7 Insanely Easy Hacks to Child Proof Your Light Switch!

  • Post category:Baby Proofing
  • Post last modified:November 2, 2023
  • Reading time:8 mins read
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I have figured out and come up with 5 ways to child proof light switch covers, so if your kids ever turn off the lights while you’re sleeping at night, you know who’s responsible!

Kids are curious and always playing in search of discovery. Sometimes it is fun to explore, but there are some things that parents can’t trust them with. Electrical outlets and light switches in your room are two of those things. Parents need to childproof these items before their toddlers start exploring on their own, and the picture gets tragic.

Why parents should childproof light switch covers?

Parents need to start doing child proof light switch guards for all the rooms in their house, of course, to protect their children. If parents don’t childproof these items, their toddlers could get electrocuted or hurt if they ever touch them without supervision.

Since toddlers are curious, they are very likely to try touching the electrical outlet with their fingers just to see what happens. If you have ever seen a fly get zapped by an electric fence, then you know that this is not something that anyone would want to happen, especially if it was your kid!

It will be difficult for even some adults to survive some household electricity by sticking their hands in a switched outlet. Since kids are smaller, they are more susceptible to getting hurt from the electric shock compared to adults.

This article is part of our master series on baby proofing, click here to learn more about baby proofing other things in your home.

Ways to childproof light switches

1) Use light switch covers with locks

Light switch covers are just as susceptible to being childproofed as the actual switches! In most cases, some of the covers come with a unique buckle lock design on them so you can childproof your own home without doing anything yourself (which is always a plus).

Make sure you purchase covers that fit your current light switches, though. If they are tight and you’ve to squeeze them or don’t match up perfectly, then it won’t work too well.

Bestseller No. 1
Wall Switch Guard, ILIVABLE Childproof Light Switch Plate Covers Protects Your Circuits from being Accidentally Turned On or Off by Children and Adults (White, 2 Pack)
  • Lock Down the Hidden Danger: These Toggle Switch Shields can effectively prevents accidental shutdown or opening of items connected to the switch and prevents children from messing the switch.
  • Controllable switch: The unique buckle design structure can lock and completely close the switch.
  • Easy to Install: Just install the light switch guard once and you don’t have to worry about switch anymore.
  • Extra Screw: In most cases, installing the light switch lock will increase the thickness of the switch panel, making the original screw not long enough. We have extra lengthened screws to accommodate the increased thickness.
  • Compatible: These wall switch guards fit any standard toggle light switch. Perfect match with white switch Plate.
Bestseller No. 2
Light Switch Guard, ILIVABLE Child Proof Rocker Switch Plate Cover Prevents Kids or Accidental Turned On/Off Switch While Allowing Access (Clear, 2 Pack)
  • Lock Down the Hidden Danger: These Switch Shields effectively prevent accidental shutdown or opening of items connected to the switch and prevent children from messing the switch.
  • Secure and Controllable Switch: This light switch guard features double buckle design structure that locks and completely closes the switch, giving you complete control over your home’s lighting.
  • Hassle-Free Installation: Installing our light switch guard is a breeze – Simply unscrew the screws above and below the switch, place the switch cover, and use the provided screws to hold the cover in place.
  • Extra-Long Screws Included: We understand that installing a light switch lock can increase the thickness of the switch panel, which is why we’ve included extra lengthened screws to accommodate the increased thickness.
  • Universal Compatibility: Our wall switch guards fit any standard rocker light switch, clear design blends with any home décor or wall plate, making them virtually invisible.
Bestseller No. 3
Wall Switch Guard, ILIVABLE Child Proof Light Switch Plate Covers Protects Your Lights from being Accidentally Turned On or Off by Children and Adults (Clear, 2 Pack)
  • Lock Down the Hidden Danger: These Toggle Switch Shields can effectively prevents accidental shutdown or opening of items connected to the switch and prevents children from messing the switch.
  • Controllable switch: The unique buckle design structure can lock and completely close the switch.
  • Easy to Install: Just install the light switch guard once and you don’t have to worry about switch anymore.
  • Extra Screw: In most cases, installing the light switch lock will increase the thickness of the switch panel, making the original screw not long enough. We have extra lengthened screws to accommodate the increased thickness.
  • Compatible: These wall switch guards fit any standard toggle light switch. Clear design blends with any home décor or wall plate and virtually invisible.

