So we have one of those big 5 gallon spring water containers that has a little spigot you use to get water out (I think it's called a crock?)...my son, who just turned one, has figured out how to use it and there is NO way in our house to put it out of his reach. I am tired of constantly moving him away from it and hearing him scream, and equally tired of mopping up the floor. Has anyone else been able to successfully childproof one of these things?
Thanks for the responses. We will look into getting the childproof lock. We are pretty committed to the spring water as our well is contaminated and we can't use the tap water safely, and we don't like the flouride and chemicals that come in town water either. I had no idea there was a childproof lock available..thanks so much! I'm letting him experiment with water in bowls and trays at other times but that spigot is so darn tempting! =)Thanks again!
no easy solution to this. We have one of these at our summer home and ALL the kids went through this phase (it last till thier about 4). We would turn in around so it was kind of in the corner but we could still get at it then put something movable like a chair in front of it. The other thing you could do is cover the nozzle with a piece of plastic tupperware, (like Gladware) just to disguise it.
Hi M.,
We had the same one and the way I child proofed it was to get rid of it! I was so tired of cleaning up and I knew if was only the beginning. So back to tap water for us and I am going to look in to a filter for the faucet.
Good luck!
Most of the companies that make water dispensers sell childproof locks - you have to squeeze 2 things together to operate the spigot.
Another option is to check out the spring and bottled water industry - latest reports are showing that the industry is not regulated in terms of ensuring water purity. What comes out of your regular faucet is regulated and controlled for bacteria and other contaminants. Add that to the fossil fuels used to transport spring water and the problems with the plastic bottles being exposed to heat during storage and transport, and you may be doing more harm than good. I was a HUGE proponent of bottled water until I read the latest research, and now we only use tap water. You may find it is best to eliminate your son's water play area!! Saves a ton of money too.
if you rent the unit - get one that has child safety feature. If you own it - put free standing child gate around it.
It's not just about having your child learn what NOT to do, it's also about teaching when it's okay. Give your child lots of opportunity to play with water in the kitchen - but not the unit. I set up a big lipped tray or the big roasting pan then give my son lots of measuring cups and the turkey baster to suck the spilled water back up. He can play for quite a long time. By doing this, he has left the cats' water bowls alone (more or less).
We have one & I allow my son to help me when we want water , but he knows he cant't touch it other wise cause it makes a mess. I ( knock on wood) have never child proofed the house. The best child proofing is a watchful eye & conciquences for the childs actions. Let him learn what no means. I know this is easier said then done & if I was not so lucky with my son I am sure I would just get rid of it. Good luck.
Our water cooler comes from Poland Spring. They make child proof spigot covers (you have to squeeze them together before you can pull them down to release the water) all you have to do is call them and ask for them to drop them off with the next delivery. Not sure who provides your water but I'm sure they have something similar.
