Fireplace Safety for Curious Toddlers

To protect your little ones from your fireplace, first it is wise not to use it when they are small and investigative. I have a friend of mine whose toddler pressed his nose onto the hot glass and burned it. Poor little guy! You can also buy a "Hearth Gate" to really create a barrier around the fireplace. If you do not want to buy a gate, there are still a few things you can do.

-- So long as you keep the fireplace off, you can arrange your furniture to create a natural barrier, so your toddler does not hurt himself on the hearth. You could also use a big potted plant on one side or some sort of decor to keep your child away. I have a big vase on one side and a chair on the other.

-- Use distraction as a technique. When your toddler wants to play on the hearth or in the fireplace, divert his attention to another toy or open up a drawer in the kitchen that he can rummage through instead.

-- Continue to communicate with your toddler and by using nice calm words, explain that he cannot play on or near the fireplace (even if it's turned off and not hot). Let this be a conversation. Make it a "no play" zone from the beginning. This is really hard for a little one to understand at first, but repetition of the message will get through over time.

-- Be patient! Your toddler will outgrown his curiosity of the fireplace and will take your warnings seriously in just a matter of time.

Good luck!

• share tip
• 
• 0 comments
• 
• who approved it?
• 
• Q&A
• 
• more tips like this