If you have a baby or young child at home, protecting them from a fireplace or stove is an obvious priority. A properly fitted baby fireguard can help keep little hands away from flames, hot surfaces and the hard edges of a hearth.

But once the physical danger is safely behind a barrier, there is another part of fireplace safety that is much easier to overlook: the air your family is breathing.

Open fires, wood-burning stoves and other solid-fuel appliances can affect indoor air quality, and some of the pollutants involved are completely invisible. So while the flames may be safely out of reach, it is worth asking a second question:

What is happening in the air around them?

What poor air quality can do to us — and why babies matter more

Smoke from an open fire or stove contains fine particulate matter, including particles known as PM2.5. These particles are tiny enough to travel deep into the lungs.

Exposure to particulate pollution can irritate the airways, contribute to coughing and breathing problems and aggravate conditions such as asthma. Longer-term exposure to elevated levels of fine-particle pollution is also associated with respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

Poor air quality matters to everyone, but babies and young children deserve particular attention because their lungs are still developing.

Children also breathe more air relative to their body size than adults, and a baby cannot tell you that a room feels smoky, stuffy or uncomfortable. They may spend long periods in the same living space while a fire or stove is burning.

None of this means that having a fireplace or stove automatically makes your home unsafe.

It simply means that, in a home with young children, it makes sense to think about ventilation, fuel quality, appliance maintenance and good combustion alongside the more obvious dangers of flames and hot surfaces.

“But I can’t see any smoke…”

It is easy to assume that if you cannot see smoke in the room, the air must be fine.

Unfortunately, it is not quite that simple.

Fine particles such as PM2.5 are far too small to see individually with the naked eye. A fire or stove can therefore affect indoor air quality without creating an obvious cloud of smoke.

The amount of pollution entering a room depends on many things: the type of appliance, the condition of the chimney, how the fire is burning, what fuel you are using, ventilation within the home and whether smoke escapes when lighting or refuelling.

So “I can’t see any smoke” is reassuring, but it is not the whole picture.

This is particularly relevant with open fireplaces, where the fire is directly exposed to the room.

Open fires and stoves: where pollution can come from

An open fireplace is naturally less contained than an enclosed stove.

Smoke and combustion gases should travel up the chimney, but some can enter the room — particularly when the fire is first lit, when fuel is added, when the chimney is cold or when the draw is poor.

You may notice obvious warning signs such as visible smoke, a persistent smoky smell or soot staining around the fireplace. Smaller amounts of pollution, however, can be much harder to notice.

An enclosed stove generally contains the fire and combustion gases much more effectively, but a stove should not simply be installed and forgotten.

The stove, seals, flue, chimney and ventilation all work together as a system.

Poor installation, damaged door seals, leaking flue connections, inadequate ventilation or deterioration within the chimney can all affect how the appliance operates.

If a stove suddenly becomes difficult to light, regularly sends smoke into the room when the door is opened or starts behaving differently from normal, it is worth finding out why rather than simply accepting it as part of using a stove.

A good stove that is properly installed and maintained can be an excellent source of heat. The key point is that an enclosed flame does not mean you can ignore the chimney, ventilation or maintenance behind it.

Your chimney — and what you burn — matter

A fireplace or stove can only work properly if the chimney or flue is doing its job.

Its role is to create enough draw to carry smoke and combustion gases away from the room. If that draw becomes poor, the entire system may operate less efficiently.

Soot and creosote can build up over time. Birds, nests or debris can cause blockages. Liners can deteriorate. Changes made elsewhere in the house can even affect how air moves through the room and chimney.

That is why regular chimney sweeping is about more than keeping things tidy. It helps remove deposits and obstructions, reduces the risk of chimney fires and provides an opportunity for problems to be spotted.

What you put on the fire matters too.

Wet or poorly seasoned wood tends to burn less efficiently and create more smoke than properly dried wood. It can also contribute to greater deposits within the chimney.

Painted timber, treated wood, household rubbish and materials that were never intended to be burned should not simply be thrown onto the fire. Burning inappropriate materials may release additional pollutants.

