Why This Comparison Matters
As parents or guardians, we’re always thinking one step ahead when it comes to safety. We lock doors, we cover outlets, and we strap children into car seats. However, we often overlook one of the most basic security measures in the home: the locks on our doors. Child safety locks and traditional deadbolts serve different purposes, but both play a role in household safety.
We’ve seen families in Calgary ask whether child safety locks alone are enough. Therefore, understanding the difference between these options helps us choose what’s right for both everyday living and emergencies.
What Are Child Safety Locks Really For?
Child safety locks are designed with curious toddlers in mind. These devices prevent children from opening doors, windows, cabinets, or drawers. In other words, their main goal is to keep kids from accessing dangerous areas like stairwells, kitchens, or garages. We typically install them on interior doors, especially in homes with very young children.
However, child safety locks are not intended to secure the house from external threats. They are usually made from plastic and rely on spring mechanisms or adhesive mounts. Consequently, they can often be bypassed easily by older kids or determined intruders. That’s why we always recommend combining them with stronger locking systems when security is the goal.
If you’re unsure about what type of lock suits your home layout, working with a residential locksmith in Calgary can help you assess and plan the setup properly.
Traditional Deadbolts and Their Role
Traditional deadbolts, on the other hand, are all about securing the property from the outside world. These locks use metal components that extend into the doorframe and are designed to resist forced entry. Most importantly, they are a deterrent to burglars. Above all, deadbolts provide a higher level of physical security compared to any internal latch or safety mechanism.
That said, deadbolts are not made with children’s behavior in mind. For instance, a curious child may still unlock and open a deadbolt if it’s within reach. Therefore, if childproofing is a concern, a deadbolt should be paired with additional safety measures such as a high-mounted latch or keypad access.
We’ve had many homeowners ask about the ideal combo of security and child safety. As a result, we often suggest layering both kinds of locks—each plays a specific role in the broader safety plan.
Which Is Safer for Everyday Use?
From a childproofing perspective, child safety locks are useful because they control internal movement. For example, a safety latch on a basement door keeps a toddler from going downstairs unsupervised. Meanwhile, a traditional deadbolt is more about keeping outside threats away.
So which is safer? It depends on the scenario. For preventing break-ins, deadbolts clearly win. For keeping a toddler from escaping onto a busy street, child safety locks are essential. In conclusion, neither can replace the other. The best option is usually using both, tailored to the layout of your home and your family’s habits.
If you’re upgrading your current locks, a Locksmith in Calgary can help match the right hardware to your safety priorities.
Tips for Combining Both Types Effectively
We’ve worked in homes where people only had child locks and assumed that was enough. However, this often leaves exterior doors vulnerable. Similarly, we’ve seen setups where deadbolts are used alone, and toddlers easily twist them open. So, combining them effectively is where true safety lies.
Firstly, use childproof locks on interior doors like bathrooms, storage rooms, and basement entrances. Secondly, for exterior doors, use a deadbolt, preferably with a double cylinder if no emergency exit issues arise. Moreover, consider placing deadbolts or thumb-turn locks high enough to be out of a child’s reach.
In addition, for households with older children or visitors, it’s smart to use locks that don’t require complicated steps to disengage. We’ve seen frustrated relatives struggle with overly complex child locks. In other words, the safety setup should still be user-friendly for adults.
You can always contact a local expert for help installing locks correctly and choosing tamper-proof options for tricky situations.
Common Weaknesses to Watch Out For
Even the best child locks can fail if they aren’t properly installed. Some models rely on adhesive, which wears down over time or with rough handling. Others use thin plastic that can crack. Likewise, deadbolts can be compromised if the strike plate is loose or if the doorframe is weak. Therefore, regular maintenance is a must.
We always advise inspecting locks monthly. Check if the safety latches are still snug and functioning smoothly. At the same time, ensure your deadbolt throws cleanly and doesn’t stick. Furthermore, upgrading strike plates and using longer screws can reinforce door strength—an extra step many people overlook.
Sometimes we visit homes where the deadbolt is strong, but it’s installed on a hollow-core door. In those cases, even the best lock won’t matter. To clarify, your lock is only as secure as the surface it’s mounted on.
How Emergency Situations Affect Your Choice
During emergencies like fires, floods, or carbon monoxide leaks, every second counts. Therefore, it’s critical that locks, especially child locks, do not create a hazard during evacuation. For instance, a child lock that jams or a deadbolt that requires a key from the inside can delay exit times.
To avoid this, consider locks with emergency release options. Similarly, teach older children how to safely unlock doors in case they ever need to exit quickly. Moreover, don’t forget that locks should be part of your broader emergency plan. That includes knowing which windows can be opened easily and practicing family exit routes.
We once saw a home where every interior door had a latch at the top that was nearly impossible to open quickly. That’s why we encourage balance: security matters, but so does ease of escape.
Final Thoughts on Balancing Both Options
We’ve worked with many Calgary families trying to navigate the balance between keeping kids safe and protecting the home from break-ins. Ultimately, we believe in a layered approach. Child safety locks are great for day-to-day supervision, while deadbolts serve as the main line of defense from the outside.
That is to say, these two types of locks are not interchangeable. Each has a role, and when used together thoughtfully, they create a safer environment for everyone in the household.
For homeowners looking to upgrade their current setup or move into a new home, evaluating your entire security approach is a smart first step. It’s not just about the locks—it’s about how your doors, your family’s routines, and even your furniture layout work together to support safety.
FAQs
Can I use a child safety lock on a front door?
You can, but it should only be an extra layer. Never rely solely on a child safety lock for securing an exterior door. Pair it with a strong deadbolt.
What’s the best way to keep toddlers from opening deadbolts?
Install the deadbolt higher on the door so it’s out of their reach. Some families also use sliding latch guards above the knob as an additional barrier.
Are deadbolts safe during emergencies?
They can be if they include a thumb-turn on the inside. Avoid deadbolts that need a key from the inside unless you have a clear emergency plan and quick access to keys.
Do child locks damage doors or trim?
Some adhesive models can leave residue or damage paint. Look for removable adhesive or screw-in versions if durability is important to you.
When should I call a locksmith for help?
If you’re unsure how to combine locks effectively or want to upgrade aging hardware, reaching out to a local professional is the safest route.