Here’s how to babyproof a hearth; best to use both suggestions in tandem.
- Add padding. Putting a cushion around the edge of the hearth can prevent bumps, bruises and stitches.
- Maintain space around the fireplace. “Configuring gates, like this one from KidCo, denies access to both the hearth and the fire,” Kerin says.
How do I block my baby from the fireplace?
Most fireplaces can be securely restricted with a high-quality gate alone, so investing in a good product is worth it.
- Multi-Panel Gate. Our favorite style of fireplace baby gate, which offers a lot for “just a gate,” is the multi-paneled metal gate.
- Super-Long Adjustable Gate.
- Tall Doorway Gate.
How do you baby proof a slate fireplace?
The most simple way to baby-proof your fireplace is with a gate. Ideally, you want one that attaches securely to the walls with screws; this will make completely sure that it’s secured. A free-standing gate is just not safe; it’s very easy for them to grab onto it and make it topple over.
How do I protect my baby from gas fireplace?
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).
How do you childproof a brick fireplace hearth? – Related Questions
Is fireplace safe for baby?
Fireplaces pose a potential risk of burns to children, even the more popular gas fireplaces. While gas units may appear to be safer than wood-burning fireplaces, children can still burn their hands and fingers on the glass and metal parts of the door.
How do you make a fireplace safe?
Fireplace Safety Tips for Families
- If possible, keep a window cracked open while the fire is burning.
- Be certain the damper or flue is open before starting a fire.
- Use dry and well-aged wood.
- Smaller pieces of wood placed on a grate burn faster and produce less smoke.
- Clean out ashes from previous fires.
Is gas fireplace safe for babies?
Keeping your child safe around a gas fireplace
Never leave your child alone in the room with the fireplace when it is on or until 45 minutes after it is turned off. Use a fireplace screen or gate around your gas fireplace during use to keep your child away from the glass door.
How do I baby proof my house?
Proceed room by room.
- Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding.
- Lock up household chemicals and medicines or put them out of reach.
- Put window guards on any windows on a high floor; a child can fall through a screen.
- Secure furniture and TVs to the walls.
- Get outlet covers.
Are electric fireplaces safe for babies?
The answer to this question is a resounding “yes.” Electric fireplaces are perfectly safe for babies and young children to be around. In fact, they can provide a cozy and warm environment that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Are plug in fireplaces safe?
There is no need to worry! While improper use and other safety issues can arise with any electric appliance, electric fireplaces are actually very safe. In fact, many people choose an electric fireplace over traditional gas and wood-burning options for that exact reason.
Do electric fireplaces get hot to the touch?
Fireplace Safety
Although electric fireplaces produce enough heat to warm a room 400 square feet and up, they remain cool to the touch. Without the issue of hot metal casings, electric fireplaces are a safe alternative to a traditional fireplace for kids and pets.
How safe are electric fireplace inserts?
Electric fireplaces are extremely safe, and family-friendly. Since there is nothing burning, there is no risk of sparks or fire igniting nearby objects. Likewise, there are no fumes, smoke, or chemicals being emitted, since there is nothing burning.
Is it OK to leave electric fireplace on all night?
No, it’s not safe to leave your electric fireplace on all night. If the power goes out while you’re sleeping then it might be hours before someone is able to come and turn off your unit for you, which could result in a fire. It’s best to unplug the appliance after using or when leaving home.
Are electric fireplaces safe around toddlers?
Because they operate and maintain heat at a lower temperature, electric fireplaces make great child-safe supplemental heating options for homes with kids or pets. There are little to no sharp corners jutting out, or super hot surfaces that are easily accessible.
Does an electric fireplace use a lot of electricity?
Do Electric Fireplaces Use a Lot of Electricity? Electric fireplaces use approximately the same amount of electricity as the average space heater. Since most fireplaces operate on a standard household outlet, they use 120 volts to power the internal heater and draw about 1,500 watts at 12.5 amps.
How much will an electric fireplace increase my electric bill?
On average, electric fireplaces will raise your monthly electricity bill by $32.50. This represents a 28.3% increase for the average US household. Again, this assumes $0.15 per kWh and 5 hours of use per day, over 30 days, on max power.
What is cheaper to run gas or electric fireplace?
Electric fireplaces are cheaper in cost and installation compared to their gas-burning counterparts. While most electric fireplaces do not heat a room as fast as a gas fireplace, they are cheaper to run compared to other types of fireplaces.
Is it cheaper to run electric fireplace or heat?
However, if you’re looking to compare hour per hour cost, then you’ll find that the electric fireplace heater is much cheaper than a central heating installation.
Can you put a TV above an electric fireplace?
In short, yes. For most electric fireplaces, it is perfectly safe to use a TV wall mount to hang a TV above your fireplace. The only time this isn’t good for your TV is if the heat is blown directly upward. For most models, this isn’t a problem as the heat vents aren’t usually located on the top of the unit.
Do electric fireplaces need to be vented?
A – No, Electric fireplaces do not create any emissions and therefore do not need to be vented through a chimney, direct vent, or other source like gas and wood fireplaces do.