A useful rule is simple:

Burn the correct fuel for your appliance, burn it properly, and avoid letting a wood fire spend long periods smouldering inefficiently.

What goes into your fireplace ultimately determines much of what comes out of the chimney.

Ventilation and room temperature

Fire needs air.

In older homes, air often entered naturally through gaps around windows, doors and floors. Modern homes tend to be much more airtight, which is excellent for retaining heat but means ventilation deserves more thought when combustion appliances are present.

If a stove or fire requires permanent ventilation, those vents should not be blocked simply because they create a draught.

Powerful kitchen and bathroom extractor fans can also change the pressure inside a home and, in some circumstances, interfere with chimney draw.

This does not mean leaving every window wide open while the fire is burning. It means ensuring the appliance has the ventilation required for it to operate correctly.

And with a baby in the house, there is another consideration: temperature.

A roaring stove can turn a cosy room into a very hot one surprisingly quickly. Babies are less able than adults to regulate their body temperature, and overheating should be avoided.

Guidance for sleeping babies generally recommends a room temperature of around 16–20°C, and babies should not sleep immediately beside a heater, stove or fire.

During the day you do not need to obsess over a single number, but warmer does not automatically mean healthier.

A simple room thermometer can remove the guesswork.

Carbon monoxide: the danger you cannot see or smell

Carbon monoxide deserves separate attention because it is not the same thing as smoke or particulate pollution.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colourless and odourless gas that can be produced when fuels such as wood, coal, gas or oil do not burn completely.

Exposure can cause symptoms including:

• headache
• dizziness
• nausea
• weakness
• unusual tiredness
• confusion

Significant exposure can become life-threatening.

Because CO cannot be seen or smelled, a properly fitted carbon monoxide alarm is an essential layer of protection in homes containing fuel-burning appliances.

A CO alarm does not replace proper installation, chimney sweeping, appliance servicing or ventilation. It provides an additional warning if something goes wrong.

And one important distinction is worth remembering:

A normal air-quality monitor is not a substitute for a certified carbon monoxide alarm.

Unless a device is specifically designed and approved to detect carbon monoxide, do not rely on it for CO protection.

Can an air-quality monitor help?

One of the frustrating things about indoor air quality is that much of what we are talking about is invisible.

That is where a home air-quality monitor can become genuinely interesting.

Depending on the model, monitors may measure:

• PM2.5 particulate levels
• carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• temperature
• humidity
• sometimes other airborne pollutants

For a home with a stove or open fire, this can give you a useful picture of how conditions change.

You might notice particulate levels increase when the fire is first lit, when another log is added or when the stove door is opened.

You may notice that opening a door or improving ventilation changes readings.

Or you may discover that your apparently cosy living room is actually far warmer or more poorly ventilated than you realised.

Consumer air-quality monitors are not laboratory instruments and their accuracy varies, so they should be regarded as trend-spotting tools rather than medical diagnostic devices.

But they can still answer a useful question:

Is something happening in this room that I cannot see?

Used alongside a proper CO alarm, sensible ventilation and good appliance maintenance, they can provide another useful layer of information.

A simple safer-home routine

Fireplace safety does not have to become complicated.

Think of it as several simple layers of protection working together.

• Use a correctly sized and securely fitted baby fireguard to keep children away from flames, hot surfaces and the hearth.
• Make sure your stove or fireplace is correctly installed.
• Keep the chimney or flue swept and maintained.
• Burn only suitable fuel.
• Use properly dried wood where appropriate.
• Keep required ventilation clear.
• Pay attention to persistent smoke, unusual smells, poor draw or changes in how the appliance behaves.
• Install and maintain an appropriate carbon monoxide alarm.
• Avoid allowing rooms occupied by babies to become excessively hot.
• Consider an air-quality monitor if you want to understand particulate levels, temperature, humidity and ventilation more clearly.

If smoke regularly enters the room, you notice persistent soot staining, the chimney struggles to draw or the stove begins behaving strangely, do not simply learn to live with it.

Have the appliance, flue or chimney investigated by a suitably qualified professional.

So — is your baby in danger?

Having an open fire or stove in your home does not automatically mean your baby is in danger.

