When can I un-gate the bathroom? - Page 2

[KempsMama]

Never had a gate, never kept the door shut, initially because in our old house the litterbox was in the bathroom, and now I just don't see the point since DS1 is potty learning and sometimes doesn't have the time to mess with a doorknob. 

Actual number of kids who drown in toilets each year?  Less than four on average. 

[ecoteat]

 We never had a gate on either bathroom. But dd was never really near the upstairs one alone--if she was upstairs we were usually with her and we kept a gate at the bottom of the stairs for a long time. For the downstairs bathroom, she just never really bothered going in there. It's in a corner of the house that isn't on the way to anything else, so I think it just wasn't on her radar screen.

[rockportmama]

Update:

I've finally taken the gate down!! Baby Girl spent yesterday in underwear (she refused a diaper) with us running into the bathroom periodically. With wet underwear and only one poop falling in the hallway.  But I got to thinking how much more convenient it would be to not have a gate. And, more importantly, it occured to me how I could babyproof & still have access to the stuff I need. So, viola! We may try to keep the toilet lid down, or keep the baby seat in it. I'll also make sure the 5yo doesn't leave water in the tub. But other than that, I feel pretty comfortable with it.

Thanks again for all of your insight, Mamas!!

-rockport-

PS. justKate -- we love Austin! Well, the hanging out part, not the driving through part. :)

[MJB]

My boys both potty trained at 20-21 months so it was definitely before then. I never had a gate but I kept the door closed when they were at the age where they might play in the toilet. 

My daughter is 7 mos. and just started crawling but so far has free range of the house. When she gets faster we'll gate off part of the house (the kitchen, bathroom, and kids' room o' choking hazards) for a while.