Okay, so I have this railing in my living room that I didn't think anyone could *EVER* fit through the balusters (I think that's what they're called). They come within legal specifications as far as I know (seeing as how our home passed a home inspection a year ago). But today, just a short time ago, my 16 mo DCB managed to slip everything but his head through the bars and was standing on the OTHER SIDE.

My 3 yo old DD started shouting, "Mommy come quick, come QUICK!" with a note of real panic in her voice. My back had been turned for less than five seconds as I put snack dishes in the dishwasher (immediately off the playroom within sight of the railing where he was). My heart practically stopped beating, I thought I was watching a nightmare come to life. I got to him and grabbed hold of him over top of the railing and managed to get him back through the other side (thank GOD his head was too big to fit through). His body was barely small enough to fit through the bars and it was a job to get him back through.

Now I am freaking out; I have no idea how to child proof this safely! We've always planned to replace that railing with a half-height wall someday, but that's bound to be expensive and we don't have much extra money right now...Help! How can I possibly manage to make this safe so that this can't happen again?!?

The railing: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

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http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...p?SKU=14996346

http://www.amazon.com/Deck-Shield-Ch.../dp/B0015GPMTW

http://www.target.com/16-Kidsafe-Dec.../dp/B0002KWTF2

http://www.walmart.com/ip/KidSafe-Ba...ci_sku=5358624

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cheap idea...
How about pool noodles, sliced down the side, wrapping around each post?

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THANK YOU!!! Will be ordering one of those today...first I gotta get to naptime so that I can find the tape measure and find out how many feet I need protected. I couldn't even think what to search for. So grateful...just wish I could go buy one today!

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No problem!

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Pool noodles, I love that idea! It would look so colorful too!

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A friend of mine has a huge railing over really high stairs. She put a piece of lattice tied with those plastic pull tight straps over it. Lattice is cheap and easy to cut to size. It may not be the most beutiful but if you painted it white or black it would blend in for the time being. You can get a piece of lattice at a home improvement store for like 15 or 20 bucks in wood or finished pvc.

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That is absolutely heartbreaking. Nannyde, thanks for sharing it, although it's hard to think about something like this, it's a good reminder for all of.

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This is sad and eye opening. Thanks for sharing.
On a lighter note I am happy that I am able to provide safe care for children, as I am know you all do too! Unlike this lady who perhaps was just in it for the money.

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She just published a book less than a year ago and one of the articles I read said she dedicated it to the child who died in her care:

http://www.amazon.com/Your-Childs-Da.../dp/143920313X

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Oh wow

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OMG. How dare she write a book on this subject under those circumstances. The only excuse would be if she was donating 100% to that child's family. And I don't think she is.

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i agree with nannyde about a child being able to jump off from the chair. moving that would be an easy fix - even if you aren't able to change anything else at the moment. it only takes a second as you found out. he could've just as easily climbed on the chair and jumped over in the time it took him to climb through the bars. just take it as a lesson learned and don't turn your back anymore when the kids are in that room! my son could climb over those bars without even needing a chair to stand on - he actually climbs up the walls in the doorway just using his hands and feet to grip. you just need one brave kid (like mine) and one quick trip to the kitchen for a disaster to happen. trust me, i've done stupid things (if you read the highchair story) but i think that is some good advice.

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After thinking about your situation a bit more, I remembered that MANY programs use child lofts to add additional space. These lofts are probably about as high as your space is over the bottom level. They have clear plexiglass sides, and the sides are probably about as high as your railing. SO, if those are considered safe and okay for child care, then I think a piece of plexiglass along there would be just fine. Here is a picture of a loft....

http://kaplanco.com/store/trans/prod...%7C0&PID=40843

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