Kids this age like to touch everything. And by everything, I mean every single little thing. From my experience, if they can see it and reach it, they’re going to touch it. Well, that doesn’t work well with a fireplace. Sure, having a fireplace is amazing, whether it’s a gas fireplace or a wood-burning model. It can lend a living room a certain ambiance that we all love. You know what I’m talking about. That cozy, home-y feeling. But if you have a crawling baby or walking toddler, having a fireplace in your home can quickly turn into your worst nightmare.

Before you freak out about your child being in the same room as your fireplace, I’m here with a solution: fireplace baby gates. These gates go around the fireplace hearth to keep little fingers away from the fire and heat. There is, however, a selection of different models and styles to choose from. That’s why I’ve come up with a list of the best baby gates to keep your child safe. I’m going to help with your navigation through the world of fireplace baby gates and show you how to choose the best style for your kids. I have small children running around my home, so I know how stressful it can be to have kids around a fire. A good gate will help relieve some of that stress.

What Should I Look for in a Fireplace Baby Gate?

Before you buy your fireplace baby gate, there are certain criteria you should consider. I have some of these areas listed for you below. For other gates, you can take a look at my list of the best safety gates of [insert_year].

Is it hardware mounted?

Look for a fireplace baby gate that is hardware mounted. The reason for this is because babies will undoubtedly try pushing and climbing on the gate. You need one that won’t move. A hardware-mounted gate will protect your baby and keep them from making their way to the fireplace or stove. It’s best to stay away from the pressure mounted type because even the best pressured mounted baby gate is not safe enough for a fireplace.

Does it have a door?

You should also consider a baby gate with a door. This will ensure you can still get to the fireplace. Being able to use a door will make your life so much easier when you’re trying to stoke the fire or unload an arm full of firewood without having to step over a baby gate. You’re welcome.

Will it fit around the fireplace hearth?

To find the right baby gate, you’ll need to know the width of your hearth. The standard hearth is six feet, but yours may be smaller or larger, depending on your home. Finding a baby gate that accommodates the width of your fireplace will allow you to fully protect your little one from the dangers of the fire. Many come with panels that can either be added or removed as needed.

Make sure the height is appropriate for your child too. If you plan on using your gate during the toddler years and your family is tall, you might need an extra tall baby gate.

Do you have a wood-burning fireplace or a gas model?

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, your baby gate will need to be far enough away from the fire that your baby won’t get burned by embers or sparks popping from the fire. Five feet is the recommended distance for this type of fireplace. When utilizing a gas fireplace, the baby gate can be a bit closer, but still, consider the amount of heat it puts off and little fingers getting too close.

What are the product reviews like?

I recommend always clicking on the page links and reading product reviews, regardless of what you’re purchasing. This especially goes for a baby fence you plan on using around a fireplace. The use of reviews by other parents will give you helpful information about how well the product works and if there are common issues or defects. In the case of defects, you can also learn more about how the manufacturer handled the solution.

Here’s How I’ve Determined the Best Baby Gates for Fireplaces

I’ve determined the best baby gates for fireplaces by practicing what I preach. I considered the criteria mentioned above. I made sure they are hardware mounted with a door. I also factored in the length of the baby gates and the number of panels as well as the reviews for each one. Why? Because I have a child still at home as well as small grandchildren. I, like you, only want the best for my little ones. And, that’s where this list comes in.

How to Babyproof Your Fireplace

The first way to babyproof your fireplace is, obviously, to invest in a baby gate.

Lock any fireplace doors and keep all tools away from your child’s reach.

For gas fireplaces, in particular, invest in a fireplace screen. This will help keep rogue embers and ashes inside the fireplace.

Get a carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm, if you haven’t already done so. Both wood-burning fireplaces and gas stove models put off carbon monoxide, an odorless, tasteless, colorless, and deadly gas. For this reason, carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms should be put on walls at every level. Remember, smoke alarms go up higher in the rooms while carbon monoxide detectors should be put lower on the walls. It’s recommended that they be placed at the height of the lowest bed in the home.

But, what if your fireplace is specifically for decorative purposes only? If this is the case, a baby gate may not necessarily be needed. What you will want to do in this case is protect the hearth. This will prevent your child from injuries on the corners and edges of the hearth. Consider a safety bumper. You can typically find these at a local home improvement store.

If you’re looking for a way to babyproof an unused fireplace without sacrificing style, you can also turn it into a cozy reading nook. I’ve seen images of people using a bench cover and pillows to achieve this effect, and it works like a charm.

Verdict: Your Best Fireplace Baby Gates 

Just in case you need a quick summary for reference when ordering, here are our top picks.

If you want the best fireplace gate for the money, pick the Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard.

If you’re looking for the best premium fireplace safety gate, pick the KidCo G3111 Hearth Gate.

If you want the best double locking fireplace baby gate, pick the Costzon Baby Safety Gate.

If you want the best fireplace gate for a low cost, pick the Regalo 76 Inch Super Wide Configurable Baby Gate.

If you want the best fireplace baby gate for travel, pick the Dreambaby Royale Converta 3 in 1 Play-Yard.

Remember, when purchasing a fireplace baby gate, you don’t have to sacrifice style. Your fireplace area can look cute and be functional all while still keeping your child safe. Find models that are hardware mounted to your walls, are the correct width for your fireplace, and have doors with a good locking mechanism. Make sure you place the gates at least five feet from the fireplace and you check out the reviews before making your purchase.

Also keep in mind that you can use these baby gates in a doorway when needed or put them up or take them down in the event of a party or family gathering, making them great versatile pieces to have in your home.

Look for sellers and brands of products you trust. Check out the links on their sites. Some links will even help you further with providing safety information when it comes to babyproofing your fireplace area, giving you extra peace of mind.

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