Last updated: April 14, 2022 at 13:00 pm
Let’s face it, kids love to play with their toys. But if you are going to have a toy box in their room, you need to make sure that the lid doesn’t slam down on their fingers when they close it. This is one of those things that every parent worries about. The good news is there are many simple and easy ways to prevent the box lids from slamming down on your kids’ fingers.
One way to prevent box lids from slamming down on your kids’ fingers is to use a rope. You just tie one end of the rope to the toy box lid and then tie the other end to the toy box itself. This will keep the lid from slamming down on your child’s fingers when they close it.
Another way is to install a soft close hinge system that will allow you to open and close the lid without having any parts sticking out or getting in the way of anything else around them like furniture or other toys in their bedroom.
IN THIS ARTICLE
9 Ways to Stop a Toy Box Lid From Slamming
1. Add a Toy Box Lid Stay – Best Option
Adding a soft close mechanism to the toy box will prevent the lid from slamming or even closing too quickly. It is an easy fix that will also make your toy box safer to use. You can add a soft close mechanism to the toy box by installing a stay
A stay helps keep the lid open when you need it, and then catches it when you close it. The slow, cushioned action allows the lid to close gently and safely without any fingers getting pinched or hurt.
Here’s an example of what to expect with toy box stays:
2. Rubber Bands or Bungee Cords
Use rubber bands or bungee cords to slow down the closing toy box lid. Just wrap them around the lid and the sides of the box and then stretch them taut. This will slow down your little one’s closing speed, but it still may be possible for them to slam the lid shut if they get a little too excited.
Adjust the length of the rubber bands so that there is enough tension to stop the lid from slamming, but not too much tension that makes it hard for your child to open it.
If you have a heavy toy box, you may want to try using several rubber bands or bungee cords instead of just one or two.
3. High Density Foam
Cut a piece of high-density foam to fit the inside of the box, with about a half-inch of foam past the inside edge on all sides. The foam should be thicker than the box lid by about an inch.
Use spray adhesive to attach the foam to the inside wall of the box, then use scissors to make an opening in the foam where you want the lid to rest when it’s open.
To close the lid, just push it gently down until it rests on top of the foam and is held up by its weight.
4. Heavy Duty Velcro
Heavy duty Velcro (the hook side) can be used to fasten the lid open, or you can use a strong friction hinge. These are especially good if you have a heavy lid, or if you’re keeping it open at an angle. If you do that, make sure the hinge is strong enough to hold the weight of the lid.
In either case, this will work better if your box has a lip on the underside of the lid that can catch the hook part of the Velcro or the hinge itself.
If not, you can always attach a narrow strip of wood along the inside edge of the lid, then mount your hinges on that.
5. Attach a Rope
You can attach a rope or chain to hold down the lid so that it doesn’t slam. Grab a sturdy rope or chain from the hardware store. You can also use a heavy-duty rubber band.
Attach one end of your rope to the inside of the box’s lid and screw the other end into the base of the box. You’ll want to keep it short enough that it doesn’t pose a safety hazard for kids, but long enough that it doesn’t interfere with opening and closing the lid.
You could also use a bungee cord if you don’t want to drill holes into your storage box. Bungee cords are easy to manipulate and move around as needed.
6. Use Foam Tape
This solution is ideal for a toy box that has a sturdy, basic construction. Use foam tape around the inside of the lid’s rim to hold it closed in case you don’t want to use any of these other methods.
Foam tape is usually sold in rolls, but you can also purchase it with adhesive on one side. You will need an appropriate amount of foam tape to fit around the entire lid, so measure it first before you purchase the right amount. Peel off the protective plastic layer and stick it to the inside of your toy box lid’s rim. The tape should be installed so that it sticks out slightly from the edge of the lid.
It’s a simple solution, and it takes almost no time to implement. Just place foam tape around the inside of the lid’s rim, and it will act as a soft bumper that keeps the lid from slamming shut.
7. Install Soft Close Hinges
Soft close hinges are specifically designed to stop slamming. Common on kitchen/cupboard doors, they can be installed on anything really. A toy box lid is the perfect place.
Instead of letting the lid slam shut, soft close hinges slowly lower the lid and prevents any slamming. If you have a soft close toilet seat, you’ll know how it works.
If you don’t want to change the hinges, or don’t know how, you can buy a Blum. This is a device which attaches onto existing hinges making them soft close.
8. Install Magnets
Since they’re designed to attach two heavy surfaces, magnets are an ideal choice to keep the lid of a toy box from closing with a bang. Magnets can also stop little fingers from getting pinched by an unsupervised closing.
In this case, we’re using flat, double-sided adhesive-backed magnets that are easy to apply. We’re also using a magnetic catch so the lid will stay open when you want it to.
Here’s how to install magnets on a toy box:
The first step is to choose the location for your magnets and the magnetic catch. We’ve got one magnet on either side of the lid, and we’ve placed the catch on the front edge of the box.
Next, carefully remove one side of the paper backing on each magnet and place it in position. We taped them in place while we removed the second piece of paper. If you have trouble placing them exactly where you want them, use tape or masking tape as a guide for positioning.
Once both halves of each magnet are in place, press firmly to make sure they stick well.
9. Get Rid of the Problem
The final way to stop a toy box lid slamming is simply removing the lid altogether… if all else fails. However, the lid does serve an important function that you may want to keep in mind. The lid keeps the contents of the toy box out of reach of small children and pets.
You may want to consider other ways to keep your child safe, such as keeping the toy box in a child-free room or using it as a decoration instead of a storage option.
If you decide to remove the lid, you can do so by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Use an electric screwdriver, if possible, as this will make your life much easier when removing and replacing screws that are under a lot of pressure.
To replace the lid, just put it back on top of the box and screw it back in place with your electric screwdriver. Make sure not to over tighten the screws or they will strip and break off inside of your toy box hinges.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully with the tips provided you will be able to stop your toy box lid slamming for good. Our favourite option is to install a toy box lid stay. Installing soft close hinges is also a great option.
Regardless of which option you choose, make sure anything installed is done properly and won’t cause any accidents.
