When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This keeps it 100% reader supported and free of ads or sponsorships. Thanks for your support!
How to Babyproof Your Fireplace
So you have a fireplace and a crawling infant or walking toddler. Eesh.
This can be a tricky combo—especially if you actually plan to ever use your fireplace. But don’t worry; we’ve got some hearth safety tips and tricks that’ll help make the entire fireplace area a much more tot-friendly place.
Babyproofing your Fireplace
Based on your specific needs, we’ve rounded up some solid choices to help childproof your fireplace area.
Starting with…
Fireplace Safety Gates
Here’s the deal: if you actually plan on using your fireplace, you should get a baby gate. I know, I know, it totally detracts from the aesthetic, but it’s such a relief to have.
But it can’t be just any baby gate: you need to make sure the baby gate you choose secures to the walls (i.e., do NOT put a free-standing baby gate in front of your fireplace—these can topple over and you can end up with even more injuries!), and it should also have an opening for you to easily enter and leave the area when you need to tend to the fire.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you’ll want to place your gate farther back so that it protects your littles from the open fire’s popping embers and sparks. If you have a gas fireplace, however, you can place your gate much closer.
Fireplace gates will also protect your little one from hot glass burns from gas fireplaces, which happen far too often (over 200 children get third degree burns from hot fireplace surfaces every year).
What about Fireplace Tools?
For those with a wood burning fireplace, this is even more reason to get a fireplace gate. Otherwise, you’ll have to put your sharp, stabby fireplace tools in a closet somewhere—or perhaps a locked cabinet—and it will be a pain to access them every time.
I wish there were a better solution for that. Alas.
Here are some top-rated baby gates that parents love:
This adjustable gate mounts to the wall (hardware is included) and has a door that gives you easy access to the fireplace when you need it. You can even keep your fireplace tools inside the gate (near your fireplace) to ensure your tots can’t get to them.
Many parents really like this gate and say it does the job well, and a big bonus is that it’s half the price of the competition. Some reviewers complain that the directions are tough to follow and the gate is difficult to install—but let’s be real, any gate like this is most likely going to be a pain-in-the-you-know-what to install.
What’s unique about the Qdos gate is that it’s customizable; it allows you to create a gate based on your specific needs and the size of your hearth. It comes with a “starter kit,” which includes two wide sections and a door that, together, fits openings up to 82.5”. If you need to cover more ground, you can purchase extra doors in additional short (8”) and long (23.5”) sections.
You can remove this gate temporarily (for a no-kid party, or whatnot); it can easily be detached from the wall mounts without having to use tools. It also comes with anti-skid Floorsafe™ silicone pads to protect your floors from unsightly scratches, and has a Qdos NiteSafe™ Glow Strip, which helps you see the gate in the dark so you don’t slam into it in the middle of the night.
This is a much more expensive option, BUT, it’s very highly-rated. Hey—you get what you pay for, right??
This gate includes five 24-inch interlocking sections that can be set up and angled as needed and mounted to the wall. This adjustable gate will fit a standard 6-foot hearth, and includes an extra wide door section that can be placed anywhere in the gate’s layout.
If you need this gate to cover a larger area, you can purchase extensions (available in 9 and 24-inch sections).
Hearth Safety Solutions
For those with flat hearths, one option is tonot use your fireplace.
Here’s one solution: put a bunch of different toys right ON the hearth, directly in front of your fireplace. This way, your fireplace will be completely blocked (fireplace? What fireplace?!) and your kiddos won’t even know it’s there.
If covering it with toys isn’t your thing, there are a variety of cute covers you can make or buy for your fireplace opening. I usually refer to Pinterest for this sort of design inspiration:
Stepped Hearths
Stepped hearths pose slightly more risk. Wobbly new walkers can easily run into them and hurt themselves on the sharp and rough edges.
a typical stepped hearth
Not to worry: there are a few different options to protect your little one (and your fireplace!).
These highly-rated Roving Cove guards are super easy to use – just adhere with the included 3M double-sided tape – and aren’t…well…ugly. The entire thing is 20.4 feet and includes eight corner edges.
Safe for kiddos, they don’t contain any BPA, phthalates, heavy metals, or latex, and are naturally flame-resistant. They are also exceptionally dense and absorbent, so if (when) your kiddo runs into the edge of the fireplace, they’ll be okay (read: they won’t act okay — they’ll scream and cry like they cut off an arm – but you can rest easy knowing that in reality, they are actually OKAY).