2) Make the switches inaccessible

To make the switches inaccessible, you can either make the circuit breaker disconnected by turning them off or test them to make sure they are not receiving any juice. Once you’ve made sure that there is no power, you can get creative with your childproofing by using tape, extra screws, and positioning just about anything else to ensure that nothing here is accessible while power flows through it.

This method of child proof light switch would be especially effective since adults rarely look at their light switch guards anyways.

4)Put stickers over the switches

I know what you’re thinking: “Are children really dumb enough to put stickers on light switch covers?” Well, yes! But if you put stickers on the light switch guard that looks fun and inviting for them, maybe they’ll take them off before they turn the lights off. If they don’t, you’ll know who is responsible for turning off your lights!

5) Change the configuration of the switch

Switches come in a variety of configurations, so why not change it up a bit and try new things? I have seen switches with three switches on one plate and even switches with four buttons. Try some or all of them to see if this will stop kids from cutting power to your home and means nighttime trips by playing with it!

Just remember those light switch covers can get a bit dirty after being touched once, so clean the covers before swapping out locations.

This method would be very effective because it’s replaceable and customizable, and most people won’t think about changing their current setup unless they set it up themselves.

So if your kid tries to turn on/off the switches while you’re sleeping, maybe they’ll find a way to shut them off!

6) DIY solutions to childproof light switch covers

Super easy steps on how to DIY child proof light switch cover:

1.) Unscrew the screws from the wall plate.

2.) Remove it from the wall.

3.) Take some electrical tape and cover up all sharp edges.

4.) Put some glue along the openings.

5.) Place back onto the wall and screw everything back together in existing screw holes.

6.) Test if everything is in position, safe, and done!

This quick DIY child proof light switch cover solution saves you time, money and can be a lifesaver. The process is not expensive, and one can easily do it in a short span of time. This is also ideal for renters who do not want to spend too much when they cannot change any part of their home’s interior design or structure.

Also, watch this video for more DYI solutions:

Don’t forget to Buy Switch outlet covers

Switch outlet covers

Baby safety outlet covers are lifesavers for stopping little fingers from getting electrocuted; they also stop curious children from unplugging lamps and other appliances so they can play with them.

