I found my 17 month old son last night with one of the plastic outlet covers in his hand. Has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas how I can keep him safe?
They sell outlet covers that are spring activated and if nothing is plugged in they stay sealed and when a plug is removed they cover the exposed outlet. They cost more and are hte actual outlet cover. I installed these in my daughters room when she started climbing out of they crib and they were a real peace of mind. Good Luck.
Hi C. -
I have a 2-year-old and a 2-month-old and a grad degree where child development was part of the program (although I have learned more from my kids than from school...). At 17 months, kids are old enough to learn not to touch certain things but the key is the be consistent with the word or phrase that you use to mean "hands off". I would pick one word that means "do not touch" and use it always and take his hands away at the same time. The other technique that you can use with this is distraction - take the baby's hands away from whatever you don't want him to touch and move him to what you do want to touch (a toy, a book, whatever). Above all, don't get too freaked out over it or at least don't give the baby a huge reaction because he will then try to get that reaction again by pulling out the outlet covers again. If you don't make the outlet covers a source of interest for the baby by distracting him and not giving him a big show of emotion over it, then he will lose interest in them and leave them alone. We went through this with our daughter, too. :) A.
Hi C. - I bought some outlet covers from Babies R Us that have a locking prong on them. You have to be able to squeeze the sides while pulling on the cover for it to come out. My daugter (14 mos) has tried them and given up! Maybe that will help? Also, I get a catalog called One Step Ahead and they have quite a few great products for childproofing - and I thought maybe this cover might interest you
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/27181/77/117.html
They have another cover that sounds an alarm when it is removed. I'm thinking of getting those myself. Little ones are sooo crafty! :) HTH!
K.
They make covers that replace the plastic plate over the outlet. They screw on and have plug covers on them that swivel. When you plug something in they turn to let you plug it in, when you unplug it it turns back so there is no hole. Sorry if that's a bad explanation, I can't think of a really good way to explain it. They're really easy to put on and use and work great.
We bought ours at a PX on an Army base, but I think they have them at Walmart. I don't know what they're called. I hope that's at least somewhat helpful.
