As parents, to create a safe environment for your children, you must start by baby-proofing. However, while caring for the obvious hazards, such as sharp furniture edges or accessible cleaning supplies, many parents overlook a surprisingly important fixture: passage door handles. A type of door handle designed for a door with no lock mechanism, allowing your children to pass through easily.
In this blog, how door handles can ensure child safety in your household.
First, you need to understand that passage door handles are typically used on interior doors that don’t need locks, such as kids’ bedrooms and closets. Many people consider traditional door handle designs better, but have you taken into account how problematic they can be when a toddler starts exploring? For example:
Small round handles are easier for children to operate than big round knobs.
Handles installed at lower heights can be easily reached by little hands.
Locking handles on rooms and closets can lock the child inside or outside.
That’s why choosing the right passage door handle is an essential part of your child-proofing strategy.
If you carefully choose the features of door handles, then they can be child-proof. Consider looking at these features:
Handle Size - Choosing a round handle door would be safer as there will be no edges to harm the child; however, consider a smaller size that can fit in your child’s hands.
Handle Height - For rooms you don’t want your toddler to access, simply install the passage set handle a few inches above the standard placement. Do the opposite with rooms your toddler needs access to.
Safety Covers and Handle Locks - If replacing all your door handles isn't an option, you can also install child-safety handle covers.
Smooth Edges and Non-Toxic Materials - Young children bump into things often, so opt for passage door handles with smooth, rounded edges to minimize injury. Additionally, select non-toxic and hypoallergenic material handles if your child is in the teething stage.
Every room and door deserves a child-safe passage door handle; however, some areas should be the top priority for you, such as the laundry room. Since the laundry room has detergents and cleaning supplies, which are hazardous for your child, ensure to use a lock handle here. However, the doors to your child’s bedroom, bathroom, and closets need passage handles so that your child wouldn’t accidentally get locked in.
In recent years, hardware manufacturers have recognized the growing need for child-safe yet aesthetically pleasing home fixtures. Modern passage door handles now come with options like built-in resistance, hidden locking mechanisms, or compatibility with smart home systems. There are numerous new features and designs; you should consider them according to your needs, and conveniently blend safety with functionality.
Your journey of choosing a passage door handle does not end here at the choosing stage; instead, maintenance is a major part of it. Keep these tips in mind:
Regularly inspect for loose fittings or damage if your child pulls or hangs on the handles.
Clean with gentle, non-toxic cleaners to avoid harmful chemical residue.
Update as children grow, what’s secure for a toddler may not work for a curious five-year-old.
Start your baby-proofing by selecting passage door handles. Today’s market offers a wide variety of options that blend safety, design, and ease of use. Your safer home should have child-friendly handle options, where every door in your house becomes one less thing to worry about. You can browse the e-commerce websites such as Judge Hardware or visit your local store.