with a lock piece to stick to the toilet tank so the lock stays in place. It’s one handed design allows you to unlock the swing handle quickly and easily.
All you need to do is press the button while simultaneously turning the lever. The swing lock turns to the side and you’re able to open the lid. Kids will have a hard time figuring this one out.
Once you finish using the toilet, close the lid and the lock swings back into place. It’s really a marvelous design made especially to keep kids out of the toilet.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- One handed design
- Fits most toilets
- Automatically locks back into place
Cons:
- May be difficult for other children in the home to open
- Leaves sticky residue when removed
Best Hinge Toilet Seat Lock: Mommy’s Helper LID – LOK
Another type of toilet seat lock design is the hinge lock. This toilet seat locking hinge attaches to the inside of your toilet under the seat and lid. It cuffs both the seat and lid down to keep it shut.
Mommy’s Helper LID – LOK is super easy to install and can be removed and reinstalled many times on several different toilets. There is no adhesive — the lock latches on to the toilet bowl and secures the seat with it’s unique hinge design.
To release the lock, simply press on the latches and the hinge lowers down off the toilet lid. This hinge lock can be placed off to the side to ensure it doesn’t sit in your way while you’re on the toilet.
Once you’re done with the toilet, close the lid and lift the hinge back up into its initial position.
This lock works great, however, it doesn’t work so well on thinner toilet seats. Porcelain toilet lids and seats work best because they’re thicker and there won’t be much of a gap between the hinge and the lid.
Pros:
- Super easy to install and remove
- No sticky adhesive on toilet
- Easy to open and close
- Can be removed to be cleaned
Cons:
- Does not work well on thin, plastic toilet seat and lid
- Doesn’t fit every toilet
Best Versatile Toilet Seat Lock: Jool Baby Child Safety Strap Locks (4 Pack)
Here we have another set of strap locks that can be used anywhere in your home. The Jool Baby Child Safety Strap Locks work wonderfully for keeping kids out of the toilet and anywhere else in your home.
These strap locks are super efficient due to their ability to adjust to different lengths. The straps can be adjusted from 3 to 7 inches and are extremely flexible.
To place them on your toilet, you only need to remove the adhesive sticker from both sides. Place one side on your toilet lid and one side on your toilet bowl.
To release the latch, slide down on the button and remove. These child proof safety straps come in a pack of 4, so you can use them on cabinets, ovens, your fridge, and anywhere else your curious little child gets into.
Pros:
- Adjustable straps go from 3 to 7 inches
- Straps are flexible but strong
- Simple adhesive installation
- Versatile – can be used anywhere
Cons:
- Slide and pull latch a bit hard to open quickly
- Design and color stand out on cabinets
Best Convenient Toilet Seat Lock: Wappa Baby Toilet Lock (2 Pack)
There are so many swing locks on the market due to their growing popularity. And, this Wappa Baby Toilet Lock is one of the best out there.
This swing lock is one of the easier ones to set up. Unlike the Safety 1st Swing Shut Toilet Lock, the Wappa Baby is only one piece.
To install, you simply stick the adhesive on the lid of your toilet close to the tank. The rubber end prevents the lid from opening by pushing against the toilet tank.
To unlock the Wappa Baby, you easily push down on the button and swing the lock away from the tank. Once you’re done with the toilet, close the lid and place the lever back against the tank. (This swing lock does not automatically lock back in place once the lid is shut.)
Pros:
- Easy one piece installation
- Smart innovative rubber lock
- Strong adhesive
- Easy to unlock for adults
Cons:
- Does not work on all toilet designs
- Does not relock back into place
Best Attractive Toilet Seat Lock: Safety 1st Prograde Toilet Lock
I know the feeling of not wanting to childproof your home because of the tacky child locks stuck in every corner. Well, childproofing your toilet doesn’t have to be ugly with the Safety 1st Prograde Toilet Lock.
