https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:40:42 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toilet-lock-recommendation#post-2913690 Fri, 10 Apr 2020 03:25:58 +0000 turquoisemama 2913690@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lilyofthewest: I don’t think I have this exact brand but I bought some of these a whole back and they work on one of my toilets but not the other. For some reason, one toilet gets moisture on the outside of the bowl and it always unsticks. It might just be a weird shape too. But the other toilet is very sturdy. Worth a shot!</p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Skyla-Homes-Cabinets-Multi-Purpose-Drilling/dp/B06XC8P2GZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&#038;keywords=child+cabinet+locks&#038;qid=1586506958&#038;sprefix=child+ca&#038;sr=8-4" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Skyla-Homes-Cabinets-Multi-Purpose-Drilling/dp/B06XC8P2GZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&#038;keywords=child+cabinet+locks&#038;qid=1586506958&#038;sprefix=child+ca&#038;sr=8-4</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toilet-lock-recommendation#post-2913488 Mon, 06 Apr 2020 20:22:42 +0000 MrsSRS 2913488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Keep the bathroom door closed? Assuming four year old can open it but baby can't. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toilet-lock-recommendation#post-2913487 Mon, 06 Apr 2020 20:19:43 +0000 lilyofthewest 2913487@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 1-year-old wants to throw everything in the toilet. My 4-year-old likes to wait until it is an emergency to pee. Is there a toilet lock (or other solution!) that will work for us? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-gate-question#post-2907946 Thu, 09 Jan 2020 12:46:43 +0000 Littlebit7 2907946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have two of the gates that have the pet door. While they allowed the cats to come and go, both of my kids could also weasel themselves through the pet door. BOTH of them. And I wouldn't' trust any pressure mounted gate at the top of the stairs. Id try yours but mounted a bit higher ( even the stock image provided by the manufacturer shows it higher than 3"!!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-gate-question#post-2907892 Thu, 09 Jan 2020 00:02:14 +0000 Umbreon 2907892@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ms. RV: no we havent installed it yet. Will keep this in mind. </p> <p>@Sams Mom: good to know! We have another gate in another area of the house, I'll compare the width between the slats for an idea. They can't get past our other gate. Love the pic! We used our gate to keep the cats away from the tree this year. They chew on the artificial tree branches. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-gate-question#post-2907889 Wed, 08 Jan 2020 21:05:42 +0000 Sams Mom 2907889@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a gate very similar to that and our cats are obese. 🤦🏼‍♀️ They manage to squeeze the fat through the slats, and sometimes the younger of the 2 jumps. I would make sure that baby can't fit under it and raise it up a bit. </p> <p>(Picture of cats for reference of "fluffiness")</p> <p>[attach=8928/20/q3thtj.450x600.IMG_20191224_232438.jpg] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-gate-question#post-2907882 Wed, 08 Jan 2020 19:36:06 +0000 JennyPenny 2907882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m not sure if we didn’t do a good job following a height rule, but our kids totally slid their bodies down the space between the gate and the floor. Ours was right at the top of the steps which I think might make it easier. But we definitely found them more than once with their legs down the hole 🤷🏼‍♀️ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-gate-question#post-2907881 Wed, 08 Jan 2020 19:23:19 +0000 Ms. RV 2907881@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I believe the 3" is so their body cannot fit through at all. You don't want them to get their torso underneath and have the gate stuck on their neck because their head doesn't fit through.</p> <p>Have you installed this gate yet? It came with our old house and we hated it. It wouldn't slide evenly and would bind. But it could have been because it was old. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-gate-question#post-2907836 Wed, 08 Jan 2020 10:28:11 +0000 caitcat 2907836@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We had an older cat who couldn’t jump over gates too....poor guy tried and missed so many times! </p> <p>We ended up switching to a gate that included a pet door as well, but I didn’t love it right at the top of the stairs because of the piece of metal that ran across the bottom of the opening. I always felt like it was something I’d trip on as I took the last step, but that could just be that I’m clumsy! 😊 We ended up putting the gate a little farther back in our upstairs hallway leading up to the top of the stairs to give us a bit more of a landing spot at the top, but still keep kids away from the stairs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-gate-question#post-2907835 Wed, 08 Jan 2020 10:21:32 +0000 gotkimchi 2907835@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We had two gates up off the ground for our cats for years. Both kids are fine :silly: but yah I would imagine it’s just so the kids don’t go under? Our kids never tried </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-gate-question#post-2907830 Wed, 08 Jan 2020 10:04:45 +0000 LemonJack 2907830@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you’re open to replacing your gate, we have one that includes a pet door. The door can be kept open or shut tightly with a latch. When our oldest was about 18 months she did figure out she could fit through it, but only did it a handful of times. It was small enough that it generally deterred her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-gate-question#post-2907826 Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:37:26 +0000 Umbreon 2907826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We bought a simple baby gate for the top of the stairs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/evenflo-top-of-stairs-gate-0462233p.html#srp" rel="nofollow">https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/evenflo-top-of-stairs-gate-0462233p.html#srp</a></p> <p>We have two cats and they are getting older and cannot jump over the gate. (We have another on the main floor they cannot get over)</p> <p>Our idea was to raise the gate off the ground a few inches so they can squeeze underneath. But the instructions say it should not be more than 3" off the ground.