There are few things as cozy as a fire in the fireplace, yet few things as harrowing as the thought of a toddler anywhere near that fire. Don’t worry, you don’t have to forego the fire this winter to keep your baby safe. There are some very simple ways to baby-proof a fireplace. 

• Gates are probably the easiest solution. Make sure to get a gate that fits all the way around your fireplace, and screws firmly into the wall, so your baby can’t pull it down. There are different styles available, in wood or metal, to meet your needs and match your décor. A free-standing gate won’t do, though, because it won’t stand up to being grabbed and pulled. A three-in-one gate is probably the most popular and efficient option.
• Fire screens or doors are more about keeping fire in than keeping baby out. A fire screen or fire doors may be decorative and can be helpful in keeping sparks from flying out onto the carpet or, worse, your baby. They’re not safe for a baby to be around, though, because they’re still hot to the touch. Additionally, free-standing fire screens are a hazard, because a small child can easily pull them down.
• Containing the baby is another option. So far we’ve talked about keeping the fire away from the baby, but what about keeping the baby away from the fire? A play yard is a good solution for many household dangers, including fireplaces. It may be a good idea to use a gate and a play yard, to be doubly secure about your little one’s safety. 
• Padding the hearth protects against bumps and bruises. Protecting the baby from fire is one thing, but a brick, stone, or wood hearth can be a danger all on its own. Hard surfaces and sharp corners, combined with a tempting place for a small child to climb, can be a deadly combination. There are some easy fixes, though. Hearth pads are readily available, as are adjustable hearth guards to go around the edges of the hearth. For a really simple solution, use interlocking foam floor mats like the ones you may already have in the nursery, and make a hearth pad all your own.
• Carbon monoxide detectors protect against invisible danger. While you’re protecting your baby against burns and bruises, don’t forget to protect against carbon monoxide. Burning wood, coal, and gas all emit carbon monoxide, and it can accumulate quickly if the vents or exhausts are blocked. Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous, and too much of it can lead to nausea, headache, vomiting, fainting, and even death. It’s important to clean and maintain your fireplace vents or exhaust to keep carbon monoxide from building up in your room, but it’s also important to have a carbon monoxide detector. Like a smoke alarm, these are unobtrusive and battery operated, ready to be installed anywhere in the house.  

For more information on all things fireplace related, contact Home Fire Stove and Grill City today at 503-364-6339. Committed to customer safety and satisfaction and carrying a complete line of hearth products and fireplaces, we can help you create a cozy and comfortable environment in your home. Talk to one of our experts today to learn about all we have to offer you.