Child-Proofing the Screen Door

[canuckowner]

Has anyone child-proofed the screen door in such a way that a toddler can't push the door open and/or possibly fall through the screen? I noticed some people have replaced the bottom screen portion with plexiglass to keep their dogs from going through the door (which might work for toddlers too).

Any other innovative ideas out there that would be safe? This year that screen will be an issue, for sure, with our little one who has started to walk.

 

[clutch-FRF]

You might check at Lowes or Home Depot for a grill to put on the bottom half of the door. With a grill the air can still flow. I have seen some doors with plexi glass on the bottom also.

 

[norty1]

CW sells a grill that goes on the bottom. My larger concern would be the latch. A hard push and it is open.

 

[29BHS ECO]

canuckowner-- I guess you'll just have to revert back to the old " hook & eye" like at grand ma's house Larry

 

[3'senough]

That was the first mod I did on my unit to keep my 1YO inside. A three ft fall was my biggest fear. I installed a dead bolt to the screen door listed below and the Camco adjustable screen mesh on the bottom. Plexi is an option but I dry camp alot and like my airflow.

Once I get inside my unit I will take some pics and post in a few days. It's high enough for the less nimble not to get it but easily reached from the outside to for me to open when I need to come in. My biggest thing is keeping on top of all the kids and others as they come and go with re-engaging. That 1/8" plastic catch will not stop anything IMHO. Hook and eye is another option mut requires holes to both wall and door and is not as user friendly.

It works and works well. I through bolted it with SS machine screws.


http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/Deadbolt_Lock_p/ir-db-01.htm

 

[canuckowner]

...some really great ideas here guys--- thanks!

 

[canuckowner]

3'senough,

that dead bolt looks like an excellent purchase and the price is right, but those guys dont ship to Canada... so I will likely just go with the old hook'n'eye.

Just ordered the grill from Camping World ($25 shipping---arghh !!!)... but it looks like problem solved!

Thanks!

 

[mach8274-JAY]

I bought a screen door grill from Lowes. Don't remember how much it was. It's white and has some designs in it, very decorative. I installed a barrel bolt in the top 1/3 of the door and that keeps it closed in the event of an accidental bump or push on the door.

 

[tlhdoc]

I installed a hook and eye on my campers door and it works great. Just clear vinyl at the bottom to keep the dog from going through the door.