A few nights ago the darn thing started chirping because of a dying battery...now he SCREAMS when I put him in his crib...I am at my witts end...and my nerves are frayed. Can anyone relate..I can't take it out, it's hardwired to the house.
Please help...I just got him into his own bed (3 months ago)after sharing a bed with us. I NEED sleep...Help!
2007-11-07 10:30:45 · 11 answers · asked by goaldielocks 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Actually it IS harwired to the house the battery is for back-up in case of a power outage. That aside, I can unscrew it, but it is still attached and leaves an even scarier hole in the ceiling.
2007-11-07 10:44:56 · update #1
Pin a poster to the ceiling (like at the gyno's office) ...or some kind of decoration or something to make it more cute and less scary?
Or get a cardboard moon from the science store or something and tape it to it so that he only sees the moon...maybe add some glowing stars to go along with it?
2007-11-07 10:34:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
We moved into our new house a year and a half ago. My 3 yr old is also quite scared of our smoke alarms. Mine are also hardwired, lol. Mine are removable with a base above it, so it doesn't leave a big hole. Maybe you could combine some of the ideas and remove the smoke alarm, and pin something over the hole? Or decorating it is a good idea also... decorating the cover. Ours go off every once in a while, and then my youngest is terrified of it for a few days. It's really pointless to explain away a fear of really loud noises to even the smartest 18 month old (or three year old!). Maybe it's a good idea to tape something just over the bottom side of it to hide the light? That's what terrifies my son, lol. I hope I've helped! Best of luck!
2007-11-07 11:21:53 · answer #2 · answered by Amy G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't want to sound contrary, but there's just a little technical problem with what you've described. If it's hardwired to the house, it wouldn't have a low battery (it would be connected to the power and never need a battery). Either it is hardwired, and you should have someone check it, or it's not hardwired, and it's just a matter of unscrewing it from the ceiling.
2007-11-07 10:40:24 · answer #3 · answered by abfabmom1 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
OMG, I'm sorry I have to laugh because I went through the same thing and I thought I was the only one!!!
My kid though was petrified of the green light that flicks on and off. What worked for me is I put a bandaide over the light. :) I'm sure all the firefighters will thumbs down me, but can you tape some paper or cloth over it til he gets over the fear of it? Move his crib so he can't see it? I wish I had a good solution... those are the things that worked for me. They do eventually get over it, just seems like forever.
If its any consolation, you'll get a great laugh over this in a few years. :) Good luck!!!!
2007-11-07 10:57:40 · answer #4 · answered by Mom 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with freekychickengirl that telling him that the smoke detector is his friend and that it keeps him safe is a good idea. If you have one in your room or in another room see if you can get that one to go off or maybe see if you can get it to chirp so he sees that you aren't afraid of it. If it has a light on it maybe putting a piece of tape on the light to hide the blinking may be a good idea. I hope the suggestions people here have for helps and that you are able to get a good nights sleep.
2007-11-07 10:45:44 · answer #5 · answered by RADSMSK 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If there is a smoke detector in the hall near his room (which is where one would normally be, generally you don't put smoke detectors directly in bedrooms) then you can safely cover the one in his room. Stick a brightly coloured box from a toy over it, or some fabric, or heck staple gun a teddy bear over it.
If there are no other smoke detectors near his room you are going to have to be more creative about blocking it without preventing it from working. Maybe something like a lamp shade?
2007-11-07 13:57:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be able to take off the case that goes over the battery. If you can, you should try decorating it with him. Paint it. Put stickers on it. Whatever. Just let him personalize it and let him see you put it back up in his room. If this doesn't work, I would get one put outside the room like was already suggested. Good Luck!!!
2007-11-07 10:49:24 · answer #7 · answered by yingerwife03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to your local fire dept to look at the trucks. If you call ahead, you might get a tour and they may have a sticker or hat for your son. Explain that when the smoke detector goes off, his new firefighter friends are checking on him to make sure he is safe.
2007-11-07 11:19:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look in a place like Home Depot for a more sightful cover or take the cover off and see if you can paint it somehow. Maybe with a washable paint so you can change it later. Maybe by changing its appearance he will be more comfortable with it.
2007-11-07 10:50:13 · answer #9 · answered by erinjl123456 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can unplug wired in smoke detecters. I unpluged ours ones when the damn thing went off because i burnt something in the oven. I would buy one to put outside your childs room though.
The above answers sounds alot better though.........try that first
2007-11-07 10:37:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