To parents, a washing machine is a necessary tool for keeping their family’s clothing nice and clean. For small children, the washing machine may look like a spaceship to play in or a good place to hide. Parents can take steps to ensure that their toddlers and preschoolers cannot get inside the washing machine.
The Washington Post reported a terrifying story about a three-year-old girl who crawled inside the family’s washing machine. The door closed, and water started pouring in. Fortunately, the girl’s four-year-old brother ran to tell their parents what happened.
The washing machine was brand new, and the parents had not yet had the time to read the instruction manual. They knew that the door of this front-loading washing machine would lock once it was closed. This situation could have ended in tragedy if not for the parents repeated attempts to get the door open and their daughter out of the machine.
Here are some tips for keeping your young children out of the washing machine:
LG brand washing machines have a childlock feature. To turn it on, parents need to look for a button that has an image of a padlock on it. The image will link 2 buttons on the machine. Press both buttons for 3 seconds to lock the machine – or to unlock the machine. It is possible that other brands have a similar feature.
Close and lock the door to the laundry room. If you are worried about the buildup of moisture causing mold, you can put a dehumidifier in the laundry room.
Consider using a baby gate to block the laundry room door. This can be used in situations where a parent needs to load or flip the laundry, and also needs to keep an eye on the kids at the same time. The baby gate is short enough for a parent to step over, and tall enough to slow down babies and toddlers who want to get into the laundry room.
Very clearly tell your preschoolers that the washing machine is for clothes, not for kids. Tell them they could get hurt if they play in the washing machine. Show them that the when the door closes, the washing machine will fill up with water. This could deter a child from choosing to play in the washing machine. Keep the door to the laundry room closed and locked anyway.
Related Articles at Families.com:
* Front Loading Washing Machines Promote Mold
* How to Childproof Your Toddler’s Room