A door can't lock if it can't latch. Here's a simple way parents can avoid being stuck on the other side.
1. Grab a thick elastic band and loop it around the doorknob.
2. Twist the band so it makes an X.
3. Gripping the band firmly, loop the other end around the opposite doorknob, making sure the X pushes the latch inward. Presto! The door will now close without latching.
A version of this article appeared in our November 2015 issue with the headline “Prevent toddlers from locking doors,” p. 32.
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