</p> <p>Is the only reason for this because the risk LO could get under? We.would definitely make sure LO does not fit but the cats do. </p> <p>Or is there another reason? I don't want to put LO in danger but I also dont want the cats injuring themselves if they try to jump. A solution to keep both safe is what we need! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907547 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:47:29 +0000 periwinklebee 2907547@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I decided to stick with the smoke detectors that are hard wired through the American Alarm system the previous owners bought - they work even without a monitoring contract from them, which we are not going to purchase. I would prefer Nest detectors, but we have one in every room and every little hallway space (it's an old house so lots of small rooms and hallways/square footage) plus several in the unfinished basement and attic. Our home insurance policy reflects the fact that all our smoke detectors are hard wired into a single system - if we deviated piecemeal from that by installing a few smart detectors that aren't all wired with the others, insurance could refuse to pay in the event of a fire. And I wasn't up for updating the entire system with smart detectors, given the costs. </p> <p>We did buy a ring sensor that will detect when the smoke alarm goes off and notify ring monitoring, seems to get good reviews. We haven't set up the ring system yet, but it's high on our agenda when things calm down a bit in the new year. We bought sensors for break in and smoke, as well as outdoor cameras and the ring doorbell. </p> <p>I did also buy Nest thermostats on Black Friday. We need to run a new wire down to the boiler in the basement to ensure good performance (existing thermostats are super old and don't have it). We will have that done when the electrician comes back to take care of some things on renovations that we are currently doing. I'll report back, but am optimistic that we'll be happy with them.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907529 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 21:02:17 +0000 Littlebit7 2907529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: girrrll you and me both. We have nest cams in our kids rooms. SimpliSafe inside. And then we have a legit outdoor surveillance setup with multiple cams and views, linked to a huge hard drive so it is always recording and we have playback. Sooo...yeah. We are a little nuts. </p> [attach=6581/20/q3k8bt.277x600.74EDDDD8-E70C-4826-A847-B14AB852DA74.jpeg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907512 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 16:00:35 +0000 bees_knees 2907512@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: good to know about their customer service! And yes we have smoke detectors hardwired in every bedroom/hallway/living area too! I just didn’t know if I needed more than one SimpliSafe detector to trigger the alarm (does that make sense?) </p> <p>I see SimpliSafe doesn’t have an outdoor camera tho...My brother and sister both use Blink for outdoor cameras and really like them so we might do that. Watch me get like 6 different security system brands 🤦🏻‍♀️ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907510 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 15:55:05 +0000 agold 2907510@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: I nest cameras for personal monitoring. I love them. I also have simpli safe for alarm, but I do not have the simpli safe cameras. I am going to be adding glass break detection and the water leak sensors asap. Simpli safe has amazing customer service. Regarding smoke detectors, I actually have them in every floor and in every bedroom. I think this is required in my state and I'm happy about it. We have carbon monoxide detectors on every floor, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907505 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 14:40:19 +0000 Littlebit7 2907505@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: Definitely watch for sales!<br /> We've installed about half of our system. We painted the sensors to match our black windows. It looks really nice (we just used spray paint. It was really easy to set up. Id suggest getting the extra loud alarm. The alarm in the base station is sort of loud, but not knock your pants off. If I was upstairs in the shower and it went off, I'm not sure if I'd hear it. We weren't really sure if we needed the cameras, but i Like that I can log on if an alarm goes off and check to see if it was just my asshole cat, or if someone is really breaking in, haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907495 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 13:17:39 +0000 bees_knees 2907495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit7: Ooooo that makes sense (about the smoke detector). Thanks! Their system looks so appealing, especially that you can add whatever you need and not be in any crazy monitoring contract! