How to Babyproof a Fireplace
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I duct-taped a comforter to my fireplace.
I have a brick fireplace that’s about five feet from the bottom of a staircase. It was the cause of major anxiety when my son was a toddler.
Little did I know there was a much easier and better solution.
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How to Babyproof a Fireplace?
Fireplace guards, cushions, and bumpers are very easy to find and install. They keep children safe from falling into brick, stone, or metal edges. Alternatively, you could install a play yard around the fireplace to keep it out of reach. Don’t forget to stow any fireplace tools.
Fireplace Babyproofing: A Cautionary Tale
I didn’t know about fireplace cushions when my son was born.
I only knew that the brick was very hard, and the corners were extremely sharp.
I raided the linen closet and covered all exposed brick with a thick layer of blankets, quilts and comforters.
I then duct-taped them down and warned my husband not to use the fireplace for a year or so. Everyone who visited laughed at me, but I didn’t care. My son was safe from the evil fireplace brick.
Fireplace Padding and Corner Protection
By the time my daughter was born, I learned about soft hearth pads.
These really are very simple to install with just a sticky back.
They’re also flame retardant, meaning we could use our fireplace without worrying about our linens going up in flames.
You may not be as worried about the hard stone or brick of the fireplace but still have sharp corners to deal with.
If that’s the case, try these heavy duty edge protectors.
This product is great because it comes in a long roll that you can cut with standard scissors to fit the size you need.
Cut a little bit shorter than the fireplace, and then use the included corner guards.
Babyproof a Fireplace with Baby Gates
A simpler solution is to use a play yard or baby gate to block off the entire area around the fireplace.
I love this solution because you can keep the gate in place for as long as it’s needed, and it can be repurposed later if you need to keep pets out of areas of your home.
Or discourage your family from walking through the kitchen right after you mopped.
Other Fireplace Safety Considerations
Any tools you use for your fireplace, like a poker or a bellows, need to be secured away from curious toddler hands.
Likewise, if you use fire starters, lighters, or matches, put them out of reach as well. I kept mine in the garage during the duration of the toddler years.
If you use your fireplace, particularly if you rely on it for heat, make sure you get it inspected before cold weather hits.
It may go without saying, but it’s very important never to leave a fire unattended. That is even more true if your child is in the room with the fireplace.
Key Takeaways
Do you have a fireplace that needs to be babyproofed? Do you worry about accidents?
What are some tactics you use to keep your child away from the fireplace? Tell us your tips and tricks in the comments!
Have You Read These Yet?
- How to Baby Proof Your Bathroom (Detailed Step-by-Step Guide)
- The Baby Proofing Checklist
- Can You Childproof an iPhone? Here’s How
- Can You Childproof Alexa?
- When Should Parents Start Babyproofing Their Home?
