Feeling horribly guilty..opinions please

[Lillypilly]

I don't think you need to be feeling guilty at all...the reason for the lock is for her own safety. And you sleep right next door so you can still hear her and tend to her as needed, it's not like you're locking her in there and throwing away the key. It sounds like it's a practical solution given the logistics of your house layout. Since it's a chain lock and presumably she can still open the door a smidge, the bell idea is a good added extra so at least you know when she's trying to get out.

[Kaydee]

Personally, I don't believe a lock is a good idea. I wouldn't do it, many reasons why but the main one would be I feel like it would create anxiety for the child. I would get a camera baby phone. Would that be a good option for you? Maybe put the lock on the bathroom door instead? And get a chain or something for the front door?

[krysalyss]

I have a fire phobia and wouldn't do it for that reason.

[AwesomeFoursome]

Personally, I don't believe a lock is a good idea. I wouldn't do it, many reasons why but the main one would be I feel like it would create anxiety for the child. I would get a camera baby phone. Would that be a good option for you? Maybe put the lock on the bathroom door instead? And get a chain or something for the front door?

I feel the same as kaydee. I have a fear of being locked in, just the thought of it makes panic. If it is possible I would do what kaydee said lock the bathroom, put a chain on the front door ect. If you have no other option but to lock her door as long as it doesn't distress her it should be find and you shouldn't feel guilty. Its hard with your kid wants to get into everything. DD1 is always into everything every chance she get, I find it so tiring.

[nickle730]

Ummm... it really doesn't sit right with me either. The first thing I thought of was fire safety. Then I wondered how she felt about being locked in her room? I know at that age (at any age really) my kids would be distressed by being locked in. Is there any other way? A lock on the bathroom door, as a PP suggested? And a baby gate at the top of the stairs? Would she climb over it if it was at the top of the stairs? It's a tough one, but I really don't think I could lock my kids in.

[Traveller]

I used a small snib lock on my twins' bedroom door because otherwise they would keep coming out of their room and refuse to go to sleep. I unlocked it if they were ever distressed (and trust me they were not) and when they were asleep. I wouldn't personally leave a door locked overnight for reasons of fire safety, but whilst encouraging her to go to sleep I don't think it is a particularly bad thing. Overnight perhaps you could lock any other doors that present a danger to her instead of her room?