Note: Roving Cove Edge and Corner Guards come in different sizes and colors.
This fireplace guard offers eight feet of coverage and includes five 18-inch edges and two corner pieces, as well as double-sided tape to adhere to your hearth’s surface. Many reviewers really like this product, saying it’s saved their kiddos from several needless bumps and bruises, though others report that it doesn’t stick well to the hearth’s surface, and that their kids can easily rip it off.
What sets this product apart is that it covers the ENTIRE hearth — not just the edges — so the whole horizontal surface is now kid/scrape-proof.
Not only does this protect your kiddo from falls, but it also creates a little spot for extra seating (I envision sitting on this thing while watching my kiddo play in the living room…so idyllic).
The pad is 90 inches across and about 14 inches deep, and attaches to the top of the hearth with double-sided tape. It’s flame-retardant, so you don’t have to take it off when you want to use your fireplace.
One downside, according to some reviewers, is that it comes in three pieces, and you have to cut them to fit your hearth. Because it can be difficult to cut straight edges, it isn’t easy to see where the pieces fit together (in other words, cut carefully!!).
DIY OPTIONS
If you’re crafty, you can make your own hearth cover. Here are some ideas ~
1) Interlocking Playmat
If you don’t want to spend the bucks to purchase something just to childproof your hearth, use a playmat to cover the area instead. Genius!
If you are handy in the carpentry department, you can turn your somewhat-dangerous hearth into a cozy bench seat (you won’t be able to use your fireplace, because: fire). It looks something like this (again… thank you, Pinterest!):
Fireplace Door Lock
Whether you have a gas burning or a wood-burning fireplace, nobody wants their baby or toddler crawling around inside the fireplace — ick. There are fewer things more fun to play with than soot. My kids have both gotten into the fireplace and they come out looking like Oliver Twist — or maybe Jack Sparrow.
This particular fireplace door lock (~ $22 on Amazon) keeps kiddos out of the fireplace and prevents tiny fingers from getting pinched in fireplace doors. You mount it over the handles of your fireplace doors – which effectively locks them – using a Phillips Head Screwdriver. When you want to remove it (you know, to actually use your fireplace), you have to use the screwdriver again (so, in other words, there’s no quick and simple way to do it). This is actually one of the chief complaints about this product.
Some reviewers say it didn’t fit, despite their fireplace doors being the correct dimensions for the product; others say the holes in the bars are not aligned properly, making it impossible to install; and quite a few say that, overall, it’s just cheaply made. For those of you who are handy (self not included), you may be able to make something like this yourself.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Burning wood, coal, and gas all release carbon monoxide, and when fireplace vents and exhausts aren’t cleaned regularly or properly, the levels of carbon monoxide in your home can reach dangerous levels. Not only fires, but household appliances like heaters, boilers and cookers are also responsible for many CO poisonings.
Because children have such small bodies, they are more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headache, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, chest pain, and even loss of consciousness. About 20,000 kids a year go to ERs due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Scary.
Listen folks, my friend is a first responder and has the scariest stories about carbon monoxide poisoning — you do not want to mess with this!! He said the other day that this one family was about an hour away from a “forever sleep”.
Shudders.
But what’s truly terrifying is that you can’t see, taste, or smell carbon monoxide — it’s a “silent killer.” Therefore, you MUST invest in some carbon monoxide detectors (of course you need working smoke alarms too…but you know that.)
Like wearing seat belts and helmets, it’s just what we do now.
If your home was built or remodeled recently, you *should* have a CO detector hardwired on every floor of your home; it’s usually integrated into a smoke detector. If you have an older home (or, for a quick and dirty solution), check out the Nighthawk AC plug-in CO Detector ($29) because it’s simple to use (just plug it into any outlet), and reliable.
When it detects elevated carbon monoxide levels in your home, you’ll know it – an 85-decibel alarm will sound (it’s loud! But in this case, that’s a good thing…). Just remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
That’s it for now. Until next time, happy toddler-proofing!
I'm just writing to let you know how thankful I am for your information. The registry saved my life as it was my first kiddo. Getting your emails literally feels like I have a friend watching out for me! Ha. Thanks so much for your efforts and information.
