Lectralock - Baby Safety Electrical Outlet Cover - Small Child Proof Outlet Protector, White

The 8 Best Outlet Covers in 2022

Babyproof your home right

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When childproofing your home, you have a lot of ground to cover. There are cabinets to keep closed, drawers to seal shut, and outlets to conceal. And outlet covers can help you cross one of those items off your to-do list. As you might expect, outlet covers are small items designed to conceal your outlets—often by plugging directly into them (so you can't plug anything else in) or by covering them up entirely.

"Because young toddlers tend to crawl close to the ground and can be eager to explore objects around the home, there is a risk that they can stick their finger or an object into an outlet," says Dan Mock, the brand manager at Mister Sparky. Outlet covers can also prevent young children from plugging in devices—like curling irons and power tools—that may be unsafe for them to use or play with, notes Melanie Musson, an insurance writer with Clearsurance.

Since outlet covers are chiefly about safety, it's worth it to keep effectiveness in mind while you shop. As you sift through the many different sizes, styles, and colors, look for something that your little one won't be able to pry off the wall—or something that they won't notice in the first place. Then, consider other conveniences—like reusability and ease of installation.

To help you navigate all those options, we've rounded up eight great outlet covers worth considering as you childproof your home.

Our Top Picks

This outlet cover is childproof and stores excess cords, so it is a neat and tidy way to childproof your home.

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These press tab plug protectors are made from high-quality, durable materials and offered at a budget-friendly price.

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This outlet cover is made from UV-resistant, weatherproof polycarbonate, so it's ideal for outdoor outlets and won't get damaged.

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These easy-to-use outlet plugs will babyproof your home in just seconds, and this set comes with 38 plugs, enough for the whole house.

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This unique outlet cover is a smooth plastic plate that fits over an existing outlet, concealing the socket beneath.

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With these covers, you won't have to constantly remove caps. They automatically slide shut when the outlet is not in use.

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Made from premium, non-toxic ABS, these self-closing outlet covers are durable and safe to use around kids—not to mention convenient.

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This box-styled outlet cover is 2.75 inches deep, so it can hide cords and fit bigger plugs, all while making your home safer.

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Size: 3 x 3.63 x 6.5 inches | Installation: Replaces existing wall plate | Features: Child resistant dual press release, stores up to 4 feet of extra cord | Number of Covers Included: 1, 2 or 4 pack

What We Like

• Available in 1-packs, 2-packs, and 4-packs

• White color should blend in with most outlets

• Hard for kids to remove, easy for adults to remove

• Cord-sized holes allows you to plug devices in, even when the cover is closed

• Can be used to store up to 4 feet of excess cord

What We Don't Like

• Bulky

• Cord holes may be too small

• May not fit all outlets

There are a lot of great outlet covers out there. But Safety 1st's Outlet Cover boasts a unique feature set that makes it one of the best buys around.

The box-style cover is made up of two pieces: a low-profile wall plate and a somewhat bulky cover. The wall plate is designed to frame your sockets, while the cover is designed to fasten to that wall plate—keeping your outlets out of reach and view. Thanks to some clever design choices, the cover should be tough for little ones to remove, but easy for you to remove. (Simply press the buttons lining both sides of the cover, and pull.)

Now, there's no getting around it: Safety 1st's Outlet Cover is bulky. But rather than being a total downside, the outlet cover's bulk is something of an asset. For starters, the outlet cover can conceal your sockets, even when there's something plugged into them. At the base of the cover, you'll find two small holes. These are big enough to accommodate many cords, meaning you can childproof your outlets without making them unusable.

The outlet cover is also equipped with two large brackets, which you use to store up to 4 feet of cord at a time. (Simply wrap the excess cord around the brackets, and shut the outlet cover.) This unique feature sets Safety 1st's Outlet Cover apart from the rest, allowing you to childproof your home in two ways at once.

Size: 1.33 x 1 x 1 inches | Installation: Presses into existing outlet | Features: Parent removal | Number of Covers Included: 24, 36 or 72 pack

What We Like

• Multiple set sizes

• White color should blend in with most outlets

• Suit 2-prong and 3-prong outlets

• Hard to remove

What We Don't Like

• So tight they may be tough for some adults to remove

• Some quality control issues (some sets of plug protectors are incredibly easy to remove)

Outlet covers tend to be pretty budget-friendly, but Safety 1st's Plug Protectors are even budget-friendlier than most. For less than $2, you can score a whopping 24 outlet plugs. And since the plugs are designed to fit two-prong and three-prong sockets, they should suit any standard outlet in your home.

