Keeping young kids safe at home goes beyond baby gates and outlet covers. Doors and locks are often overlooked, but they can pose serious risks. Children are curious, quick, and smarter than we give them credit for. One minute they’re playing quietly; the next, they’ve opened the front door or locked themselves in the bathroom. So, how do you stop them?
Install Door Know Covers or Lever Lock Guards
Let’s start with the basics. Door knob covers are essentially plastic shells that make it difficult to grip and twist the door knob, especially for little hands. They’re cheap, easy to install, and you can put them on the inside or outside of the door.
If your home has level-style handles, then you’ll want lever lock guards instead. These prevent a child from pulling the lever handle down, so the door can’t open while they’re engaged. Just make sure the cover fits snugly and isn’t too easy to pull off.
With either type, make sure you choose a style that you can easily operate with one hand – you don’t want to be struggling with your own doors every day!
Use High-Mounted Slide Bolts or Chain Locks
For exterior doors (including fence doors), consider installing a second lock somewhere high up on the door, well out of a child’s reach. This means they won’t be able to open the door even if they manage the first lock. Slide bolts or chain locks are good options too, adding in an extra layer of protection just in case your child is a budding cat burglar. These types of locks are cheap, take minutes to install and can give you a lot of peace of mind.
Add a Door Alarm or Sensor
Door alarms aren’t just for burglars! Install simple alarms that beep or chime when a door opens. Some can even connect to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, giving you real-time alerts if a door is opened. These can be especially useful on back doors, garage doors or sliding glass doors that kids just love to explore.
Install Flip Locks or Security Latches on Doors
Flip locks are small, metal devices that swing into place to stop children from locking themselves in a room, or from accessing dangerous items. They are very effective and low-profile, so they suit interior doors like bathrooms. If you’re worried about external doors, then you can place these high up out of reach to keep the door securely shut, even if the main lock is opened.
Secure Sliding Glass Doors
Kids love nothing more than watching the world through a glass door. But they also love opening them! Install a sliding door lock or use a security bar to stop the door from sliding open. These tools are easy to use, and make it nearly impossible for a child to open the door on their own.
Check and Adjust the Door Closers
Heavy doors that close quickly can, and do, crush tiny fingers. If you have any auto-closing doors in your home, check the tension and slow down the closing speed. Some simple adjustments with a screwdriver can make a big difference in terms of safety. For your internal doors, consider using pinch guards or foam door stoppers to prevent accidental slammed fingers.
Rekey or Replace Unreliable Locks
If you have older, or worn-out locks, it can be easy for a child to tamper with them. So now is the time to rekey or replace them. We’ve even spoken to parents whose children have figured out how to open locks with simple tools, or just mimic what they see the adults doing. Call your local friendly locksmiths, and we can upgrade your hardware to something more tamper-resistant. Don’t wait until something happens, be proactive.
Teach Boundaries – But Don’t Rely on Them
Yes, it’s important to teach children that certain doors are off-limits. But don’t expect a toddler to remember that when their curiosity takes over. Physical barriers and childproofing tools are essential, especially for kids under six. Childproofing your locks and doors isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety. A few simple tools and precautions can prevent accidents, injuries, and dangerous situations like a child wandering outside unsupervised.
If you’re unsure what kind of locks or devices are best for your home, talk to a locksmith. We can assess your space and recommend smart, secure, and child-safe solutions tailored to your setup.