This toilet seat locking hinge is a different kind of design that you install to be attached to your toilet lid. Installing the hinge lock isn’t as simple as the others on this list, but you’ll still be happy with the outcome.
This lock is easily opened with a one-hand operation. Simply slide the lock button and pull the lock up. The lid is now accessable. What’s great about this toilet lid lock is the ability to keep it unlocked while guests are over.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- No sticky adhesive
- One hand operation
- Can be left in unlock position
- Can be reinstalled numerous times
Cons:
- Installation requires screw driver and taking apart toilet lid
- May not fit all lid or toilet sizes
Things To Consider When Purchasing A Toilet Seat Lock
It’s always best to look at the reasons why you need a toilet seat lock. It also helps to consider your situation and what you are willing to put up with in terms of a few things.
Before you decide on which toilet seat lock to purchase, consider some of these things to help you make the best choice.
Here are a few things to consider when purchasing a toilet seat lock:
Design
There are three common toilet lock designs. The hinge, the straps and the swing. Think about which design would be easiest for you and hardest for your toddler to open.
Depending on the age of your children, you’ll need to experiment with a few to figure out which works best for your home. Don’t forget to think about the other people in your household.
If you have young children who use the toilet, you may have to unlock the lid for them each time they use the bathroom. That can be tedious and out of your way, so make sure you pick a lock that works for your entire family.
Installation
How easy is it to install? Remember that you’ll need to install the lock to your toilet, so make sure it’s something you’re willing to do. If not, you can always get your partner to do it!
Most installation methods are easy, so you shouldn’t have a hard time with most of the toilet seat locks on this list. However, with a toddler, even the easiest task is a hard one, so don’t be shy to ask for help.
Removal
Be sure that you’re able to easily remove the product from your toilet. Most of these lid locks are applied with a strong adhesive that can’t be removed easily. Usually, removal instructions are provided, however, sometimes they aren’t.
For removing adhesive, try using a blow dryer on the heat setting. This will melt and weaken the adhesive so you can remove the toilet lock easier. After weakening the adhesive, use dental floss to slide under the lock and remove it. If there’s any residue, you can use Goo Gone or even rubbing alcohol.
Some of these products listed above even supply you with extra adhesive packs to reapply the lock a second time. So, you can rest assured that these products are designed to be removed.
Accessibility
How easy are they to open? Obviously, these types of childproof locks aren’t made to be opened easily. Most of them are designed to be opened with two steps. This may be annoying for some adults, and it could also be a bit difficult.
Read reviews to get an idea of how easy or hard these locks are to open. Remember that these are for your toilet so, if you’re in a rush, you need them to open quickly and easily.
But, on the other hand, they need to be somewhat difficult to open for small children. So, if they’re too easy to open, that defeats the purpose of the product.
Durability
I have certainly had a few childproof locks break on me. Whether I was trying to get them open too hastily, or my kids broke them, these things do break.
However, if you just bought the lock and it breaks on you in a few days, there’s a problem. Make sure to research the material they’re made from. Plastic and rubber are usually what these locks are made with.
Although these aren’t tough materials, they should still be durable enough not to break right away. Unless an adult tries to pry the toilet lid open, that is…
Quick Tip:
Make sure to teach everyone how to use the device. Maybe place a sign on the toilet seat lid to remind people before they decide to vigorously force the toilet lid open.
Also, don’t forget to mention it to your guests. No guest wants to come ask you how to open a toilet lid. From experience, they’ll probably rather try to figure it out themselves than come ask you. And by doing that, they end up breaking the toilet lock. Been there, seen that!
Final Words
Baby proofing your home doesn’t need to be difficult. Don’t stress too much about how curious and active your little one is. It’s just how kids are… Instead, focus on finding the perfect toilet seat lock (and other childproofing products) to keep your baby safe from harm’s way.
And, that’s why I strongly recommend the Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Use Latches to keep your kids away from any danger. They have yet to let me down.
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