Kids shelf in fridge?

Zista · May 2011

DS has taken to rushing to the refrigerator when it is opened, and grabbing whatever he can reach and starting to eat it. He has eaten whole tomatoes as if they were apples. I'm thinking of making that shelf "his" shelf with baby-friendly finger foods (slices of green peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries, cheese sticks, etc.) that he can grab whenever he likes.

I'm thinking the only downside of this is that he will think he can get something every time the refrigerator opens, but I don't think I have a problem with that. From what I understand, getting toddlers to eat anything can be a problem, so why not encourage him?

Anyone done this? Anything else I should consider? And if you've done this, what other foods?

blueLu25 · May 2011

We are in the opposite side of this- we have to lock the fridge because now that DS is taller he can pretty much reach anything. He has grabbed the whole gallon of milk, etc. LOTS of messes to clean up. I would be wary of something like that because of when they get older, and assume they can just grab whatever they like, and by that time they will be able to reach a lot more. hth!

cmcmillan · May 2011

blueLu25:
We are in the opposite side of this- we have to lock the fridge because now that DS is taller he can pretty much reach anything. He has grabbed the whole gallon of milk, etc. LOTS of messes to clean up. I would be wary of something like that because of when they get older, and assume they can just grab whatever they like, and by that time they will be able to reach a lot more. hth!

This was my thought. M is pretty good, will open and grab a yogurt or help me get out breakfast/lunch stuff, but i no way do I want him to think it's free rein for him to get what he wants.

KNemo · May 2011

cmcmillan:

blueLu25:
We are in the opposite side of this- we have to lock the fridge because now that DS is taller he can pretty much reach anything. He has grabbed the whole gallon of milk, etc. LOTS of messes to clean up. I would be wary of something like that because of when they get older, and assume they can just grab whatever they like, and by that time they will be able to reach a lot more. hth!

This was my thought. M is pretty good, will open and grab a yogurt or help me get out breakfast/lunch stuff, but i no way do I want him to think it's free rein for him to get what he wants.

I'm the third to echo this. I can't keep my kid out of the refridgerator. L, where did you get your fridge lock? I need one STAT!

Zista · May 2011

Hmmm... so much for my brilliant thought, maybe.

JDCSKF · May 2011

I guess I'm in the minority. DD has complete access to the fridge an pantry. I do have her ask before she grabs something, and it's never an issue. She can grab yogurt, apples, cheese sticks, cheddar slices, Graham crackers, raspberries and blue berries, and oranges. DD has never maid a mess, I make sure she knows to clean up after herself. DD is 4 so that might make a difference.

Seattle_JiLLn · May 2011

Ben can get whatever he wants, but he always asks first, so it's not a big deal. But a 4 1/2 year old is way different than a 1 year old. Cooper is a total menace when I open the fridge door, and Ben was too at that age. I do not want Cooper to think it's ok to grab whatever he wants. He already has a problem that he thinks whenever your'e at the grocery store you get to eat crackers the entire time! So I just try to get in and out of the fridge fast. I remember with Ben I would count down from 3 and then he'd help me close it. I need to start doing something with Cooper because right now it usually just ends in tears if he can't eat an orange with the peel on or grab an avacado and smash it. Cooper would eat all damn day if I let him.

blueLu25 · May 2011

Katie- I'm pretty sure its from BRU, but maybe Target. Its the kind that stick on the top of the fridge, sort of like a buckle. I was skeptical of it but it works great!

blueLu25 · May 2011

Its similar to this:

https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3749223

MrsAmyB · May 2011

Meg has free access to the fridge, but she is 4 and knows what she can/cannot have. I think it's a great idea in a few years.

MrsEditorJax · May 2011

We have a fridge lock, too. I wouldn't want a child younger than 4 thinking it was OK to go into the fridge at will.

My mom has a Collin drawer (one of the crispers) that she keeps his juice boxes, pudding, etc., in, and he can pick something, but only when SHE opens the fridge.

LifesPeachy · May 2011

We have a snack drawer for my 9 y/o. It's filled with her things. While she's not allowed to help herself, she can go there during designated snack times, otherwise she'd ruin meal times with constant snacking. I think your thoughts are on the right track- as long as he's eating healthy food- why not! My DD would never help herself to fruit! But she knows, that is one thing she can have anytime without asking. When she helps herself to fruit, I'll probably fall off the couch. Her drawer has things like yogurts, cheese sticks, applesauce.. Maybe if you see it's interfereing with meal times, then cut back on his snacks. Maybe he's going through a growth spurt Smile

KNemo · May 2011

blueLu25:

Its similar to this:

https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3749223

Awesome! Thanks.

And yeah, a 4-year old is a lot better at just getting what they want and closing the door than a one or two-year old. Max grabbed the following out of the fridge today: a bottle of apple juice, a gallon of milk, a bottle of hoisin sauce, a tub of whipped cream, a packet of cheese, an entire flat of strawberries, coffee creamer, ketchup, a packet of hotdogs, and a bottle of mustard. Plus, each time he grabbed a new and exciting item, he left the door open. He isn't grabbing these things because he wants them, he's grabbing them because he thinks it's fun to have me chase him around the house. He does the same thing with forks.

He is allowed to eat healthy snacks whenever he wants, but he will not have free access to the fridge for a while.

WatchPot · May 2011

W will get in the fridge and get his own water/milk/apples/carrots. It's a life saver so I don't have to listen to him whine at me until I have a free hand to do it. We have a heavy fridge door with a high handle though and only recently could he open it on his own. I wish we had a low cabinet or drawer that we could use to store his cups and plates too, but we don't have the space to give up for that. At this rate I might never have to parent again!

My DH was thrilled that W can now open the fridge and reach the beer shelf

LauraLynneC · May 2011

How about something like this:

https://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/create-a-snack-stationrealsimple-146126

Zista · May 2011

LauraLynneC:

How about something like this:

https://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/create-a-snack-stationrealsimple-146126

Cute. Thanks, ladies. Maybe I'll still have an "Isaac shelf," but put it higher and allow him to choose from it when it's time for a snack, vs. just let him grab when the fridge is open. That way he still has the fun of choosing, but learns to "ask" first.

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