How can I keep my kids from sneaking outside the front door?

Question

I have a 2 year old and he always will sneak outside the front door when I'm not looking. Is there anything I can buy or put on the door that will keep him from opening the door? I've tried locking the door obviously but he knows how to unlock it.

Answer 1

I would put him in time out or whatever punishment would get his attention.  He's old enough to know what you're talking about.  But I would also put the guard/lock on the door for extra precaution.  Good luck.

Answer 2

Try putting a key only bolt on the front door. Instead of having the traditional lock on the door, put the other kind on there and lock it. That way, he cannot unlock it and you don't have to worry about him getting outside.

The thing with childproof items, is that they are not always childproof. If he wants to get outside bad enough he will find a way.

Answer 3

my son did the same thing. We tried the k**b covers but he learned real quick how to work those. If I were you I would go straight for the chain lock that goes at the top of your door. They only cost about $5 at the store. $5 is a small amount to pay for your childs safety! Good luck!!

Answer 4

There are plenty of child protection devices at the hardware store.

Answer 5

Try using a lock on the door that can

only be opened with a key.

At hardware stores they do sell door locks

that can be opened on both side with

only a key.

Also, there are door locks that can be opened

with a combination type lock.

Again check with your local hardware or

home supply store.

Also a door alarm might also help.

Also, there are such things as child-proof

door locks.

- - - -

Answer 6

alarm or a lock thats way too high for him to reach,

also put him in serious time out

its better than him getting run over by car.

Answer 7

You can buy a small chain lock and install it out of his reach.  They are designed to let someone to open the door a couple of inches to see who is there, but to keep an intruder from forcing his way in.

They are not very good protection.  Anyone over 200 lbs can break them.  But it would be good to keep your son inside.

Any hardware, home improvement, or Walmart, etc has them.

Answer 8

If you have a door k**b and not a lever you could get a door k**b cover from the babyproofing section of Walmart.  They're plastic covers that snap over a door k**b and just spin on the k**b when kids try to grab them.  To open the door you have to squeeze the sides of it together so it grips the k**b.  

If your 2 year old is smart enough to figure that out, you can look at getting a sliding bolt on top of the door, or a bolt and chain.  It also may be time to help your child learn why he shouldn't sneak out of the door.  Let him 'sneak' out, watch him, and follow him.  Be close by him with out him noticing that you are there.  You'll be keeping tabs on him and making sure he is safe, but he is getting to wanter and do whatever outside.  When he wanders too far away and gets confused or lost, you can step in and 'find' him, tell him how worried you were  about him etc.  It's helping him learn why he shouldn't go outside with out you.

Answer 9

Try the door k**b covers first since they are one of the least expensive options! They are usually about $2 for a pack of two. They snap around the door handle in a matter of seconds!

If that doesn't stop him, get one of the latches that goes across the top of the door. You can pick them up at any hardware store for $3-5 and install with a cordless drill in about 5-10 minutes! Totally worth your child's safety, not to mention it is added protection for your home!

Answer 10

They do have child proof lock things that can be placed higher up on the door so that it's out of his reach.  Or you can just go to the dollar store and get one of those sliding bolts and install it near the top of the door.

Good luck!

Answer 11

maybe a bell at the top of the door.  Also communicate to him the dangers of sneaking out...

Answer 12

There are various child proofing options, but it sounds like the real problem is that your child does not listen to you.  Have you tried some form of punishment?

Answer 13

Good ol' chain locks that he can't reach. Mount it high on the door and problem solved.

Answer 14

I had the same problem with my 2 year old.  First he mastered the k**b and we tried the k**b covers.  Then he figured out the dead bolt and the k**b covers the following week.  We don't have a fence and live on a busy road so it scared us to death.  The problem is we have metal doors and I did not want to have to drill them in order to install a slide lock or hook and eye.  I did some research and found something called a flip lock.  It installs easily with 2 screws into the door jamb.  You just lift and flip it in one direction to open the door, flip back and the door stays locked. It's ideal for any door which swings into a room.  I found them right at Lowes for less than $5.00.  Here's a link so you can see what they look like.  http://www.totsafe.com/proddetail.asp?pr...  Hope this helps.

Answer 15

My little brother used to do the same thing and we ended up putting a hook up by the top of the door where everyone could reach but him and it worked. So try doing that.

Answer 16

get one of those door alarms

Answer 17

I also suggest you put a chain lock towards the top above his reach. Inexpensive, effective, can be installed with minimal fuss.

Answer 18

haha it's funny you mentioned it your son is just like my sister she knows how to unlock the door too (she's 2 years old too) we have an alarm system but we only turn it on at night. but YOU can turn the alarm on in the day. (if you do have an alarm) but if the alarm is on in the day and your son opens the door hurry up and turn the alarm off as soon as you can because if you don't you will get a call from the company you got the alarm from saying if you want the cops to come. (we got that before but my sister only pushed the alarm button on my moms key chain) well good luck

Answer 19

You can put a latch on the door higher so that he can't reach it. That way only an adult can open the door.