The plugs are designed to sit flush against your outlets, making them tough for little ones (and maybe even adults) to remove. And since they're reusable, you can move them from room to room any time you need to.

Also nice? Whereas many plug protectors are transparent, these are rendered in solid white. The opaque color should cover up your sockets, obscuring them from your little one's view. And since white is a classic outlet color, the plugs should blend right in with most standard outlets.

Size: 4.6 x 3.2 x 6 inches | Installation: Mounting required | Features: Weather-resistant | Number of Covers Included: 1

What We Like

• Weatherproof

• UV-resistant

• Suitable for use in wet locations

• Cord-sized hole allows you to plug devices in, even when the cover is closed

What We Don't Like

• Bulky

• May be tough to install

When shopping for an outdoor outlet cover, you may not be looking for something that's simply child-proof. Odds are, you want something that's weather-proof (and maybe child-proof, too). But no matter what kind of protection you're looking for, Commercial Electric's Weatherproof Receptacle Cover promises to get the job done.

The outlet cover looks a lot like a box. The back of the cover surrounds your sockets, securely sitting on top of them. The front of the cover can be opened any time you want to plug something in—and closed any time you want to protect your outlet. And because Commercial Electric knows that sometimes you want to protect your outlets while you have something plugged in, the cover is designed with a small hole at the base, which is big enough to accommodate most standard cords.

The outlet cover is crafted from a UV-resistant polycarbonate material, so it should hold up to the wear and tear of the outdoors. The outlet cover should also be suitable for wet locations, so you shouldn't have to worry about a rainy day ruining your find.

Size: 3.98 x 3.39 x 3.19 inches | Installation: Insert into unused outlets | Features: Childproof | Number of Covers Included: 38 pack

What We Like

• 38-pack

• Hard for kids to remove, easy for adults to remove

• Should fully cover 3-prong outlets

• White color should blend in with most outlets

What We Don't Like

• So tight they still may be tough for some adults to remove

• Some kids can still remove them

If you're looking for an easy and flexible way to childproof your outlets, plug protectors can be a great option. The only issue? Many plug protectors are either too easy for your little one to remove or too difficult for you to remove.

But Babepai's Outlet Covers offer a clever way around this all-too-common problem. Each plug protector boasts a ribbed end, which lifts up to create a handle. Pull this handle, and your plug protector should slide right out of the socket. What's nice? When unlifted, that ribbed end should blend in with the rest of the plug protector. So you shouldn't have to worry about choosing between safety and convenience. Instead, you can simply have both.

Each set of Babepai's Outlet Covers comes with 38 outlet covers. And since they're sold at such a reasonable price point, you should be able to stock up without breaking the bank. Plus, the outlet covers are easy to install (just slide them in) and completely reusable, so you can flexibly move them around your home as you see fit.

Size: 3.25 x 2 x 5 inches | Installation: Push into existing wall plate, no tools required | Features: Paintable material | Number of Covers Included: 2 pack

What We Like

• 2-pack

• Sits snugly over your existing outlets

• Easy to install

• Paintable

What We Don't Like

• Some kids can still remove them

• May not fit all outlets

Searching for a sleek way to cover up your outlets? Coverplug's Paintable Outlet Cover is a particularly great option. The outlet cover looks like a simple switch plate that's been designed without holes for switches or sockets. But instead of replacing your existing outlets (like a switch plate would, or like some outlet covers would), it can simply sit on top of them.

The outlet cover comes equipped with two narrow pegs, which are designed to slide inside the bottom holes on three-prong sockets. This design makes the outlet covers both easy to install and tough to remove, which is about all you can ask for from an outlet cover.

What truly sets this outlet cover apart, though, is the fact that you can paint it to match your walls. Whereas many outlet covers come in a one-size-fits-all shade of glossy white, this one is designed to be painted a color of your choosing. Crafted from paintable plastic—and finished with a matte coating—the outlet cover should hold paint well. So you can enjoy an outlet cover that perfectly matches your walls, rather than one that simply approximates it.

