You could be over-reacting a bit but than again you might not be. We recently got a front load washer. Everytime I fill it up I check to make sure there are three little kitties running around before I turn it on. I worry that one will sneak in and something horrible will happen. Am I over-reacting? Maybe, but sometimes it's better safe than sorry. Who knows when you MIL would of gone in the room next and little ones can go down hill very quickly (dehydration etc).