SaleBestseller No. 1
ENERLITES Child Proof Outlet Cover, Self-Closing, Fits Both Duplex and Decorator Outlet, Safety Design, Tamper-Resistant Socket Plug for Receptacle, Size 4.75″ x 3.9″, UL Listed, 8800-TR, White 6 Pack
  • Tamper-resistant wall plate design is child-safe and offers a clean, high-end appearance that is ideal for a variety of residential and commercial applications
  • Made of Polycarbonate Thermoplastic material to provide the durability, flexibility, and resilience needed to withstand impacts and heavy force; resistant to temperatures over 100° to protect against discoloration and fading over time; flammability UL94; V2 rating
  • Easy replacement of any decorator wall plate of the same configuration; standard size dimensions: 4.75″ height x 3.9” length
  • White color; features a smooth, gloss finish; soft edges allow for easy cleaning
  • Compatible with both duplex and decorator outlets; tamper-resistant cover for added child safety; all hardware included; 1-year warranty; UL-listed
SaleBestseller No. 2
6-Pack Safety Innovations Self-Closing Outlet Covers (For Center Screw Outlets Only) – An Alternative To Wall Socket Plugs for Child Proofing Outlets, (1-Screw), (White)
  • SAFE, RELIABLE BABY PROOFING PROTECTION: You’ll be relieved to know that when an electrical cord is unplugged our plate has covers that slide shut automatically. Unlike many other outlet covers, our outlet covers are not universal because one size does NOT fit all! We offer a cover for each outlet style…one for standard outlets (with a single center screw) and one for decora outlets (with a top and bottom screw). Order the style you need so they fit and operate best! Covers Measure 3″ X 4 3/4″
  • SAFER, BETTER ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL OUTLET CAPS: No more struggling to remove caps or remembering to replace them. Your child is protected from electrical outlets and also from the potential risk of choking on caps.
  • SUPERIOR STYLING AND BETTER QUALITY MATERIALS: You know how awful it looks when you see dents and chipped paint surrounding your outlets. Our covers are slightly oversized to cover these flaws and also have stronger springs to for better long-term protection. Truthfully, you’ll really never have to remove them because they look great.
  • EASY INSTALLATION: Remove your existing wall plate and replace with our self-closing wall plate. All you need is a screwdriver and a few minutes of your time. No mechanical skills required!
Bestseller No. 3
Outlet Covers Babepai 38-Pack White Child Proof Electrical Protector Safety Improved Baby Safety Plug Covers
  • ❤️️Safety Protection-Our outlet covers protect your children from accidents and prevent electrocution,outlet plugs can make sure that your little explorer cannot reach into your home’s electric sockets.
  • ❤️️Good quality-Our outlet covers are solid white and there are three holes can completely cover the entire socket to blend in to your home while keeping your home a safer place.
  • ❤️️Easy installation-Simply insert the safety caps in the unused outlets, plug protector will fit firmly in outlet. Our electrical outlet covers will keep your baby safe and sound, even if you are not in the same room!
  • ❤️️Cheap and affordable-Our safety outlet plug covers 38-pack will give you a bigger bang for your buck and allow you to childproof your home, office, garage, vacation home, grandparents’ home or hotel room without having to spend a small fortune!
  • ❤️️Safety Precautions Right Now-Baby safety is always the priority. Our baby proof outlet covers are made to offer safety and peace of mind for you and your family. Pick us, we are extremely confident to provide you an excellent purchase experience with high quality baby safety outlet covers, so Click the yellow “Add to Cart” button today, and start enjoying greater safety in your home!
SaleBestseller No. 4
Safety 1st Plug Protectors, 36 Count
  • Helps prevent children from putting sharp objects or fingers into unused electrical outlets
  • Removable and reusable
  • 36 pack
Bestseller No. 5
Power Gear Outlet Covers Baby Proofing Child Proof Plug Covers for Electrical Outlets Easy Install Outlet Plug Covers UL Listed Shock Prevention Clear 51175 30 Count
  • Child Safety – Covers unused receptacles to help babyproof living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and playrooms by preventing objects from being inserted into outlets
  • Easy Installation – Clear safety covers simply plug into unused outlets and are removed by adults without tools
  • Secure Fit – High-quality, one-piece design fits tightly into unused three-prong or two-prong wall outlets and is difficult for infants or young children to remove
  • Multipack Kit – The set of 30 outlet covers is perfect for new home construction, renovations, offices, day cares, schools or businesses
  • Peace of Mind – These UL-listed outlet covers come with a no-hassle, one-year limited replacement plan and are backed by the highest industry standards of safety and performance

Also read: 14 Simplest ways to Baby Proofing Drawers & Cabinets without Drilling

Conclusion

So parents, do not let your toddlers touch electrical outlets or light switches anymore! Keep them immediately away from the hidden danger of catching electrical shock. Just pick a way of childproofing light switches with the super easy methods mentioned above that only takes around fifteen minutes to complete.

Also read my other Babyproofing posts:

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Bob

My name is Bob. I am a young and proud father of two boys. My wife and I do a lot of research before buying baby products and love to share my reviews and suggestions with parents.