6 Ways to Child-Proof Internal Doors

When little ones start to explore, everyday household features can quickly become safety hazards, including internal doors. From trapped fingers to unsupervised access to off-limits rooms, doors can pose a number of risks for curious toddlers.

The good news is, there are plenty of simple and effective ways to make your doors safer without compromising on function or style. In this guide, we’ll explore six practical ways to child-proof internal doors, helping you create a more secure home environment for your family.

Install finger guards

Finger guards are designed to prevent little fingers from getting caught in the hinge side of a closing door, which is a common cause of minor injuries in busy households. These guards act as a protective shield, covering the gap between the door and the frame when the door is open.

They’re typically made from flexible plastic or rubber and are fitted along the hinge edge of the door. Some models are full-length, offering maximum protection, while others are smaller and more discreet.

Finger guards are particularly useful in high-traffic areas like kitchens, living rooms and playrooms, where doors are opened and closed frequently and children are more likely to be nearby.

Use door stoppers or pinch guards

Door stoppers and pinch guards will help to stop doors from fully closing, which reduces the risk of trapped fingers. Pinch guards are usually made from soft foam and slot over the edge or top of a door to prevent it from slamming shut. They’re easy to install, remove and reposition as needed.

Wedge-style door stoppers can also be placed on the floor to hold a door open, making them useful during playtime or when moving between rooms. Both options are cost-effective and suitable for everyday use.

These simple additions are ideal for bedrooms, nurseries and other spaces where children are often unsupervised, and can provide peace of mind without needing to permanently alter your doors.

Fit door knob covers

Door knob covers and locks are an effective way to prevent children from opening doors they shouldn’t. Knob covers are typically made from durable plastic and fit securely over round or lever handles. They’re designed so that adults can still operate the handle with a firm grip, while young children are unable to turn or press them properly.

These are particularly useful for bathrooms, utility rooms, home offices and any space that contains valuable materials or potential hazards. You should look for designs that are simple for adults to use in an emergency whilst still providing a reliable barrier for small hands.

Use magnetic or sliding bolt locks

Magnetic and sliding bolt locks provide a more discreet way to secure internal doors, especially in rooms where you don’t want permanent childproofing on display. Magnetic locks are typically fitted inside the door and require a magnetic key to open, which ensures access is kept firmly in adult hands. Sliding bolts, on the other hand, are surface-mounted and manually operated – you can place them high up on the door to keep them out of reach of children.

Both options are ideal for spaces like utility rooms, storage cupboards or areas with cleaning products and tools. They’re simple to install and don’t interfere with the overall look of your doors, which makes them a practical choice for homes where safety and style need to go hand in hand.

Install slow-close or soft-close hinges

Slow-close or soft-close hinges are designed to control the speed at which a door shuts, preventing it from slamming and reducing the risk of injury. These hinges use built-in dampers to gently guide the door to a close, which can help stop trapped fingers and minimise sudden noise, which is especially useful during nap times.

They’re a more permanent solution compared to guards or stoppers and can be ideal for family homes where doors are frequently opened and closed. Soft-close hinges are particularly suited to nurseries, bedrooms and bathrooms, offering a quieter, safer alternative to traditional hinges without compromising on appearance.

Keep doors in good repair

Regular maintenance plays a key role in keeping internal doors safe for children. Issues such as loose hinges, misaligned latches or warped frames can cause doors to shut unpredictably or stick, both of which can pose a risk to little hands.

You should check your doors periodically to make sure they open and close smoothly, without slamming or bouncing back. Make sure to tighten any loose screws, oil squeaky hinges and replace worn parts as needed.

Well-maintained doors are not only safer, but also more reliable and quieter, which is essential in a home with young children. Keeping them in good repair will also support any additional child-proofing measures you have in place.

If your doors need updating to keep your little ones safe, JB Kind has a huge range of interior doors in a variety of styles. Download our brochure or contact us to find out more.