Size: 3.25 x 2 x 5 inches | Installation: Replaces existing wall plate, screwdriver required | Features: Childproof, sliding cover | Number of Covers Included: 6 pack

What We Like

• 6-pack

• Self-closing (automatic childproofing)

• Can replace 1-screw or 2-screw outlets

• Designed to replace outlets, so automatically blend in

What We Don't Like

• May be a fire hazard

• May not suit 2-prong plugs

Sliding outlet covers look a lot like classic switch plates. But where you'd normally see a static outlet, you'll find a sliding one. Slide this outlet to one side, and it'll work like a classic outlet. Slide it to the other side, and you won't be able to plug anything in.

This clever design makes it easy to childproof your home. And Safety Innovations' Self-Closing Outlet Covers make it even easier. Since the outlet covers are also self-closing, they'll automatically slide shut any time you unplug something from them. So they'll either be open and in use or closed and out of use. This means you'll never have to worry about whether you remembered to close the outlet covers—you can rest assured knowing the self-closing covers did the childproofing for you.

Whereas some outlet covers are designed to plug the holes in your sockets, Safety Innovations' Self-Closing Outlet Covers are designed to replace the outlets you already have. And since outlets come in a range of shapes and sizes, you can't take a one-size-fits-all approach to shopping. Thankfully, Safety Innovations offers both one-screw outlet covers and two-screw outlet covers. So take a look at the outlets in your home, and snag the set of covers that's best suited to replace them.

Size: 7.01 x 4.49 x 1.22 inches | Installation: Adhesive | Features: Childproof, swivel close design | Number of Covers Included: 38 pack

What We Like

• 38-pack

• Self-closing (automatic childproofing)

• Easy to install

• Backed by a strong adhesive (hard to remove)

What We Don't Like

• May not be reusable

• Not as flexible as classic plug protectors

• May make it challenging to plug things in (even when swiveled open)

Often, self-closing outlet covers are also designed to be sliding outlet covers. And while sliding outlet covers can be incredibly useful, they may not be great for everyone. (For one thing, they're usually designed to replace your current switch plates—meaning you shouldn't expect a quick or easy install.)

KISKIZ's Self-Closing Swivel Outlet Covers, on the other hand, look like classic plug protectors. They're small, somewhat round, and easy to install. (They're adhesive, so they stick directly onto your current outlets.) But when not in use, they swivel counter-clockwise to cover up the holes in your outlet. This clever design makes them doubly convenient: They're as easy to install as standard plug protectors, and since they're self-closing, you should never have to fret about whether you remembered to close the outlet covers.

To make matters even better, the outlet covers come in sets of 38. So you can cover a lot of ground with just one set. The only downside? Since the outlet covers are backed by a strong adhesive, they may not be as flexible as other plug protectors (which typically slide into outlets the way a plug might).

Size: 6.9 x 4.5 x 3.4 inches | Installation: Replaces existing wall plate, screwdriver required | Features: Hides cords and accommodates bigger plugs | Number of Covers Included: 1

What We Like

• Hard for kids to remove, easy for adults to remove

• White color should blend in with most outlets

• Cord-sized holes allows you to plug devices in, even when the cover is closed

• Easy to open and close

What We Don't Like

• Bulky

• May not be durable

• Some kids can still remove them

If you want to be able to use your outlets while they're covered up, a box style outlet cover may be your best bet. These outlet covers are designed to jut out from the wall, making room for even your biggest plugs to be plugged in while your outlet is covered.

Naturally, this makes box style outlet covers pretty bulky—and there's really no getting around that. (Your plugs take up a fair amount of space, after all.) But with Safety Innovations' Twin Door Outlet Covers, you can avoid one other common downside that tends to accompany box style outlet covers: Many box style outlet covers are inconvenient to open. But Safety Innovations' Twin Door Outlet Covers is not.

Most box style outlet covers are made up of two pieces: a wall plate and a cover. The wall plate surrounds your sockets, while the cover conceals them. And any time you want to unplug or plug in one of your devices, you have to take that cover off. Safety Innovations' Twin Door Outlet Covers, on the other hand, is made up of just one piece. Instead of closing via a separate cover, it closes via a built-in cover. And that built-in cover splits down the middle, opening and shutting like a set of French doors.

This makes it easy to add or remove plugs from your outlets—but not so easy that your little one could do it. To open the cover, you have to press buttons on the top and bottom at the same time. That's the kind of feature that tends to be easy for adults to manage, but tough for kids to figure out—giving you safety and convenience in equal measure.

