Child-proofing locks is a balancing act: you want to keep kids away from certain doors, cabinets, and gates, without ever creating a situation where a family member can’t get out during a fire or emergency. Here’s how to do both.
The Balance: Keeping Kids In (or Out) Without Trapping Anyone
Never install a keyed lock on a bedroom door or exterior door specifically to keep a child inside a room, this creates a serious fire-egress hazard. Instead, use high-mounted slide bolts (installed above a child’s reach but within easy adult reach, generally 54+ inches up) on doors leading to pools, garages, or stairwells.
California’s Pool Safety Act and Gate Locks
If you have a pool, common in Sherman Oaks, Toluca Lake, and Studio City backyards, California’s pool safety requirements call for self-closing, self-latching gates, with the release mechanism mounted at least 54 inches above the ground and on the pool side of the gate. A standard household latch usually isn’t compliant; this typically needs a dedicated pool-code latch.
Cabinet and Drawer Locks
For medicine cabinets, cleaning supply cabinets, and knife drawers, magnetic or adhesive child safety latches work well and don’t require any permanent hardware changes. These aren’t something we install (they’re a hardware-store product), but we’re happy to point clients toward what actually holds up versus what doesn’t.
Door Knob Covers vs. Lever Locks
Round doorknobs can be fitted with childproof covers that make them hard for small hands to grip and turn. Lever handles (increasingly common in newer homes) are easier for kids to open, so those doors may need an added slide bolt instead if you need to restrict access.
Smart Locks With Kid-Specific Codes
If you already have or are considering a smart lock, some models let you assign temporary or scheduled access codes, useful for older kids who need their own way in without a physical key to lose, while still letting you monitor entry activity. See our Smart Locks page for options.
What Not to Do
- Don’t install a lock a young child could accidentally engage from inside a room and get stuck
- Don’t block or lock any window or door that serves as a fire escape route
- Don’t rely on a lock alone for pool safety, combine it with supervision and alarms
We help families across LA set up childproofing that’s actually code-compliant. Call 818-249-5128 and we’ll walk your home with you.