I have 2 daughters - just turned 5 and a 15 month old. Since Baby Girl started walking about a month ago, we've had a new problem pop up. We are having a hard time keeping her out of her sister's bedroom. Needless to say, there are toys with small pieces in Big Girl's room, as well as all kinds of art supplies that could make a HUGE mess. Our home is just one level and we don't want to keep Baby Girl in the play yard all day. We also don't want a 5 year old with a closed bedroom door (recipe for TROUBLE). The only thing we can think of is one of those gates with a step pedal so Big Girl can get through, that's IF she can do the step pedal. Any other suggestions Mamas?
If big sister does close the door, have an infant monitor so you can hear what she is doing.
How about installing dutch doors for the children's rooms? That is, the door is cut in half (it is actually designed in two peices), and you can shut just the bottom, just the top, or both. My son has one...it is fantastic because I can hear him, and peek in, but it keeps the cats out.
I love the pedal gates. I have them all over my house. However, I'm not sure a 5-year-old could use it, but at least you could hear through it (unlike a closed door).
The gate I have would work for you, it swings open and I'm pretty sure a 5 yr old could handle the latch. My 4 yo nephew can open it, but my 2 yo has not figured it out yet.
I don't know if this would work, but have you ever seen those doors that are split in the middle so there's a top half and a bottom half? If it makes sense, perhaps you can turn that door into one like that so you can keep the top open...
We don't have a pedal gate, but we went on walmart.com and looked at all the gates and found one that swings, is pressure-mounted, and is very easy to do (slide a small button and lift up). My 4 year-old can do it. We had to try 2 different gates to find one easy for him (of course, it was the more expensive one), but it was very worth it. Walmart.com is great because they have parent reviews, ship free to a store, and you can return any item to the store. Good luck!
We use gates and that truly is the best way. We do not use the ones with the pedals. I would make sure that it is not too easy for the little one to copy. We got the ones that you have to lift with one hand and slide the piece at the top over. Our 4 year old can get through with no problem and our 15 month old can not.
I have the same problem, except it is keeping a 6yr old boy out of his 12yr old sisters room (he likes her cool electronic toys...lol)...
With her age with put a lock on her door and when she is not home she locks it. However with our basement getting so humid now, I don't like her door closed. I grabbed our baby gate with the step on it and put it in the doorway. You CAN NOT close the door all the way because the step gets in the way, so if you ever need the door closed all the way this would not be an option for you. I am sure you can find another pressure gate to fit in there that would allow the gate to be closed. My son has been able to use the step gate for awhile, as we use to have to upstairs, however I can hear when it gets closed, so I know if he has been in there or not....lol
I allow my 3-year-old to close his door to keep the baby out and have not ever had a problem. I check in on him and don't really see what he could do in his room to hurt himself.
We let our 6 year old have privacy in her room. If you put up a gate the little one will just stand at it crying and trying to climb over it. It's time to let the older girl have some time alone. If her room is kid safe she should only be able to make a mess and not get hurt.
