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View Full Version : When can you de-babyproof?


jay&erinn
02-20-2007, 09:58 AM
I have a 3.5 year old and a baby. Because of the baby we won't be doing this anytime soon, but I was just curious. We recently turned our spare bedroom into an upstairs playroom for our older DD where she can go play alone with toys that aren't safe for the baby to be in. I reminded DH to plug the outlets and he asked if it was really necessary for her age. I feel it is since I think preschoolers are still too impulsive to be trusted like that, but I'm not sure.
Also, at what age did you leave your DC for a minute or two in the tub alone? Because it's too cold to bathe around here with the bathroom door open I still sit in there for the entire bath/play time. But come summer I wonder if I can take care of some things within earshot and checking in every minute or so, or if almost 4 is still too young to be alone at all in the tub. The bathroom the kids use is off of our kitchen so come summer I could clean the kitchen or cook while still being able to see and hear her, just not sitting right next to the tub the entire time. Is that irresponsible at that age?

LeighW
02-20-2007, 10:08 AM
My DD is 3 yrs and 10 months.

Things we debabyproofed: uncovered the coffee table sharp corners, unblocked the fireplaces, not bothered replacing outlet covers that broke/fell off, toilet locks, doorknob covers (to keep DD from opening/locking certain interior doors).

We still have the babygates up on the stairs, mostly to control the dog and because we're adopting #2 soon (we hope!). We also still have a tot lock on the one lower kitchen cabinet with cleaners, chemicals, etc. in it.

On baths, we leave DD alone in the tub for very short periods of time--like to put dirty clothes in the hamper, answer the phone, etc. She is a bit afraid of the water, can't even remotely swim and has never voluntarily put her head under water, so I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving her in there longer, even with the door open.

If she were more comfortable in the water, I would definitely leave her in there alone more (while checking on her).