How to Protect a Baby from a Brick Hearth
A brick hearth in front of your fireplace protects your flooring from ashes and sparks that may burn or damage the surface. The hard, sharp surface of the brick, however, can cause traumatic injuries to a crawling or toddling baby. It is important to protect your child by using special materials to provide padding or block access to the area. A baby must be monitored at all times, but knowing that he is safe from injury from your brick hearth gives you one less worry in providing a safe environment for your child. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Long, narrow rug
- Screened barrier
- Corner guards
- Safety gate
- Foam padding and fabric (optional)
Instructions
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Drape a long, narrow rug with long fibers over the brick hearth. The thick pile will cushion the fall if your baby stumbles into the hearth area.
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Place a screened barrier around the fireplace area. This keeps the baby from getting anywhere near the brick hearth.
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3
Purchase corner guards to place on the corners of the brick hearth. Lean floor pillows up against the front edge of the fireplace to protect the baby in that area.
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Tips & Warnings
Place a safety gate in the doorway of the room with the fireplace. This keeps the baby out of the room altogether and prevents him from crawling into the fireplace area.
Cut foam padding to fit along the edges and corners of your brick hearth. It is available at discount and fabric stores and is inexpensive. You can cover the foam with fabric that coordinates with the room, if you desire.
Watch your baby closely when in a room with a fireplace. It only takes a few seconds for a baby to enter the danger zone when you aren't looking.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
