Keeping toddlers away from a raised stone hearth?

Question

I have two toddlers--18 months old and nearly 3 years old--and we just moved to a new place that has a stone fireplace with a hearth that's raised about 4 - 6 inches. They are both fascinated with it, and won't stay away from it. My husband zip-banded the screen together so they won't climb in it (lol) but we can't keep them off the hearth. They both run over to it at 90 mph and step up on it and walk the length of it. A) it's very dirty and needs to be cleaned (apt. complex is going to do that later this week) and B) more importantly, I'm afraid one of them is going to run and trip and take a header into the corner of the stone. Does any company make some type of fire place padding or corner padding for this type of situation?

Answer 1

I got a gate at kmart for $60 and it has 6 panels that can be moved and shaped. My hubby attached it to the wall on either side of the hearth and we've had no problems at all.

Answer 2

You could use that split pipe insulation for the corners and edges (Hrdware store), just cut it, it is sold in 8' lengths, they make child gates that inter connect as well, you could bend a 1/2 "Octagon" around it to the wall, They also make make padded corner gaurds for floating docks, that you could drill on the fire place, then remove when they get old enough, and nobody will ever know that they were there. www.overton's.com or www.westmarine.com, if you are planning on using the fire place, I strongly suggest that you have an "Insulated Glass" (locking type) door put on the front of the opening to the hearth, this prevents any problems even if tiny hands touch the glass.

Answer 3

I had this exact same problem at my house. I have a 3 yr old and 18 month twins. The 3 yr old is permitted on the hearth, only when the babies are not around.

One Step Ahead has great childproofing items. http://www.onestepahead.com/product/86202/131758/117.html

But you can also make your own that will probably cost much less and will b e just as effective.

Answer 4

At toy stores you can buy giant foam puzzle squares that lock together, often with the letters of the alphabet in them. I've seen people put those together around their hearths, both vertically and horizontally. Not too expensive, softens the corners, and can be used as a teaching tool for the alphabet, too.

Answer 5

Yes. You can buy child-proofing padding at places like Target and ToysRUs. I'm not sure if it extends the length of the fireplace but I know they have corner protectors. My friend took a small decorative screen and placed it in front of the fireplace. It looked good & it kept the kids from messing with it.

Answer 6

Build blanket forts,use old couch cushions for jumping and climbing on, make an empty closet a into a clubhouse. Have indoor picnics on the living room floor. Let the child help with chores. Finger paint with chocolate pudding. Go to the park or even just a stroll around the block. Go to the zoo or museums. Sidewalk chalk, a basket to collect pine cones or leaves, a ball to toss back and forth, etc. for trips out.

Answer 7

Well thats something you have to do on your own..also try letting them know dangers..and if you were really concerned you shouldn't let them do that in the first place you can stop them..I have a hearth just like that.

Answer 8

i think the best thing you can do is either ask the apartment complex to do something about it and if thats not in your contract then go to HomeDepo and buy some pipe insulation and glue it around the corners of the hearth.

Answer 9

It's not cheap, but try www.onestepahead.com. I know they have Hearth Gates and Hearth Cushions. They have all sorts of stuff for all sorts of problems.

Answer 10

My mother in law used to put chairs around her hearth and she also covered it with blankets while my daughter was a baby and in her care. This work perfectly for us.