Choosing the best child lock for French doors starts with checking how your doors open, how thick they are, and whether there is enough clearance above them. Top-of-door locks can keep a child from reaching the release, while a double-door barricade is made for a different setup. The options below include both styles, so compare the fit and the way each one needs to be used before you buy.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Lock Style | Key Fit Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GlideLok Child Safety Door Top Lock, 2 Pack | Top-of-door, metal | Most hinged doors up to 1⅜ inches thick; up to 1 13/16 inches with spacer removed | Parents who want operation from either side |
| MOSECYOU French Door Lock | Adjustable handle barricade | For double doors with compatible knobs or lever handles | People seeking a removable double-door barricade |
| Laowu Adjustable Child Safety Door Top Lock | Top-of-door, metal | Adjusts for doors 1–2 inches thick; needs more than 2 mm of top clearance | Homes needing a wider thickness range |
| BILLROAD Child Safety Door Top Lock, 2 Pack | Top-of-door, metal | Listing gives a thickness range of 0.8–2.2 inches; verify before ordering | Families who want two locks for multiple doors |
Our Picks: Best Child Lock For French Doors reviews
GlideLok: A Two-Sided Top Lock for Compatible French Doors
The GlideLok sits over the top of a hinged door like a saddle. Its raised position keeps the lock out of a young child’s reach, and adults can slide it to lock or unlock from either side. The product is described as suitable for French doors, but it is not for every double-door arrangement: it does not fit double doors that swing in both directions.
The lock is made of painted metal rather than plastic. Installation requires drilling one included screw into the door frame, and the instructions note that exterior doors may require the screw to go on the outside portion of the frame. Measure the door thickness first: the stated fit is up to 1⅜ inches with the spacer bar in place, or up to 1 13/16 inches with it removed. You also need to be able to reach the top of the door to operate it.
This two-pack is a practical choice if you want the same style of child lock on more than one hinged door. It also avoids the common limitation of a handle-mounted lock that can leave an adult stuck on the other side. Its main trade-off is that it needs a screw in the frame and will not work with sliding doors, storm doors, patio screen doors, or metal door frames.
Pros:
- Operates from either side of the door.
- Raised placement keeps it out of a child’s reach.
- Metal construction instead of flexible plastic.
- Includes two locks for use on multiple doors.
Cons:
- Requires drilling a screw into the door frame.
- Has specific thickness and door-style limits, including for some French-door setups.
Verdict: Choose the GlideLok if your French doors are compatible hinged doors and you want a metal top lock that adults can operate from either side.
MOSECYOU: An Adjustable Barricade for Double-Door Handles
The MOSECYOU is a double-door barricade, not a top-of-door child lock. Its adjustable bar is designed to connect compatible door handles and help prevent handle manipulation. The product states that it works with standard French double doors with round knobs or lever handles, and with both inswing and outswing doors.
Its hardened-steel construction is intended to provide a sturdier alternative to plastic barricade styles. The adjustable bar accommodates different handle spacing, while the U-bracket opening is designed for the neck of many double-door knobs or levers. The listing also describes compatibility with tubular handles under 1⅜ inches in diameter. A storage pouch and key tag are included.
This style may suit someone looking for a removable barricade for a specific pair of handles, but it works differently from a childproof lock mounted above a door. Before choosing it for child safety, consider whether the device can be kept out of a child’s reach when not in use and whether an adult can remove it quickly when needed. Check the handle shape and spacing against the product details; the lock’s fit depends on those measurements.
Pros:
- Designed for French double doors with compatible knobs or lever handles.
- Adjustable bar accommodates different handle spacing.
- All-metal construction.
- Includes a storage pouch for organization.
Cons:
- It is a handle-level barricade, not a child lock positioned out of reach.
- Fit depends on handle type, handle size, and spacing.
Verdict: Consider the MOSECYOU if you need a removable barricade for compatible double-door handles, but choose a top-mounted lock if keeping the release above a child’s reach is your priority.
Laowu: An Adjustable Steel Lock for Thicker Doors
The Laowu is a metal top-of-door lock with an adjustable fit for doors from 1 to 2 inches thick. Like other saddle-style locks, it sits over the door and slides to lock or unlock. The listing says adults can operate it from either side, which can be helpful when a child needs supervision on both sides of a doorway.
Its stated thickness range is broader than the GlideLok’s range with its spacer bar in place. The lock is described as steel, with a reinforced post and three screw holes for added stability. Fit still depends on the top of the door: the listing says the gap between the door and frame must be greater than 2 mm. Check that clearance as well as the door thickness before ordering.
The Laowu may be a useful option when a standard top lock’s thickness range is too narrow. However, the product information does not describe the installation steps in as much detail as some competing listings, so check the included instructions and confirm how it attaches to your door before relying on it. As with any top lock, an adult must be able to reach it easily.
Pros:
- Adjusts for doors from 1 to 2 inches thick.
- Steel construction with a reinforced post.
- Designed to lock and unlock from either side.
- Suitable for interior, exterior, and French doors when the fit requirements are met.
Cons:
- Requires more than 2 mm of clearance at the top of the door.
- Door thickness and frame clearance both need to be checked before purchase.
