childproofing a fireplace?

[tiff211]

I haven't used our fireplace because I can't figure out how to childproof it. The only thing I have seen in stores is the bumper guard that goes around the ledge but my fireplace does not have a ledge.

any suggestions or idea, besides the obvious...watch my kid!!

 

[Hannathy]

What are you trying to childproof? Maybe I'm thick but the only thing I worried about was falling and hitting their face on the stone ledge. A few no no's it's hot worked for the glass at our house. A bit more info may help or maybe as I said I'm thick and someone will help right away.

 

[ilovejack02]

Are you talking about how to baby proof when you are using it? I think i have seen some folks put gates around it, http://baby-safety-products.babycatalog.com/safety-fireplace.html
Callled Hearth Gates.
Honestly the yr my little guy was the busiest we just didnt use it.

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

Are you looking for something like this?

http://www.onestepahead.com/jump.js...ODUCT&iProductID=300&cm_ven=Nextag&cm_ite=OSA

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

I may be a bad mom but I don't even have a screen over my fireplace! We have an old house and there is no ledge at the hearth and a really big opening. When we have fires our kids just stay away. I know it's hard with a littler one but I don't think you need to do much beyond saying no and watching her. Even my dog doesn't go near the fire. It's kind of instinctual, I think! Obviously, don't ever leave your child alone in the room with the fire going.

 

[tiff211]

What are you trying to childproof? Maybe I'm thick but the only thing I worried about was falling and hitting their face on the stone ledge. A few no no's it's hot worked for the glass at our house. A bit more info may help or maybe as I said I'm thick and someone will help right away.

Not even sure, first time I've ever had a fireplace. I thought I would need something in front of the screen in case it gets hot. I guess I can tell her hot just like the oven! I don't want to spend a lot of money for something I'll only need for a short time. Especially if I don't need it!

 

[pperfectmom]

I have a 3 year old and a 1, soon to be 2, year old and we have never had a problem. We heat almost exclusively with a woodburning stove. That being said, we do not let them play around it at all. This was sometimes hard to do in the summer months when they want to run around it, but you have to be firm. Knock on wood, but the only burn either of them has ever received was when my DD grabbed a baking sheet that I had just taken out of the oven. When dealing with things that may seriously injure your child, only you can decide what's best. I do know what has worked for us was a constant barrage(sp?) of "No!!!!!" whenever they started to get too close and a smack on the hand whenever they put them close to the stove has worked like a charm.