Morgan H
You are, in my opinion, the best writer when it comes to delivering the message in a way that is helpful, real, and humorous. As each day goes by that I am ‘raising’ Patrick, I learn something new. Thanks again for all you do/write. Anxiously awaiting my next installment!
Kristi T.
I just wanted to send a quick HUGE ‘thank you’ for your weekly updates. Our baby is 2 weeks old today and your email today about sleep was so reassuring and good to read. I usually wait eagerly to see your emails in my inbox because I know it will a) make me feel not so insane and b) be really helpful advice that trumps all the other crazy stuff people are telling me to do. Can’t get enough!
Amy Christie
Meg!! I just wanted to email you and let you know how much I love your blog, and will continue to read it, and read it, and read it. Lol. Most likely until I’ve memorized it all. My point is that it’s an amazing blog, and I will turn to it for advice whenever I need to know something, and I want to say thank you as well for being so awesome and giving so much needed advice and information!!!
Elizabeth G.
I’m not sure who loves you more: me or my husband…
Tara N.
I’m just writing to let you know how thankful I am for your information. The registry saved my life as it was my first kiddo. Getting your emails literally feels like I have a friend watching out for me! Ha. Thanks so much for your efforts and information.
Morgan H.
I just wanted to say thank you for creating Lucie’s list and for your weekly emails. They got me through pregnancy, and now they’re getting me through the phase of newborn craziness. I think the email below alone just changed my life. It’s spot on. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Elyssa, mom to Maxwell, 5 weeks old
I was thankful for your emails with the first one but I am way beyond thankful for you now with the second! It seems I have forgotten all this stuff and it’s harder to remember things taking care of 2. So thank you, I appreciate you!
Jasmine, mom to Rico
Your emails are so wonderful. Every time I receive one it is right on target with what I’m going through with my first baby girl. Thank you for being my go-to resource! I find the amount of information out there on sleep and scheduling and feeding overwhelming. Your advice works for us and that is so incredibly helpful.
Tara & Baby Nola
I just had my first baby 5 weeks early (5 weeks ago). I really appreciate you, and your emails literally got me through some tough times. Your down-to-earth advice is incredible and I’ve recommended you to everyone I know! Keep up the amazing work, lady!!
Cassie Smith
KUDOS: A friend referred me to your site when I was pregnant and as a first time mom, it saved me! I was so overwhelmed with all the decisions you have to make and it was all too expensive to make a mistake. I continue to use your site as a bible and your topics are remarkably on track. Unfortunately, the 4 mo sleep regression was one that specifically had perfect timing 🙁 Poor me. LOL.
Mara B.
I just want to take a minute to send you a THANK YOU! We followed your advice on sleeping last night and for the first time in weeks we got to sleep for more than 2-3 hours at one time. You, my friend, are a genius! As a first time mom, I thoroughly enjoy and look forward to your emails each week. Your info on products is ahhhmazing! It makes navigating the jungle of baby junk a breeze. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s holiday!
Laura J.
Hi! Lucie’s List was a lifesaver for me… Still is actually. You told me things during my pregnancy that no one else did. And you’ve been dead on, every time. How things would go, what I would need, and all the ins and outs of the baby gear. I can’t thank you enough.
Hilary S.
Just wanted to let you know that I really love your newsletters. It’s right on schedule when I’m freaking out and not sure what is happening with my baby. The tone is great and just makes it easier for me to deal with my baby’s craziness :)
Ly G.
Seriously. You are the wind beneath my wings.
Anna F.
I’m 36 weeks along and I just want you to know that I have enjoyed your blog and your emails immensely. I’ve come across many other blogs, anecdotal accounts, and scientific/medical reports, just like any FTM who is simultaneously excited and scared out of her wits, but yours has continued to be my go-to resource. Again, I just love your detailed thoroughness and real-life frankness – but also you must know that a big plus is your humor. I LOVE that you don’t take yourself too seriously or think yourself (or your readers) above sprinkling in the occasional s- and f-bomb here and there because, frankly, sometimes that really is the most appropriate adjective! So, thank you so much for acknowledging that your readers are adults who can handle big-girl panties – and more importantly, for being such a fantastic resource to pregos like me. Thank you again and keep it coming!
Becky B.
