How to Babyproof a Rocky Hearth
A fireplace hearth can be made out of many materials, including large stones, bricks and concrete. Whether you have a baby who is just learning to walk or an active toddler visits often, it is important to pad the hearth edges to prevent injuries in case the baby falls toward it. With a rocky hearth, the edges and other surfaces can cause severe cuts, bruises and bad scrapes. It is important that you babyproof this area to protect the child.
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Things You'll Need
- Long, narrow rug with a thick pile
- Floor pillows
- Corner guards or foam padding
- Screened barrier or safety gates
Instructions
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Place a long, narrow rug with a thick pile over the top surface of the hearth. Allow it to drape over the edges and sharp corners. This will pad the area if the baby falls against it.
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Lean large floors pillows against the hearth on all sides. The pillows prevent the baby from hitting the hard or sharp surfaces of the rocky hearth.
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Install corner or other types of baby guards onto the corners and sharp edges of the hearth. You can make your own out of foam padding that is available at discount stores.
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Set screened barriers around the opening of your fireplace. Another idea is to use a safety gate that prevents your baby from crawling or walking into the room with the fireplace if you normally use a den or other room most of the time.
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Tips & Warnings
Teach your baby to avoid the fireplace at all times. If he touches it once, he will assume it won't hurt him; the next time he is curious, there may be a fire inside the fireplace.
Safety gates or screened barriers will also protect your baby from space heaters or radiators, thus preventing accidents.
References
- Photo Credit fireplace hearth with reeds image by steven hendricks from Fotolia.com