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907493 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 13:15:15 +0000 Littlebit7 2907493@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think (or at least this is what we are doing) you need one more per floor. We have hard wired too. You will get alerts if any of the simpli safe fire alarms go off, and I’m assuming our hardwired will go off as well. So if you are home, everything will function as normal. If you are away, all of your fire alarms will go off, AND you’ll get contacted by your monitoring service. </p> <p>And yes, I their cameras will alert if they sense motion. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907490 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 13:08:56 +0000 bees_knees 2907490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Reviving this because now I'm in the market! I'm looking for a security system but mostly for things like water/freeze sensors, driveway alert, smoke/carbon monoxide detector. </p> <p>@Littlebit7: SimpliSafe looks like a good one. I'm confused by the smoke detector though? Do I really only need one (additional) one per floor? Ours are also hard wired. Also, do you know if SimpliSafe camera's will alert you if they sense motion? </p> <p>I actually like the features of the NestProtect the most, just having a hard time swallowing the price tag (we'd need 8-9). BUT I'm trying to justify it because it's a safety issue...right? haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901810 Thu, 07 Nov 2019 21:07:05 +0000 Littlebit7 2901810@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are finally closing on our gut Reno next week and skipped the hardwired system. I bought a SimpliSafe system instead. We have hardwired smoke detectors; so yes, we will have to buy another smoke detector per floor. I like that I can make a system ad hoc. I also like I’m not locked into anything. Keep an eye on the websites around any holiday. I caught a flash sale and got 50% off my entire custom system. It seems simple and I like that I can add things like water and freeze sensors. It’s more for peace of mind when I’m away (break ins rarely happen in our super urban area). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901782 Thu, 07 Nov 2019 13:17:33 +0000 agold 2901782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MACSUNSHINE: They have great customer service, in my experience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901563 Tue, 05 Nov 2019 09:47:47 +0000 Jennibenni 2901563@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We use a local company and I find the price reasonable and the service good. I’d at least price someone local to get an idea! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901530 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 20:08:37 +0000 MACSUNSHINE 2901530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold thanks simpli safe is on my list to consider. </p> <p>@rocker2014 thanks, we will likely talk to our cable company as well. We have friends that have their system, we have at least 8 doors to chime (don’t ask). I just don’t know that the monitoring is worth it, will probably talk to a local alarm company as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901515 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 16:57:49 +0000 Rocker2014 2901515@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MACSUNSHINE: We have the most basic option from Comcast, primarily because the package was on sale and it was cheaper to bundle it with cable than get just the cable. The one awesome thing about the system is a loud door chime every time the front or back door is opened. This is the only thing we use it for! I think you can set it up to notify your phone as well. </p> <p>Otherwise Comcast sucks - Bring back my Outlander on STARZ, lol! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901514 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 16:40:11 +0000 periwinklebee 2901514@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: Thank you!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901508 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 15:21:42 +0000 agold 2901508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have nest products all over my house. But for alarm, I have simpli safe and I'm really happy so far. Its been an easy company to deal with. I'm not sure if that's an option you'd consider, but I am happy with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901475 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 11:22:12 +0000 Sams Mom 2901475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MACSUNSHINE: Vivint has the option to see if your garage door is open or closed and the ability to open/close it remotely. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901469 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 11:02:05 +0000 periwinklebee 2901469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@nwm: Thank you, super helpful!!! This is good also to hear about the thermostats - ours are old (one is completely broken), so I really need to be looking into this as well. And you all have inspired me to wait for a Black Friday sale. We set aside a budget to do stuff like this when we bought the house, but it still hurts my frugal side - getting a good deal on Black Friday would definitely help 😂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901463 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 10:52:40 +0000 MACSUNSHINE 2901463@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hijacking as I have been debating what to do for our home, I love the smoke/CO suggestions. Does anyone have anything that notifies you when exterior doors are opened? We live on a river and for both security (I am alone at night a lot) and to keep the kids safe I want something that identifies the doors opening. I debate if monitoring is actually necessary. TIA! </p>