Final Verdict

When shopping for outlet covers, you want to find something that'll make your home a little safer. And since Safety 1st's Outlet Cover can childproof your home in two ways at once, it handily earned our "Best Overall" title. The box-style outlet cover is designed to conceal your outlets, even when you have stuff plugged into them. (So you don't have to choose between having functional outlets or having childproof ones—you can simply have both at once.) The outlet cover also comes equipped with two large brackets, which you can use to wrap up loose cords. That means you can childproof your outlets and your cords in one fell swoop—which is a pretty great deal, considering how budget-friendly the outlet cover is.

If you're hoping to stock up on outlet covers on a budget, though, you might be better off with Safety 1st's Plug Protectors. The outlet covers conveniently slide into your outlets (just like a plug would) to seal them off. This convenient design makes them easy to install, reuse, and move around—giving you the flexibility to adapt your childproofing set-up as your needs change. Of course, the outlet covers aren't just convenient—they're also budget-friendly. For less than $2, you can score 24 outlet covers. Depending on the size of your home, that may be enough to outfit every outlet in your space. And even if it isn't, you shouldn't need to buy too many sets to get the job done.

Size

Outlet covers can range from being incredibly sleek to being incredibly bulky. And no matter where your outlet covers fall on the size spectrum, you'll encounter some pros and cons. Lower-profile outlet covers tend to be better at blending in, but they may be easier for your little one to remove. (And if they're very small, they may present a choking hazard.) Bulkier outlet covers are much more eye-catching (often, to the point of being an eyesore), but they may be tougher for children to navigate. And sometimes, they're bulky enough to conceal plugged-in plugs and wrapped-up cords.

Color

Many outlet covers come in a versatile shade of white—one designed to mimic the look of classic switch plates. This is great if your switch plates (or your walls) are white. But if they aren't, you may want to snag a set of outlet covers in a color that better suits your space. You can also keep an eye out for a set of paintable outlet covers, which you can paint to perfectly match your walls.

Ease of Install

Some outlet covers are incredibly easy to install: They slide directly into your outlet (the way a plug might), or they stick on top of it (via a strong adhesive). Others require a more involved install: They need to be screwed over your current outlet covers, or they're designed to replace them entirely (meaning you have to remove your current switch plates and replace them with your just-bought outlet covers). Of course, convenience comes at a cost. Often, outlet covers that are easier to install are also easier to remove (by you or your little one). So be sure to weigh convenience against effectiveness as you settle on a set of outlet covers.

Special Features

When shopping for outlet covers, you may notice a range of special-feature-equipped outlet covers—like self-closing outlet covers, outlet covers that can conceal your outlets even when you have stuff plugged in, and outlet covers that are big enough to hold and conceal wrapped-up cords. While ultimately not necessary, these features can make childproofing your home even more convenient. So they're worth considering while you shop.

FAQ

• How should you use an outlet cover?

  "Anyone with small children, or anyone looking to upgrade their home safety for guests, would benefit from putting outlet covers on the outlets in their homes," Mock says. If you have small children who may be interested in putting their fingers inside outlets, cramming objects (like coins) into outlets, or plugging in electronics (like curling irons or power towels), you may want to consider outlet covers. And if you don't have small children—but you plan to host family or friends with small children—you may also want to consider outlet covers.

• At what age can you remove outlet covers?

  According to The Cleveland Clinic, outlet covers are most important for children between the ages of 6 months old and 4 years old. Of course, this is just a rule of thumb—and no two children are exactly alike. So if you feel your child could still benefit from outlet covers after 4 years old, consider talking to an expert (like your child's pediatrician) to figure out what your next steps should be.

• Do you have to use outlet covers?

  Some outlet covers are required. For example, waterproof outlet covers are required in some wet locations. And tamper-resistant sockets are required in all homes. However, tamper-resistant sockets are not the same thing as outlet covers, so you are not technically required to use child-proofing outlet covers in your home—though many safety experts recommend them if you have small children.

When childproofing your home, you don't want to take any chances on a bad product. So when researching products to include in this article, The Spruce contributor Lindsey Lanquist kept an eye out for a few things. First, she exclusively featured outlet covers that were well reviewed by those who'd tried them. And she made sure to clearly note downsides (quality control issues, reports of outlet covers being too easy to remove, etc.) wherever she found them. Second, she prioritized options that would blend in with most walls and sockets. Third, she sought to include a range of different outlet covers—some sleek, some self-closing, some easy to install, and some large enough to hold excess cords—so that you'd be more likely to find an outlet cover that meets your precise needs.

Lectralock - Baby Safety Electrical Outlet Cover - Small Child Proof Outlet Protector, White

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/best-outlet-covers-4154859

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