Children are naturally curious and love to explore. But little hands and doors can be a dangerous combination. If you have a large garden with a pool or pond, child-proofing your patio door is critical to keep your little ones safe. Our guide will help you childproof your door with tips on using locks, alarms, and window film to provide a safe and secure environment.  

Safety locks and latches   

Patio doors are a fantastic feature for your home, bringing the outside in. So choosing the correct child lock for your door is the first step in preventing children from easily opening patio doors without adult assistance. 

If you don’t want to keep your patio doors locked, consider installing one of the following: 

 

• Sliding door top lock: This type of child lock fits into the track at the top of the frame and allows air to circulate without letting your child get outside.  
• Sliding glass door lock: This adhesive lock can be installed at any height and flips open to prevent the door from opening beyond a fixed point. 
• Basic hook latch: If you have a wooden sliding door, consider installing a hook and eye that requires drilling into the frame. 

 

Door alarms 

If you want to always be in the know, install a door alarm. Door alarms are a low-cost child-proofing solution that can double up as a security measure, alerting you when someone has gone through the patio door.  A door or window alarm might not be enough to stop your child from opening your patio door in the first place. But they should give you enough of an alert to prevent your little one from getting into trouble.  

Sensor alarms are easy to install. Apply one half to the frame and the other to childproof your door. As your child passes through the opening, they’ll break the circuit, causing an alarm to go off. They’re also suitable for windows, cabinets, and the gate to your pond or pool.   

Shatterproof glass  

Tempered or laminated glass is a wise investment. It doesn’t break easily, protecting tiny hands from accidents. Should the worst happen, and the door comes off its tracks, the glass will stay in place, preventing further injury. 

 Laminated glass comprises glass panes sandwiched around a layer of plastic. If the glass breaks, it sticks to the plastic layer rather than falling out of the frame. Tempered glass is exceptionally strong and extremely difficult to break.  If you don’t have shatterproof glass installed, try installing glass protection film. This transparent polyester creates a reinforcing layer and makes your glass virtually shatterproof, even when subjected to repeated blows. 

 

Window films and decals  

Your patio doors represent a substantial area of glazing. Decorative yet functional, colourful window films and decals prevent children and adults from accidentally walking into closed glass doors. 

 You’ll need to choose stickers that contrast with the environment and place at least two bands of stickers at child and adult head height. There are plenty of child-friendly designs to choose from, so make selecting and applying the stickers a game your child will love.  

Corner Protectors  

Little heads are often just the right height for a bump or scrape. So soften those sharp edges and corners with special corner protectors to reduce potential injury risks.  

 Rubber corner protectors are useful to childproof any door in the house. They can also be used for table corners and open window frames – anywhere a sharp edge spells potential trouble. 

Supervised play  

Spending time with your children is one of the best child-proofing methods there is. Always having an adult present when children are near patio doors can help reinforce safety habits, especially when you turn safety into a game. Create a positive, kid-friendly play environment and use fun and interactive activities to minimise the risks.  

Patio doors for the whole family

Patio doors can be a wonderful addition to any family home, and with these tips, you can ensure everyone enjoys them safely.