The Best Babyproof Water Cooler: Plus Tips and Hacks to Baby Proof Any Water Dispenser
Every parent knows babies love water and copying adults. For those of us with water coolers, baby proofing them is a challenge!
Unlike a sink, a water cooler is at the perfect height for an industrious toddler to spill three to five gallons of water all over the floor! Even more concerning, what do you do to really baby proof the hot water on your cooler?
Fortunately I’ve found and tried several solutions for baby proof water coolers that will keep your baby safe and your floors dry!
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The best babyproof water cooler: Avalon A4
We needed a new water cooler and purchased the Avalon A4 water dispenser (available on Amazon here). And it’s amazing!
My toddler can’t dispense any water on her own! The only trouble it caused? She can pull the plastic drip tray out!
Pros
- Dispense buttons are on top of the unit and out of the reach of children
- Dispenses hot, cool, and cold water. Just flip a switch on the back to disable any options you don’t want
- Easily load bottles from the bottom, save space and hide that blue plastic bottle
- Other nice features include a nightlight and a red light indicating when it’s time for a new jug
Cons
- Children may be able to pull the drip tray out
- Some users report the buttons are damaged during shipping. But the manufacturer has a super simple video explaining how to fix it
Avalon A4 Water Dispenser Review
We’ve been using the Avalon A4 baby proof water cooler for about 5 months now and still love it! My toddler was super intrigued by our old water dispenser- the normal kind with the bottle on top and the little tabs you lift to dispense water. And she always wanted to play with it, especially any time she saw me using it. In a way, we were lucky that it broke and I found this great option to use instead!
First, the buttons are out of reach on top of the water cooler! The top is 41 inches tall. My daughter doesn’t even try to touch the buttons. And they are easy for any adult to press for water.
Second, we turned off the hot water heater with a switch on the back. But if you plan to use the hot water, your child won’t be able to use it since they would
- Have to reach the button 41 inches up on top of the cooler
- Then press and slide the right button.
Third, this water cooler has an innovative design that stores that ugly blue bottle underneath! I love not seeing the bottle! And with the old style of cooler with the bottle on top, I always feared that somehow, my daughter would knock the bottle down and hurt herself.
Plus, it comes in black and stainless steel options to match your decor. Since you can’t see how full the bottle is, there’s a little red light that comes on to indicate when to replace the bottle.
If you’d like more details on the Avalon A4 Water Dispenser, this post has my full review!
Related post: Learn how to babyproof your dog’s food and water bowls here.
Make a baby proof water cooler using water dispenser guards
If you’re looking for a low cost way to child proof a water cooler, I recommend a water dispenser guard.
With the guard, you have to push in on the faucet, then push down to dispense water. This is similar to how many hot water dispense knobs work.
You can also contact your water cooler manufacturer, the company you rent your cooler from, or the water delivery service. They may offer a solution to baby proof your water cooler. They may send you an extra “hot” tap, or have a special device that you can use.
Pros
- Low cost
- Easy to install- unscrew the old blur handle and screw in the new one
Cons
- Not compatible with all water dispensers
- You only get the blue handle, not the whole tap
- Only one tap is included- you’ll need to order multiple if you have more than one tap to child proof
- Some kids may figure out how to use it
Check the price of the ITROLLE child-proof faucet on Amazon here!
Create your own water spigot covers
Use a stove knob cover
Try putting a stove knob cover like this five pack available on Amazon over your water spigot for a simple and cheap fix!
Pros
- Simple
- Low cost
Cons
- May not fit on your water cooler
- You have to remove the cover to get water
Jury rig some cardboard
Cut a cardboard box with a lid and tape it on! Instant babyproof water cooler with everyday supplies you already have!
Pros
- Practically free
- Not sturdy enough? Add more tape!
Cons
- It looks pretty janky
Relocate your water cooler
Can you put your water cooler somewhere your child can’t access it? Like
- Behind a baby gate
- In a room like the laundry room
- Turn the cooler so the spigots face a wall or corner
If I had a mudroom or laundry room right near my kitchen, I would definitely consider this method of baby-proofing my water cooler.
But personally, this option doesn’t work for my situation since it makes it harder for me to get water when I need it. But depending on the layout of your home, this may work for you!
I recommend this baby gate from Amazon if you plan to use one to block off your water cooler.
Other tips for baby-proofing your water cooler
These tips won’t get you a babyproof water cooler, but they may discourage your baby!
Put a toy near the water cooler to distract them
Personally, my water cooler is in the kitchen, so it was easy to get these fridge magnets from Amazon. Sometimes I can get my daughter to play with them when she starts crawling towards the water cooler. The key word there being sometimes!
My daughter also loves playing in the kitchen cabinets, so I keep a few small toys in the cabinet closest to the water cooler. Sometimes if she’s near the water cooler, I can just open the door and she toddles right over to play with those instead!
Teach them to use the water cooler
Some children are less fascinated with using adult stuff when they’re allowed to use it.
Let your child fill your cup or their cup with the water cooler. Teach them to put the cup in place and then make the water come out. And let them know to stop when the cup is full.
While your child may take pride in getting their own water, this idea will not get you a baby proof water cooler.
Related post: Secure your adult beverages with these simple tips to child-proof your wine rack and wine fridge!
Summary: Tips for a babyproof water cooler
- Purchase a baby-proof water cooler
- Install child-proof dispenser guards
- Create your own dispenser cover with a stove knob protector
- Cover the faucets with cardboard and tape
- Relocate your water cooler to a laundry room or behind a baby gate
- Use toys near the water cooler to distract your child
- Help children dispense water for themselves, mom, and dad
You might also enjoy: The best baby gates for stairs- how to babyproof with banisters!
On the avalon, can you replace the Cool and cold buttons with another hot locking button? My 2yo figures out anything.
Great question, Joe! I reached out to Avalon’s support through their website, and they replied within two hours. The short answer is yes. The long answer from Avalon is