My Toddlers Great Escape from the Nursery

[belle&sebastiansmom]

My 22 month old son opened a door in the Church nursery that leads to the outside parking lot and a few yards away, the highway. Once he realized that this door opened and that it could lead him to the nearby playground (unfenced, I might add) he opened the door several more times to make his escape. He had to be chased outside.

The door, apparently, must remain unlocked from the inside because of fire code. Understandable.

Eventually one of the kitchen playsets was put in front of the door to deter him. Of course, he moved that away quickly.

If there were a lot of children in the room, making a lot of noise and chaos, any kid could open this door (simple pull down handle).

The worker simply said, "oh, we had to fight so-and-so's kids because they kept leaving."

I've made my feelings known to the powers that be. I've them to either drill a new handle that is too high for the kids to reach, or put up a suspension baby gate. My son can probably rip this down as well, but at least it will buy the workers time to see that he's trying his escape again. I don't see how putting up a gate would impede any fire codes (am I wrong), not any more than piling toys in front of the door would! This isn't just for my son, but any kid could wander out very easily. I love the ladies that work in the nursery, but a couple of them are in their late 70s and really aren't that quick to jump if he runs outside.

Any other ideas that could be used to secure this door? I don't think any type of door chime would be sufficient. With the noise it would be hard to hear. Plus, the door would already be opened and the kid on their way out by the time the chime sounded.

Things like this scare me! It only takes a second for something to happen and I feel that in group settings when there are many more children than adults, every precaution should be taken. Call me the safety police when it comes to my kids but when I see a violation I call it out!

 

[KirstenB]

We have the same set up. When I'm on nursery duty, I just pull out my sternest "mean Mommy" face for any escapees. We can't fasten the door in any way--same thing, fire hazard.

I think you need to address this with your son yourself. It's kind of like if they try to run from you in a parking lot. It can't ever happen again. You just have to put the fear of God into them. Stay in nursery, and address it with him yourself.

 

[Gagirl69]

What about a chain lock at the top of the door or one of those latch thingies? Do ya'll have a nursery director? I would give them a list of suitable ways for it to be fixed. Tell them you expect it to be tended to. You shouldn't have to sit in church worrying if your child is safe or not.

 

[JR6ooo4]

for very cheap at walgreens or similar stores, you can get door alarms. two pieces, one sticks on the door the other on the frame. when the door opens and alarm sounds, or it can be set to a chime.

the building must conform to many many local, state and federal regualtions on doorways in public (or private) structures. so moving the handle up is probably not an option. American DISabilities Act requires an accesable height.

Mikeeee

 

[Teresa Pitman]

Honestly, if that was the situation, my son would not be in the nursery. I'd either bring him into church with me (bringing some quiet toys, etc., to entertain him) or forgo sitting in church and stay with him in the nursery. Or stay home. Not worth the risk as far as I'm concerned.

Teresa

 

[Va-bear]

My sons day care had a locking mechnanism that passes the fire code. The door is electronically locked but the release button is right beside the door but 5 feet high (so adults can reach it but not little ones).