I am a nanny for wealthy families who live in 20,000 sf+ homes. My degree is in Interior Design. My standards for safety and design are extremely high. I nanny for a 2 year old who recently locked me out of the house because there were no door knob covers in place. She has 3 older brothers who range in age from 9-16. So the house was not truly baby-proofed for child #4. I was outside in the garage and 5 steps away from the child as we were heading outside to play and go on a wagon ride. The next thing I hear was bye bye Miss Laura and the clicking of the deadbolt going into place. I am only 36 years old and in that moment I felt like I had entered menopause early because a hot flash rolled over me from head to toe and back to my head again and I started sweating profusely. I stayed calm and talked the child into opening the door so we could get ice-cream. In reality I was only locked out for 2 minutes, but it felt like 2 hours.
That night I went to Babies R Us and MacroBaby to buy one of each of the door knob covers designs they had for sale so we could test drive the available door knob covers. Getting locked out of the house ONE time by a toddler was enough to prompt action.
The easiest to find and WORST door knob covers to use are the AWFUL Safety First door knob covers with the hole cut out for your finger, which systematically rips your finger, cuticle and, finger nail off every time you try to open the door. Safety First USED to make Clear Grip Door Knob Covers sold in a 3-pack under model 48651. They were the original door knob cover with a true silicone grip button that was AWESOME. I contacted Safety First and learned that the AMAZING model was discontinued (of course) You can still find them on Ebay occasionally if you want them bad enough, have deep pockets and have time to wait for them to be posted/search. I am holding out for my friend who has children to give me hers (we have a written contract for them).
I also test drove the KidCo Door Knob covers which we like as well, but they are a bit clunky and if the twist/grip gets twisted it impedes the door from closing. The Kidco door knob covers are GREAT otherwise. You just have to always have them land with the squeezie hand part at the bottom (not left or right because then it jams into the door coming closed). We also installed the KidCo Lever Lock on the French doors and it is GREAT as well. No other door knob cover works on our French Doors.
The Dream Baby 3 pack of Door Knob Covers were disappointing. The silicone grip dot was more plastic than silicone, so the door knob cover was more Mommy/Nanny Proof than I have patience for. The Dream Baby design was too clunky and not easy to use at all. Children do enjoy watching you get frustrated and getting the screwdriver out to pop off the Dream baby cover though. I am sure Lily took notes on that one.
In my quest to be thorough, I found Mommy's Helper Door Knob Covers on greatofferstock.com and got FREE shipping. So I ordered 6 total knob covers for my test drive experiment with high hopes that they were going to be my winner and keeper. THEY WERE INDEED MY WINNER! We then had to order many more of the Mommy's Helper Door Knob Covers to complete my door safety mission. At the conclusion of my Test Drive, Mommys Helper Door Knob Covers ranked the highest. While I wished the silicone was more grippy some days, I know the alternatives out there and I know there is nothing better (except for the vintage circa 2004 Safety First Clear Grip Door Knob Covers sold in a 3-pack under model 48651).
Buy Mommys Helper door knob covers with confidence and peace of mind! Nanny and designer APPROVED!
I now buy these from greatofferstock.com to save and give as baby shower gifts. They are a true gem of a gift (especially for those first time moms who don't know how rotten door knob covers can ruin your day).
Sincerely,
Laura