Verdict: Pick the Laowu if you need a wider stated thickness range and your door has the required top clearance.
BILLROAD: A Two-Pack Top Lock with a Broad Listed Fit Range
The BILLROAD set includes two saddle-style metal locks for hinged doors, including French doors when the door and frame are compatible. The lock sits on top of the door and slides to secure or release it. It is designed to operate from either side, so an adult does not have to rely on a handle lock that can only be opened from one direction.
The listing says installation uses one included screw in the door frame. For an exterior door that opens inward, it notes that the screw must go into the exterior part of the frame. It also warns that the lock is not for sliding, bifold, or pocket doors, metal frames, patio screen doors, storm doors, or doors that swing both ways.
There is a detail to confirm before buying: the product title gives a door-thickness range of 0.8–2 inches, while its description says 0.8–2.2 inches. Check the current product specifications or packaging to confirm the correct upper limit for your door. If the fit is right, the two-pack can be convenient for securing more than one doorway.
Pros:
- Includes two locks for use on multiple doors.
- Operates from either side of the door.
- Made of painted metal rather than plastic.
- Designed for many standard hinged doors, including compatible French doors.
Cons:
- The title and description give different maximum door thicknesses.
- Requires a screw in the door frame and does not fit several door types.
Verdict: The BILLROAD two-pack is worth considering for multiple compatible doors, but verify the thickness limit before ordering because the listing gives conflicting ranges.
How to Choose a Child Lock for French Doors
Identify how your French doors open
French doors can refer to a pair of hinged doors, but their swing direction and hardware vary. Check whether each door swings inward or outward and whether either door swings in both directions. The GlideLok and BILLROAD listings exclude double doors that swing both ways. The MOSECYOU is specifically described for double doors that swing inward or outward, provided the handles are compatible.
Measure door thickness and top clearance
For a top-of-door lock, measure the thickness of the door where the lock will sit. Compare that measurement with the product’s stated range, including any spacer or adjustment requirements. Also check the gap between the top of the door and the frame. The Laowu requires more than 2 mm of clearance, and the other top-lock models also need enough room to sit over the door.
Check the frame and installation needs
Some top locks require a screw in the door frame. Consider whether you can drill into the frame and whether its material and shape are suitable. The GlideLok and BILLROAD instructions call for a screw, and the BILLROAD notes a particular screw location for some inward-opening exterior doors. Do not assume a lock will fit a metal frame or a door with unusual trim; check the product details first.
Choose the lock style that matches your goal
A top-of-door lock is positioned above a child’s reach and is designed to slide from either side. A handle barricade such as the MOSECYOU uses the door handles and is removable, so it has different access and storage considerations. Think about whether your main need is a childproof lock left in place or a portable barricade you put on and remove as needed.
Plan for adult access and supervision
A lock should not make it difficult for adults to reach someone on the other side of the door. Top locks in this guide are described as operable from both sides, but you still need to be able to reach the top of the door. Consider the height of the door and the adults who will use it, and make sure the lock can be released promptly when needed.
Match the quantity to the doorways you need to secure
The GlideLok and BILLROAD are sold as two-packs, which may suit a home with more than one door to secure. The other options are listed as individual products. Count the doors you need to address, but check each doorway separately: thickness, frame clearance, handles, and swing direction may differ from one door to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a top-of-door child lock on French doors?
Some top locks are described as compatible with French doors, including the GlideLok, Laowu, and BILLROAD models here. Compatibility depends on the door’s thickness, clearance, frame, and swing. In particular, the GlideLok and BILLROAD listings exclude double doors that swing in both directions.
Do these top locks require drilling?
The GlideLok requires one included screw in the door frame. The BILLROAD also describes installation with one included screw. Check the instructions for the specific model you choose, since the supplied product details do not give the same level of installation information for every option.
Can an adult unlock these locks from either side?
The GlideLok, Laowu, and BILLROAD descriptions say their top locks can be operated from both sides. The MOSECYOU is a different style: it is a removable barricade that fits around compatible handles. Check that the lock is within reach of the adults who need to use it.
Will a top lock fit a sliding glass door?
The GlideLok and BILLROAD listings say they do not fit sliding doors. They also exclude some other door types, such as pocket and bifold doors. Check the specific product’s compatibility details rather than assuming a lock made for hinged doors will work on a sliding door.
What should I measure before ordering?
For a top lock, measure door thickness and the gap between the door and frame. For the MOSECYOU barricade, check the handle type, handle dimensions, and spacing. The BILLROAD listing gives conflicting maximum door thicknesses, so confirm that specification before buying.
Which option is best if I want locks for more than one door?
The GlideLok and BILLROAD options are both listed as two-packs. Choose between them based on your door measurements and frame requirements. The BILLROAD listing has conflicting thickness information, while the GlideLok gives separate limits depending on whether its spacer bar is used.
Final Recommendation
For a compatible hinged French door, the GlideLok is the most straightforward choice if you want a metal top lock that adults can operate from either side. Choose the Laowu if your door needs its wider stated thickness range and has enough top clearance. The BILLROAD two-pack may suit multiple doors, but confirm its thickness limit first. Consider the MOSECYOU when you specifically want a removable barricade for compatible double-door handles rather than a lock mounted out of a child’s reach.
