- Totally get wanting to barricade, but yeah, determined kids can be like tiny bulldozers.
- I’ve tried wedging chairs and boxes before—works for a while, but my youngest figured out how to just push stuff aside.
- Pressure gates are hit or miss. If you don’t screw them in, they’re basically a suggestion, not a barrier.
- Temporary lock could work, especially if it’s just for the reno phase. I don’t think it’s overkill if you’re worried about safety and don’t want to make holes in the wall for a permanent fix.
- We once used a bungee cord and a spare cabinet handle to keep a door shut—super budget but did the trick for a couple weeks.
Curious, has anyone tried one of those door knob covers? Wondering if they’re any good with persistent toddlers...
Door knob covers are kind of hit or miss, honestly. We tried them when my twins were in their “escape artist” phase. They worked for maybe a week, then one of them figured out how to squeeze the sides just right. If your kid’s really determined, they might just treat it like a puzzle. I guess it depends on the brand and the shape of your door handle, too. Some folks swear by them, but I wouldn’t count on it as your only line of defense.
Yeah, I hear you on the knob covers. They’re not exactly foolproof, especially with clever kids. If you’re worried about a half-demo’d kitchen, here’s what I’d look at:
- Temporary baby gate or even a pressure-mounted pet gate—way harder to bypass than a knob cover.
- If you’ve got lever handles, those covers are even less reliable. Maybe swap out for round knobs just during reno?
- I’ve seen folks use a simple hook-and-eye latch up high, out of reach. Not pretty, but it works.
- For eco-friendly options, try repurposing scrap wood to block off the doorway.
Honestly, a physical barrier is your best bet. Kids are way too good at solving “puzzles” when they’re motivated.
Kids are way too good at solving “puzzles” when they’re motivated.
I’m with you on the “physical barrier is your best bet” part. We tried knob covers and my toddler figured them out in a week—felt like he was training us, not the other way around. Ended up using a pressure-mounted pet gate, which worked way better. One thing I’d add: if you’re dealing with a wide opening, two gates zip-tied together can cover more space. Not pretty, but it kept him out of the demo zone until we finished up.
felt like he was training us, not the other way around.
Man, I know that feeling. We tried those adhesive cabinet locks—my daughter just peeled them off like stickers. Ended up stacking a couple laundry baskets to block the way until we finished. Not fancy, but hey, it worked.