How to Child-Proof Sliding Glass Doors

Bring a newborn baby home is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking events in a new parents’ life. That’s why it’s important to make sure everything in your home is completely childproof, especially any entrances to your home.

You might be familiar with how to baby-proof a door, but when it comes to sliding glass doors, it’s a whole different ball game. The locks on sliding glass doors are low to the ground and easily accessible by children, even ones who can only crawl. Not only does this issue need to be addressed, but children often don’t notice glass doors until they’re up close and personal with a big bruise on their foreheads. 

While we can’t give a ton of baby advice, we DO have some baby-proofing tips that will put your mind at ease when it comes to your baby and your sliding glass doors in particular. 

The first step in baby-proofing your door is to go out and purchase a sliding glass door lock at any home improvement store. Make sure you pick one up that’s specifically for children; they’re designed so that small kids can’t reach the locks. 

Installing the new lock isn’t tough at all. Slide the glass door open and place the latch on the door frame, centering it between the original lock and the door’s top frame. By doing this you’ll be placing the lock approximately five feet off the floor, and far away from little hands. Holding the latch in place (or have a friend help), drill holes into the frame that match the location of the holes in the latch. 

Place screws in those holes and shut the door. Remove the cover of the door lock and set the lock on the latch, closing the lock. Find the holes on the lock for screws and drill one of them into the sliding glass door. This will secure the lock while you place the rest of the screws in their rightful place. Once all the screws are placed into the lock, replace the lock cover. 

Now there’s no way your child can open your sliding glass door. However, not knowing what a glass door is, they can still run into it. Put some fun stickers and window decals towards the bottom of the glass door, about eye level with a toddler. Use brightly colored stickers or fun characters that will not only stop a baby from running into a clear door, but will also provide some easy entertainment. It’s a win-win!

While your newborn won’t be running around and opening doors for a while, it’s never too early to take precaution. Then, once they’re on their feet and unstoppable, you’ll feel at ease… at least when it comes to the doors in your home!