I am trying to child proof my house. I already took off all of the old door stops because of the little rubber piece can come off really easily, and put in plain white ones that are just one piece that I got from Home Depot. I also covered up all of the outlets. I also bought a clamp for my DD's book shelf. That is really all I need right now, I think. However, I am looking for locks for our bifold doors for our pantry and my DD's closet. I found some at Baby's R Us, but they don't fit. My neighbor down the street has clear ones that slide back and forth, and she said that that is where she got them, but I guess they don't carry them anymore. Does anyone know where I can get some that aren't too expensive? I looked on the internet and I can buy 4 for $20.00. That is a little much. TIA

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 06:23 pm:

Check your undersink cabinet. And make sure all - and I do mean ALL medicines are behind some kind of special fastening or in a locked container. Including any medicines you keep in your bedtable drawer. Make sure you put your purse up high, out of reach. Make sure your child cannot open a door to the outside without your help. Check venetian blind cords and any other cords. If there are any windows a child can get near by sitting or standing on a chair make certain you have latches so they don't open more than a few inches - don't trust screens as a fall preventer. What about kitchen knives and scissors? Make sure your child cannot get into the bathroom without you (children have fallen head first into toilets - and undersink stuff). Same for basement/attic.

You will be amazed at how much you don't see when you are looking around for hazards, and how much kids can get into. They grow so darned fast it is amazing.

If I sound like I'm speaking from experience - sadly, BTDT with a whole bunch of preventable hurts.

By Emily7 on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 06:42 pm:

http://shop.safetydepot.com/s.nl/c.308002/sc.9/category.38/.f?adwords

If you go to Safety First they have a lot of good products that are not very expensive. Crawl everywhere, get down on your dd's level.

By Rayanne on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 09:08 pm:

This is the one that I bought that doesn't fit.

This is the one that I want, but is too much money. 4 for $20.00

By Amecmom on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 09:36 pm:

Rayanne,
I don't know where to get them, but 4 for $20 is not bad when you consider how long you are going to use them.
In addition to all the other safety concerns mentioned above, make sure you put foam or rubber guards on any furniture or edges that might be sharp if fallen on or bumped into. You can get it in rolls and measure and cut it yourself, or you can get pre-made in corners.
I can't tell you how many times I've been greatful that we did this. My son is a runner and bumper. He'd have been to the hospital by now if it weren't for these things.
Also test everything that can be pulled! My son pulled a vcr/dvd rack down on himself when he used it to try and stand up.
If it even remotely looks like it can come down, take it away.
You'll see what needs to be done as you watch your child explore. Good luck.
Ame

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 09:41 pm:

Rayanne, I have a pair of those you're welcome to! I'd be happy to pop them in the mail if you're interested. Came across them while organizing a closet the other day, and we certainly don't need them any longer.
trina.gagne @ comcast.net

By Tonya on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 10:36 pm:

Man Rayanne do I feel for you. We are starting right now too. Jade is only 5 months old but it already crawling so we are putting things up higher and having to watch what is on the floor. Boy do I not remember these days with Timmy.

By Rayanne on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 09:49 am:

Thank you so much Trina.
I e-mailed you.
You are the sweetest.