Fireplace Rails?

I will admit I have never baby proofed anything. I figure if your toddler is bending down the middle two tines of a fork and sticking it in outlets you have bigger problems than exposed outlets. I digress...

I have raised four kids in this house and only one of them hit their head on the fireplace. She was six, fighting with her older brother(she, as always, started it) and was pushed/fell against the fireplace. Two things came of this, one, a little blood but no scar, and two, the knowledge that it isn't a good idea to fight with your brother around the fireplace.

Especially at the age your kids are there is no reason other than misbehaving that would cause them to hit their head on a fireplace.

I guess another way to look at it is to ask how many times has anyone in your house spontaneously fallen to the ground and what are the chances of that happening right next to the fireplace.

Your kids are 7 and 9?
They should be mature enough, to manage their motor-skills and activity.

The fireplace, does not seem to be in a high-traffic area nor in the middle of the family room where most people congregate.
The fireplace, seems off in another room. Where people do not congregate.

We have a fireplace.
It is in a room, where it is not the family room. It is in a room we don't use much.
My kids are now 4 and 8. We have never had padding or protective guards on it. The kids, 'knew' not to go near there. They knew, it was dangerous and had edges on it, like a 'table.'
It was never a problem. Even when my kids have their friends over.

all the best,
Susan

When you don't have to ask yourself "when should i get rid of them?"!! :)

I suggest that a 7 yo should be able to manage himself so as to not get hurt. We cannot protect our children from everything. If he were to trip next to the coffee table he'd get hurt. Does he trip? What is the difference between hitting the coffee table and the hearth. Yes, the hearth is harder but the amount of injury would be quite similar.

IDK the answer to your question but wanted to say that I have a fireplace likevyours that could have used those pads...my daughter fell and landed right on her forehead! It was scary, very scary!

I have a 7 yr old too and I think you would be wise to leave them on for a lil' while longer...just to be safe.

I know the pads can be kinda ugly and not fit into your design plans...but...Better safe than sorry, right?

time to let your kids.....& your room.....grow up!

Seriously, do they have a playset in the backyard? Do they play on the playground at school? Do they ride bikes....well, hopefully they have helmets!! Okay, moving on....

It's okay to worry, but please don't let worry paralyze & limit your life!! Take those pads off & let your house be a home. Peace.