Babies are naturally curious, which means they could try to investigate off-limit areas as soon as they learn to crawl. Seeing adults and older siblings open and close doors will pique their curiosity, which could lead to injury and other dangerous situations while tampering with the fixtures. Below are a few products to pick up at your home improvement supply store to keep young children from walking through doors unattended. 

How to Baby-Proof Doors

1. Install Doorknob Locks

Many youngsters try to turn doorknobs to see what’s on the other side of the panels. Before your little one is big enough to strain and reach the handles, place locks on the moveable components. Although products vary, many are secured over the existing knobs. Moving latches or pressing firmly on buttons will release the locking mechanism so you can open the doors. 

2. Put Baby Gates in Front of Doorways

To prevent children from walking through doors, place baby gates in their path. Make sure to measure the width of the door and frame to ensure you find an installation that fits. Many models are extendable, with each end secured with tension rods or fastened to the door frame.

3. Place Pinch Guards on Hinged Doors

Little ones move quickly, which means you might not see them in the path of a closing door. If a child’s hands or feet are too close to the frame, fingers and toes could get pinched in the closing hinges. A pinch guard is specifically designed to prevent this from happening. The U-shaped foam or plastic devices secure to doors to prevent closing completely. Because doors remain slightly open, only use the products in areas where your child is allowed to go. The staff at your local home improvement supply store will also recommend additional methods to prevent doors from slamming shut.  

If you are worried about children getting hurt on home doors that have fallen into disrepair, the home improvement supply professionals at Huber Lumber will help you find high-quality replacements. With over 110 years of combined experience, residents in Hamilton County, OH, also turn to their team for building design advice and materials that increase the resale value of their homes. They will also recommend steps to baby-proof your space. To inquire about building materials the Cincinnati-based home improvement supply store carries, call (513) 731-4035. Visit the company online for tips to help you choose the right doors and Facebook to read customer feedback.