preventing pinched fingers

The change table in my twins' nursery is an old desk with a top added.
Since staorage in the room is *very* limited, the drawers in the desk are
useful, and often used--one, in particular, is often opened one-handed by an
adult because the boys' socks are there.

Lately one of the boys (they are 14mos old) has become tall enough to open
the drawers an inch or two, and then lean on them to close them again. THe
problem is he often traps fingers from one hand in the drawer as he's
closing it. Then, when he tries to pull his fingers out, he pushes with the
other hand, pinching the fingers even more.

Traditional safety latches for drawers that I have found will not prevent
this problem because they are designed to allow the drawer to open a little
bit. I've found a strap that would hold it shut, but it's really just a
modified velcro strap, and my guys have figured out how to rip open velcro
so I can't see how that will stop them.

Any suggestions?

TIA

Marie
Chris and Alex--born 04/23/03 at 31wks gestational :-)

Marie wrote:
The change table in my twins' nursery is an old desk with a top added.
Since staorage in the room is *very* limited, the drawers in the desk are
useful, and often used--one, in particular, is often opened one-handed by an
adult because the boys' socks are there.

Lately one of the boys (they are 14mos old) has become tall enough to open
the drawers an inch or two, and then lean on them to close them again. THe
problem is he often traps fingers from one hand in the drawer as he's
closing it. Then, when he tries to pull his fingers out, he pushes with the
other hand, pinching the fingers even more.

Traditional safety latches for drawers that I have found will not prevent
this problem because they are designed to allow the drawer to open a little
bit. I've found a strap that would hold it shut, but it's really just a
modified velcro strap, and my guys have figured out how to rip open velcro
so I can't see how that will stop them.

Any suggestions?

TIA

Marie
Chris and Alex--born 04/23/03 at 31wks gestational :-)


- either remove the drawers entirely, or just let them learn. I'm sure
after a few trapped fingers they'll learn how to use the drawers correctly.

Mary Ann

Marie wrote:

Lately one of the boys (they are 14mos old) has become tall enough to
open the drawers an inch or two, and then lean on them to close them
again. THe problem is he often traps fingers from one hand in the
drawer as he's closing it.

I would fix something to the inside of the drawer, or inside the dresser,
that would prevent it from fully closing so that there would always be a
slight gap, making it impossible to pinch a finger.

--
Nikki
Mama to Hunter (5) and Luke (3)

Marie wrote:
The change table in my twins' nursery is an old desk with a top added.
Since staorage in the room is *very* limited, the drawers in the desk are
useful, and often used--one, in particular, is often opened one-handed by an
adult because the boys' socks are there.

Lately one of the boys (they are 14mos old) has become tall enough to open
the drawers an inch or two, and then lean on them to close them again. THe
problem is he often traps fingers from one hand in the drawer as he's
closing it. Then, when he tries to pull his fingers out, he pushes with the
other hand, pinching the fingers even more.

Traditional safety latches for drawers that I have found will not prevent
this problem because they are designed to allow the drawer to open a little
bit. I've found a strap that would hold it shut, but it's really just a
modified velcro strap, and my guys have figured out how to rip open velcro
so I can't see how that will stop them.

Any suggestions?

TIA

Marie
Chris and Alex--born 04/23/03 at 31wks gestational :-)


so how many times will this happen before the kids learn? Seems like a
low risk event with natural consequences to me.

"jenn" wrote in message
...
Marie wrote:
Lately one of the boys (they are 14mos old) has become tall enough to
open
the drawers an inch or two, and then lean on them to close them again.
THe
problem is he often traps fingers from one hand in the drawer as he's
closing it. Then, when he tries to pull his fingers out, he pushes with
the
other hand, pinching the fingers even more.

Traditional safety latches for drawers that I have found will not
prevent
this problem because they are designed to allow the drawer to open a
little
bit. I've found a strap that would hold it shut, but it's really just a
modified velcro strap, and my guys have figured out how to rip open
velcro
so I can't see how that will stop them.


so how many times will this happen before the kids learn? Seems like a
low risk event with natural consequences to me.


I agree with the others who say that a few pinched fingers is a minor lesson
in learning how to operate a drawer effectively. BUT, if you still feel the
need for locks that won't allow the drawer to open at all, try these. Seem
to be more difficult to use for us parents (gotta keep track of that key),
but it would fit your needs:

http://www.onestepahead.com/product/27181/119/117.html

--
Jodi
SAHM to Oliver (3 years, 4 months) & Arwen (14 months)

"jenn" wrote in message
...
SNIP

so how many times will this happen before the kids learn? Seems like a
low risk event with natural consequences to me.

Things are complicated because, as is often the case with preemies and
twins, my boys are lagging somewhat behind in communication: the doctors
figure they have the comprehension of maybe 10mo olds although their
physical co-ordination is 14mos. It makes it difficult to explain things,
or even teach "don't touch." Their problem-solving skills are at about a
12mo level ATM.

He's done this (the finger pinching) at least 6 times so far: the part that
makes it dangerous is, when he realizes his fingers are caught he tries to
gain traction (?) by pushing with the opposite hand as he tries to pull his
fingers free: but his free hand is pushing on the offending drawer.

I'm just worried he's going to break a finger before he figures it out.

Marie
Chris and Alex--born 04/23/03 at 31wks gestational :-)

0123.

Marie wrote in message
ogers.com...
The change table in my twins' nursery is an old desk with a top added.
Since staorage in the room is *very* limited, the drawers in the desk are
useful, and often used--one, in particular, is often opened one-handed by
an
adult because the boys' socks are there.

Lately one of the boys (they are 14mos old) has become tall enough to open
the drawers an inch or two, and then lean on them to close them again.
THe
problem is he often traps fingers from one hand in the drawer as he's
closing it. Then, when he tries to pull his fingers out, he pushes with
the
other hand, pinching the fingers even more.

Traditional safety latches for drawers that I have found will not prevent
this problem because they are designed to allow the drawer to open a
little
bit. I've found a strap that would hold it shut, but it's really just a
modified velcro strap, and my guys have figured out how to rip open velcro
so I can't see how that will stop them.

Any suggestions?

In my experience they'll very soon learn with trapped fingers!!
Debbie