As a childless couple, you were excited about the many cozy evenings you would spend together in front of the fireplace in your new house. It was only after you had a kid that you began to imagine the agony and discomfort of bruising, bumping, and blistering. Your home’s central light fixture is suddenly at risk of an interested crawler or toddler.

In many families with children, fireplace childproofing and security are major concerns during the winter months. To prevent this from happening to your child around the fireplace, follow these safety guidelines. 

1. Discuss the dangers of fireplaces with your children

If you have a gas fireplace or stove at home, be sure that everyone in your family is aware of how hot and dangerous the glass and surrounding metal may get, even after the equipment has been turned off. As a matter of fact, cooling fireplace glass and metal might take up to an hour or more. You might not always recognize when the fire has been extinguished since some appliances have thermostats that turn them on and off automatically.

Even though the fireplace has been turned off, you should always presume the glass on the fireplace is hot and warn youngsters not to touch it. Make sure your children and any guests are aware of the dangers of getting too close to the fireplace. Since young children may not be able to comprehend what you’re saying, this guideline is geared towards ensuring that the fireplace is safe for use. 

2. Maintaining a clean chimney is always important

You may be asking yourself, “What does a baby-proof fireplace have to do with having a clean chimney?” The truth is, your child and the members of your family are at serious risk for serious health problems if the chimney in your home isn’t kept clean.

Soot and creosote build up in your chimney when you use your fireplace. Your chimney will be clogged by this barrier, making it impossible for smoke to ascend and exit. Having nowhere else to go, the smoke will return to your home, which is especially unhealthy for young people to breathe in.

It is recommended that you get your chimney cleaned at least once every 50 burns or when there is soot that is 8 inches thick in your chimney. Getting a chimney inspection is a good idea if you’re not sure how often you’ve used your fireplace or if you’ve recently moved into a new house.

3. Children should not be left unattended around a fireplace

A youngster will always be fascinated, especially when it comes to fire. There is nothing better than spending time with your child and going through the risks of fire. However, the aim is not to terrify them. Tell them why you’ve lit the fireplace, but also warn them about the dangers of getting too close. Always remember that injury prevention begins with education.

However, even if you explain to your child that a fireplace might pose risks, you should still keep a close check on them to make sure nothing untoward happens. Keep in mind that young children have an insatiable curiosity and an adventurous streak. As a result, if you aren’t available to supervise them, they may want to examine the fire from a distance. Accidents may happen in a split second, especially when it comes to children. 

4. Childproof your fireplace with custom fireplace screens

Any family with a fireplace should have custom fireplace screens installed. Young children, even those who are well-versed in fireplace safety, are nevertheless at risk of falling on the hearth or getting too close to a burning log. To keep your kids safe, you should acquire a fireplace screen that covers your fireplace and hearth, making sure there is enough room for any embers to come up.

Children should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can get hot, so select a screen or even a gate that is long enough to keep your children safe from the fireplace. To avoid it being knocked down by curious children, make sure the fireplace screen is securely mounted to the wall. In the case of gates, you’ll need a gate with an easily accessible door in order to get to the fire.

Childproof custom fireplace screens come in two varieties:

1. Freestanding Fireplace Safety Screen

The effectiveness of these fire safety screens in averting severe, permanent burns was rigorously tested. With a variety of designs to choose from, you can choose the perfect fireplace safety screen for your home.

2. Freestanding Fireplace Safety Gates

A freestanding fireplace safety gate for the fireplace is the ideal method of childproofing the fireplace and preventing burns. These can either be free-standing or permanently attached to the ground. This unique gate provides protection from the scorching surfaces and flames of active fireplaces while allowing access to the gas starting keys and the sharp edges, rough corners, and filthy logs of in-use fire.