20 Ways to Childproof External Doors In Your Home‏

   

In light of the passing of little Elijah Marsh today, I thought it important to offer ideas on how we can optimize the security of our children when it comes to the risk of them wandering away unbeknownst

to a parent or caregiver. I offer these ideas out of need to help others prevent something like this from ever happening again. I do not offer these suggestions to lay blame. The truth is, no one knows what exactly happened except for the family and the investigating officers. This is not the first time a child has wandered out of a home in the middle of the night. It could happen to anyone. It is not for us to judge. It is not for us to criticize. We do not know all the facts, nor do we need to. What is for us though, in my opinion at least, is to take this catastrophe and learn from it. What can we do in our homes to prevent this from happening to our children? What are our caregivers and daycare providers doing to ensure that this does not happen with children in their care? Focusing on this aspect of this heartbreaking situation reminds us to be proactive and raises awareness across the board on childproofing our homes. 

Below, you will find 20 tips on childproofing your external doors. I have attached some links for the purpose of illustration only. I am NOT recommending any of these products. They are simply to give an example of the type of childproofing products that are out there. You will need to do your own research as to what is a safe and effective product for your specific needs. 

• If your young child sleeps with their door open, utilize a baby gate that can be put between the 2 door jambs so that your child cannot get out of their room without you letting them out. 
• If they are the type of child that can climb over a standard baby gate that is placed between the bedroom door jambs at night, evaluate to see if you could safely install a taller baby gate that is designed for the top of the stairs if you have a multi level  home. This way, they wouldn't be able to get downstairs. If you live in a bungalow or single story apartment, check around to see if you can find a taller baby gate that you could affix in the hallway. You would be able to close it at nighttime so that they can't get out of the bedroom areas of your dwelling.
• If they sleep with the door closed, find a childproof door handle cover that you can put on the inside of their bedroom door so that they cannot open it while in their room at night. 
• Don't throw out that old baby monitor! Utilize it at night to be sure that you wake up if they are up & about. 
• If you have a typical round doorknob, place a childproof cover on the inside handles of any doors that lead outside or into the garage. You can also find lever handle childproof covers. 
• Purchase a door alarm that will emit sound if any of the external doors are opened.
• Consider installing a chain lock at the very top of your door so that if they do actually manage to open it up, they can't get it open very far. Be sure though, that there is not enough room for them to slip through. 
• Consider installing a hotel-style door lock. Like idea #7, be sure it's installed high enough and that they cannot fit through the gap when the door is opened in the lock position. 
• There are other metal door locks that can assist in keeping external doors closed. Here is another one. 
• For patio style doors, you can utilize a 2x4 piece of wood that is doctored to jam the patio door so that someone cannot break into the house using that door, and is also snug enough that a little one wouldn't be able to remove it. Be sure though that it is functional for an adult to get in and out so that it does not pose a fire hazard. 
• Install a deadbolt at the top of the door.
• Put a bell or bells at the top of the door that would make noise when it is opened. You could always utilize jingle bells like you'd find at Christmas time. Just be sure that they are loud enough to be heard in your bedroom.  
• Install a shop keeper's style bell that will make a loud enough noise when the door opens that you would hear it in your bedroom. 
• Use a strong & sturdy hook & eye lock installed high on the door. 
• Have a conversation with your children about the dangers of opening up the doors on their own. It likely won't stop them from doing this, but it plants the seed. 
• See if you can find any child appropriate cartoon episodes or online videos that help teach kids about the dangers of opening up doors or going outside by themselves. 
• When installing any locking devices on the external doors, be sure that you do it as high as possible at the top of the door so that they cannot reach it even if they were standing on a chair or stool. 
• Do your best not to let them see how you unlock or unlatch any locking mechanisms, so that they don't learn how to do it themselves. 
• Be mindful of what your child has learned to do over time so that you can change your childproofing methods if you feel or think they might know how to defeat them. 
• Don't be afraid to ask any caregivers and/or daycare providers how they ensure that a child does not wander out while in their care. 

Have I missed anything? If so, please comment below. 

***Like with any products, make sure you do your due diligence to ensure that the product you are interested in is safe and effective for your needs. Read reviews online and do you research. As stated before, I am NOT recommending any of these products and know nothing about them specifically. They are for illustration purposes only. 

Hug your little ones a little tighter tonight and may Elijah rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones tonight and always.

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post.*****