As a parent, you know how to childproof a sliding glass door this goes.
Just imagine your kid playing quietly in the living room. The next you have found the sliding glass door and are off to explore the great outdoors.
Sure, sliding glass doors can present a big risk for little explorers, but the great news is you can always have them secured without turning your home into a prison.
In this guide, I will tell you how to childproof a sliding glass door with some simple DIY steps including pop-fits, locks, or even baby gates.
Now, let’s keep your child safe, but allow yourself to use the convenience of your sliding door.
Why Childproofing Sliding Glass Doors Is Essential
First, what is the reason for childproofing a Sliding Glass Door? These are not just a possible exit route for kids. They can lead the way to unintentional accidents as well. One time my youngest almost slammed her fingers when she decided to investigate the door track system.
You know, it’s one of those things that happens more than you might think. Then there is the danger of children opening up the door and absconding outside without supervision, which sends any parent into a panic.
The National Safety Council report, reveals that there are more than 20,000 children, aged less than 5 who are treated in emergency rooms for door related injuries every year including door around sliding glass.
These doors come with potential risks, such as falls from the balcony or backyard, cuts related to broken glass, and even pinched fingers. If your sliding glass door opens to a balcony, explore our article on childproof balcony safety tips to prevent accidental falls.
However, those statistics are also positive, as they suggest that these accidents can be avoided with better childproofing.
So in short, sliding glass doors are not the best for children unless we do something about it and childproof them! And once you have installed proper locks and barriers trust me, you will feel like a million bucks.
How to DIY Childproof a Sliding Glass Door
Are you ready to do it yourself? It can be simple, low-cost, and effective to childproof a sliding glass door. An easy, step-by-step guide on how you can do it yourself.
Install a lock:
It all starts with a good childproof sliding door lock (but more on that in the following section). They are meant to stop small hands from opening the door. Most can be installed with simple tools such as a screwdriver and drill.
Add a baby gate:
For the super curious little one who loves to climb or explore, make sure to use a baby gate for sliding glass doors. This puts one more layer of separation between your child and the door.
Use window film:
Many sliding doors can be tempered glass doors, making them a shatter safety hazard if impacted. This is where a safety window film comes in, to stop that glass from shattering into dangerous shards.
Secure the door track:
Don’t forget to track the door. Some kids are savvy enough to figure out the sliding mechanism. Even if your child manages to unlock it, a track stopper or blocker prevents the door from sliding open all of the way.
These simple DIY childproofing methods can go a long way. Please keep your sliding glass door off-limits to curious kiddos.
Don’t stop at sliding glass doors. learn how to secure every door in your home with our guide on childproof door handles.
Types of Sliding Glass Door Locks for Childproofing
When it comes to Childproofing your cabinets, however, is not one size fits all and some locks are worse than others. If you’re looking to secure other storage areas, like kitchen cabinets, read our guide on how to baby proof cabinets to keep every corner of your home safe for your little one.
Below is a list of different kinds of sliding glass door locks and where they stand in line with safety factors & installation ease.
Foot locks:
These are fitted to the foot of a door and can be unlocked only by pushing down on a lever with your foot. Ideal if you want something off the floor for your kid to reach.
Pin locks:
A pin lock slides in to prevent the door from opening. Very simple, but does require drilling into your doorframe.
Clamp locks:
These attach to the track of the door and will block its sliding. Quick to install and take off but not always the most secure.
There are different kinds of locks with their own advantages and disadvantages, so consider your requirements before choosing one.
I personally chose a foot lock, which has worked out wonderfully since my toddler can’t reach it yet but it’s still easy for me to operate when I have both hands full.
If you’re also securing other entryways, check out our review of the best child safety locks for front doors for comprehensive protection.
Sliding Glass Door Lock with Key: Is It Worth It?
Ask someone entering the sliding glass door lock (this could be you now considering whether a key is worth the trouble). In some cases, yes it is!
A keyed lock also adds a measure of protection if you have older children who may learn how to open other kinds of childproofing devices.
With that being said, it is a bit of a hassle to have the key available at all times whenever you want to unlock or lock the door.
From my experience, it is a fantastic choice for families with older kids or if your sliding door opens into maybe a more dangerous area such as a pool or steep stairs
Installing a Baby Gate for Sliding Glass Door
If you have a sliding glass door, putting in a baby gate there can provide a safe space that your child won’t be able to wander from. Here’s how to do it:
Measure the Doorway:
First, Your Sliding Glass Door Opening Measurement Make sure that you measure this accurately so that you make the correct selection of gate and ensure that it is wide enough to cover all those pieces.
Sliding doors may need wider gates than traditional doors so be sure to measure fully.
Choose the Right Gate:
Choose a baby gate that is extra wide or one that you can scale. You need a heavy gate that cannot be knocked over easily. Look for a gate that can be locked on the glass or smooth surfaces. Some gates don’t adhere to slippery surfaces well.
Prep the Installation Area:
Provide a clean-up around the sliding glass door where you are going to install the gate. Remove any dust, dirt, or moisture from the glass or door frame to guarantee an airtight seal. This is crucial to ensure the slippage of the gate when using suction mounts or adhesives.
Install Mounting Brackets (if needed):
If your baby gate needs mounting brackets, install them to the wall or doorframe (according to the manufacturer’s instructions.) Gates generally stay in place by being screwed into the wall, pressure mounts or suction cups so ensure that the mounting system is suitable for your sliding door scenario.
Set Up the Gate:
After you have placed the mounting brackets, then set the gate in place. For a pressure-mounted gate, slide out the sides to ensure that they press securely against the frame or walls.
Check that the gate is level and does not sway. A child should not be able to push or pull the gate out of place if it is fitted securely.
Test the Gate for Stability:
Push on the gate a little to make sure it is installed securely. Open and close the gate a few times to make sure it opens and closes easily, and locks properly. It needs to be stable enough because it might tug or if it climbs on there.
Secure the Locking Mechanism:
The majority of baby gates include a form of lock to secure the gate when not being used. Ensure that the lock is working properly, and instruct any other adults residing in the home how to use it. In general, the locking system is one of the crucial components that ensure child child-proof gate.
With these steps, you have properly secured a baby gate on your sliding glass door.For more baby gate ideas, read our detailed guide on how to baby proof stairs with safe and sturdy installations.
Best Child proof sliding door lock Available Today
Now that we’ve addressed how many types of locks there are, let’s break it down to what is best. Now, here are the top childproof sliding door locks available right now:
Safety 1st No-Drill Lever Lock:
Great for renters who hesitate at the thought of drilling into their doorframe. It’s pretty durable and simple to assemble.
Prime-Line Sliding Door Loop Lock: If you want something more low-profile but secure, this one works well. It’s also budget-friendly.
Sure Basics Sliding Door Lock: This is another no-drill solution and it clamps onto the door track, preventing the door from sliding more than a couple of inches.
Parents have called these all the best locks anyone ever used for their
Conclusion
Childproofing a sliding glass door may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of effort, it’s easier than you think. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your little one is safe is well worth it. From DIY sliding glass door locks to baby gates and window film, there’s a solution for every home and budget.
In my experience, starting with a solid lock and adding extra barriers like a gate or safety film makes a world of difference. Don’t wait until an accident happens—take the time to childproof your sliding glass door today!