Child Proof Antique Cedar Chest

you could send it to me! Wrap it with padding,old blankets then put it away where he can't get to it GENERAL RULE: ANYTHING YOU DON'T WANT KIDS INTO----- PUT AWAY AND OUT OF SIGHT AND REACH.

B.,

The best childproof is to remove all doubt. Every time I go to my mothers house, I have to worry about everything. She has soooo many antiques and things that she panic's over if the kids touch, that I can't enjoy spending time with her. I try to make our visits short because that last thing I want to do is to be stressed out the entire visit and then feel frustrated that I can't go very often.

My suggestion (what I would love for my mother to do) is to remove the things that could be hazardous or the things that you hold valuable to you. The only things I would leave out are things that you don't mind them fooling with and things that they can't get hurt with. I wish my parents would do this for our (3) children. It sure would make us want to visit more and feel like they care about our needs for our children.

Even though it may sound selfish, it is hard enough to get little ones dressed, fed, and packed into the vehicle to go somewhere without having to worry about them when you get to your destination. I know your kids will appreciate your consideration for their needs. That's what parents should do for their kids when they are learning to be parents themselves. Anything that makes their job a bit easier is a huge plus!

Take Care,
T.

I would either move it to a room with a child lock or gate on the door so he''s not in the room, or put it away for a few months until he's mature enough to understand no, leave it alone. The thrid option is to cover it with a sheet and sort of wrap it, by tucking the ends of the sheet under the chest and tucking the ends under as well. He would have to even be interested in it (most likely not) and would have to completely uncover the sheet to see what's underneath. I have four kids and a daycare and as long as I cover something with a sheet, they have no interest in it. You could even sew on bells on the back ( where he can't see them0 that would signal you if you were in another room that he is messing with it. This will also protect the finish on the chest from scratches from his toys and crayon marks. good Luck.

Turn it backwards facing the wall and that way he can't open it????? Unless it's in the middle of the room.....

Hi B.,
I too am a grammie so I have to tell ya in order not too damage your beautiful chest invest in a couple xtra large bunge cords for when the kids are around. It's not real pretty but it is safe. I have a 17month old grandbaby girl an her 3 an 5 year old brothers. Let me tell Ya I went through that with the boys. It works..strap them behind I used three an was fine.
Good Luck
B.

My rough and eager boys got through my chest with my early attempts to limit their access. What I ended up doing was removing all fragile items and turning the chest upside down on its lid. I put a long body slug pillow on top of it like a cushion and it was like that for about 1.5 years.

Have you tried a refrigerator lock?

2. Add a spring to inside
2 or change the hinges to spring loaded

B., Try this link if it doesn't work then google: Safety 1st Expandable Table Edge Bumper. This looks like it would work the best. However there are other options. Check out the safety section on the Babies R Us website. I just thought the bumper one would keep your antique in best condition.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2328534

Hey, B.~ Not sure how the drawers/cabinets open, but if they are knobs, you might be able to use rubberbands. My mom said she used to use a yard stick on her drawers that had the handles on them. Actually, this is why I chose to use the same type handle on many of my drawers- to keep my baby girl out of them.

Hey, Greatful Gma! The first thing I would do is replace the hinges with ones that hold the lid open if someone opens it. That way, it does not come crashing back down on little fingers. Like you, I feel that the children are more important than the antiques themselves. One reason I've kept an antique stereo is because it has my tricycle tire marks on it as well as black permanent marker from one of my children. How special and weird is that? ANYWAY, you might want to throw a decorative Indian or Mexican blanket over it...or whatever goes with your decor (my mom would use cottage rose chintz and lace). That way, children don't ruin it or get hurt on corners either. Mine has rounded corners, so its not so hurtful...although falling on cedar doesn't feel good! LOL!