We as parents often want to and should keep our closets off-limits to our young children. While our closets often contain hazardous items, many times we wish to limit access simply to reduce our housekeeping burden. Whichever your motivation, easy to install latches are available for every type of closet door.
Before latching, take a look at the contents of your closet. Often times we see pillows and blankets stored on upper shelves while appliances, cleaners and breakables are stored down low. Simply relocating the pillows and blankets to the lower shelves may eliminate or delay the need to secure that closet.
When the time comes to make a closet "off-limits", you must first determine what type of door you have. You can then obtain the appropriate latching hardware, most of which are available at your local baby store or home center.
Standard closet doors have hinges and a door knob or lever handle. Most round doorknobs are easily secured with a plastic doorknob cover (Gerber or SafetyFirst). Levered handled doors require a slider latch at the top of the door (Safe Beginnings). Extra thick or extra tall doors can be latched with a Flip Lock. A Flip Lock is a hinged metal latch mounted in the door frame and is frequently used in hotels as a security device.
Sliding closet doors, whether mirrored or wood, can be secured with an adhesive mounted latch such as the Burglar Bar (Safe Beginnings) or Window Wedge (KidCo). Both of these mount on the face of the inside door and prevent the outer door from sliding over it.
A bi-fold closet door has an additional set of hinges, and it collapses on itself when opened. These doors also present a severe finger pinch possibility for a toddler who gets their finger in the crease and pushes the door closed. To prevent both toddler access and finger pinching, install a bi-fold door latch (Mommy’s Helper), surface bolt or a Plexi Safety Lock (Safer Baby).
When installing any of the adhesive latches, remember to first clean the surface with rubbing alcohol to ensure a good bond. Also, check to make sure you have adequate clearance between the door and door frame before mounting a flip lock, slider latch or bi-fold door latch. Finally, remember that toddlers learn to climb, and the upper shelves of your closets may not be safe for long.