Hi there. I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am for your emails. I am the last of my girlfriends to have a baby by about 5 years, I don’t have a relationship with my mother, my mother-in-law is not ‘my style’ (to put it nicely), and at some point all of the books people recommend start to contradict each other. The info you send out and the manner in which you present it (funny and real) is so very much appreciated by both me and my husband (I always forward them to him).
Sandra K.
My husband and I love your emails! Thank you for writing these. This is our first baby. Every time we have no idea what’s going on you send an email that has all the answers! Take care and keep up the great work!
Juan, Jennifer, & Joaquin
You deserve the 50,000 mark. You are an amazingly smart and insightful woman. I thank you for getting me through my pregnancy and beginning stages of baby life. If it wasn’t for you I would be more or less clueless. I look forward to your emails every week with new and cool info, and I thank you for sharing it.
Stella V.
I’m writing you from my recovery bed at George Washington Hospital in DC. I had my baby yesterday, and I just wanted to give you a shout and say thanks so much for your awesome weekly emails. They were so valuable. I did a ton of reading and no one quite said it as straight as you. They really helped me brace for each step that was to come. It’s a great service that you provide to bewildered first time mommies. I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate it!
Keisha M.
Thank you so much for your amazingly informative e-mails. They always seem to come JUST at the right time… Like when I’m holding my 3-day-old baby who is crying because she doesn’t want to eat, and in the other hand your e-mail about tiny baby stomachs arrives. One suggestion to that e-mail might also be to discuss engorgement. The Milk Fairy brought me too much rather than too little milk.
Betsey H.
You are AMAZING!!!! I absolutely love your blog! I stumbled upon it on Pinterest, and even though I’m a good 3-4 years away from having my first baby, I could not stop reading it! You made me laugh, want to puke and terrified me yet put me at ease all in a matter of a paragraph or two! Thank you for your wonderful insight and for telling me what I really have to look forward to.
Victoria S.
Hi there! I subscribed to your newsletter when I was about halfway through my pregnancy. My son is now 3 weeks old and I just want to say THANK YOU for making your website and newsletter! First of all it is hilarious and always makes me laugh which is much needed at this point of no sleep! 🙂 Second, the information you provide is priceless and much appreciated as a first time mom. I always look forward to the next newsletter that pops up in my email. Thank you for doing what you do! It has really helped me along my mommy-hood journey!
Kristi N.
Oh my goodness! I have a 3-week-old son and I could have used your site from my late pregnancy on! The postpartum hospital stuff? Why the heck does no one tell you about that stuff?! It would have been much less awful if I knew all of what you go through while in the hospital! But anywho, I’ve been all over your site all day and can’t believe how helpful it has been! This is seriously the first day in two weeks my baby blues haven’t kept me on the verge of tears! You are hilarious and so frickin helpful I can’t say it enough! Thank you so much for giving me many great laughs and lots of ‘a-HA!’ moments!
Sara and her little guy Maddox
THANK YOU!! I love your weekly emails! Love! And I have to mention I have a pretty particular funny bone aka you’d better be damn smart, witty, and/or brilliant to make me laugh OUT. LOUD. as you always do.
I sent my hubby your email on Postpartum issues, and after he read it I asked what he thought…the first words out of his mouth, ‘She’s funny.’ And he works at Yale.
Tish P.
There is one problem with your website – it’s highly addictive. I’ve been reading through it non-stop since yesterday. You could seriously put all this information together as a book, or say, booklet. I would totally pay for it!
THANK YOU for giving me just what I needed…a funny, realistic, distilled version of what a first time preggo needs to know!
Erika T.
✕
Join Lucie's List
Get a weekly email with practical advice and insights during your pregnancy.
Featuring:
The Real Lowdown on Pregnancy
Preparing for Birth
Postpartum Survival Strategies
Breastfeeding, Newborn Sleep Solutions and more
Get a weekly email with practical advice and insights as your baby grows.
Featuring:
Infant Sleep Solutions
Babyproofing
Starting Solids
Pumping at Work and more
Hi there - Welcome to the fold.
Bearing and raising kids is hard, but we're here to simplify everything. Unlike most sites, we offer an ad-free, sponsor-free environment, so you always know you’re getting a full dose of honesty.
If you want to noodle around on our site, our 3 most popular articles are: