Help!! Need advice on how to keep a 17mth old out of my draws????

[mommy2sarah]

My 17mth old who has a developmental delay (so saying no does not help here) is determined to get into every cupboard i have.
Bathroom, Kitchen, bedrooms etc....
I have tried to find a type of lock that will stop her opening the draws mainly. My new kitchen has alot of draws and every lock i have seen on the market is only good for 1 draw - not 3 in a row.
Any ideas????????????
I dont believe in stopping her getting into rooms - she needs to explore , that is how children learn. Many other people have said 'just keep her out of the kitchen' that is good advice but not in my instance as she needs to be close to me and will only quieten done if i am within eye sight of her.
hope someone can help
regards
mommy2sarah.
P.S. i am new to these boards and am finding it so great to talk to other mums - seeing i am an older mum my kids are 21,18 & 10 and now i am foster mum to 3yr old and 17mth old...

[PamE]

Been there! :lol: Our ds was the same way at that age. We never found anything but the single drawer locks as well, but for what we have that worked well. You might even talk to a cabinet maker if there are any in your area. Or, maybe there is some way to come up with your own solution and patent it!

Sorry I'm not much help. I do know what you're going through though! :)

[Marla]

In our area we have a "safety superstore" and also a "kiddie proofing company". Do you have anything like this in your area? They would come to your house and provide safety locks for the cabinets.

It is important for them to explore, but there are certain things they shouldn't be exploring (ie anything breakable or dangerous).
Why don't you make one cabinet that is safe for Sarah? Empty out one cabinet and fill it with plastic storage containers that she can explore.

[winning_mom]

:D I remember those days! I used to take a small rope,cut to length so none is hanging, and string through the handleswith the knot tied loosley so I could get it open but they couldn't. They will open with the rope but not enough for them to get into it. It doesn't look the greatest but it does however save some power struggles. Make sure NOT to have any slack in the rope where they can get into it.Good luck!:)

[Diane]

If you've got drawers with open handles (not knobs) like I do, try keeping them out by buying a round dowel (they come in different sizes) and sticking it down into each of the open handles on the drawers. I stained mine to match my cabinets... and you can hardly tell that they're there. Just a thought... Good luck!

Diane... :wave:

[mommy2sarah]

I had my new kitchen installed a month ago and have re-organised it so much!!!
She does have 2 draws with plastic containers in and i find them all over the floor. We play a game of 'lets put everything back' not very successfull but it keeps her amused for at least 10mins.
I have purchased some safety locks yesterday - so hubby will be busy tonight installing them. Mainly under the sink and such.
I am loving this board. I am finding it a wealth of info.
Not that i am a new mum - just one that has forgotten how little ones can get into things so quickly.
Oh my how quicky do we forget.

mommy2sarah - foster mum that is

[kat]

We just did the safety latches and left one lower cabinet for all the plastics that the boys could and would play with.

[joann]

If the drawers do not slide open easily, you might want to try removing the knobs. It makes it really hard for small fingers to manipulate. Maybe leave a knob on one drawer with "baby safe" items to draw the baby's attention there and away from other drawers. Change the items in this drawer often to keep the baby's attention. This way, the learning can still take place while keeping your child safe.:p