A properly installed, well-maintained and correctly used appliance can be part of a perfectly safe and comfortable family home.

The point is simply that fireplace safety goes further than stopping little hands from touching something hot.

The visible dangers are easy to understand: flames, hot stove surfaces and hard hearth edges. A properly fitted baby fireguard helps deal with those risks.

But good fireplace safety also means thinking about the things you cannot see — fine particles, ventilation, chimney performance and carbon monoxide.

Use the right fuel. Keep your chimney maintained. Make sure the appliance is correctly installed. Keep ventilation clear. Use a carbon monoxide alarm. Avoid overheating the room. And if something does not seem right, investigate it rather than ignoring it.

A fire can be one of the most comforting features in a family home.

Protect little hands from the fire — and give just as much thought to the air those little lungs are breathing.

It feels strong. The lock seems sturdy. The metal looks substantial. Perhaps the packaging shows a happy toddler standing beside it.

But none of those things tells you how the gate will actually perform when a child repeatedly pushes, pulls, climbs against or investigates it.

That is where EN 1930 comes in.

EN 1930 is the European safety standard covering child safety barriers for domestic indoor use. It sets out safety requirements and test methods designed for barriers used to limit a young child's access within the home.

The current standard is EN 1930:2011. In the UK it is published as BS EN 1930:2011, while in Ireland it is I.S. EN 1930:2011. Both are national versions of the same European standard.

For parents, the important point is simple:

A proper child safety gate is about much more than whether it looks strong.

What does EN 1930 actually cover?

EN 1930 applies to child safety barriers intended for domestic indoor use, designed to prevent young children — up to approximately 24 months — from passing through an opening.

That includes the type of barriers commonly used around:

• doorways
• stairways
• restricted areas within the home
• larger openings where a configurable child barrier is required

The standard does not simply prescribe one particular gate design.

Instead, it sets safety requirements and defines tests that a child safety barrier must satisfy.

What does an EN 1930 test look at?

There is much more involved than simply pushing the gate to see whether it falls over.

The standard includes requirements relating to areas such as:

Structural strength

The barrier needs to maintain its structural integrity when subjected to the tests specified by the standard.

A child safety gate is going to be pushed, pulled, leaned against and used repeatedly, so the structure needs to continue doing its job.

Locking mechanisms

The opening and locking system is particularly important.

A gate needs to allow an adult to operate it while making unintended opening by a young child sufficiently difficult.

EN 1930 therefore includes requirements relating to the locking mechanism and the effectiveness of the opening and fixing systems.

Gaps and openings

Children investigate everything.

Their fingers, hands, arms and sometimes heads end up in places an adult would never consider putting them.

The standard therefore examines holes, gaps and openings within and around the barrier to reduce trapping and entrapment hazards.

Height and climbing

A child barrier needs to be sufficiently high and designed in a way that does not unnecessarily help a child climb it.

The standard specifically considers both barrier height and potential footholds.

Edges, corners and projections

A safety product should not introduce an entirely new injury risk.

Edges, projections, corners, snagging points and protruding components are therefore among the construction issues considered.

Impact and repeated use

A child gate does not spend its life untouched.

It is opened, closed, pushed and subjected to impacts.

Testing therefore considers how the barrier performs under forces intended to represent the sort of demands that occur during use.

Materials, marking and instructions

The standard also covers areas including materials, product information, marking and instructions.

Correct installation is an important part of child-barrier safety, so a good product needs more than a strong frame — the user also needs clear information about how it is intended to be fitted and used.

Not every gate is a baby gate

This is an important distinction.

There are plenty of gates on the market that can physically block an opening but were not necessarily designed or tested as child safety barriers.

Pet gates are a perfect example.

A product may be an excellent dog gate without being an appropriate baby gate.

If a gate is marketed simply for pets, you should not assume that it has been tested to EN 1930 unless the manufacturer specifically confirms that the product is also intended and tested for child-safety use.

Some pet barriers use designs such as:

• horizontal bars
• lattice or diamond-shaped sections
• large openings
• structures that can provide climbing footholds
• simple pet-retaining catches

Those characteristics may be perfectly acceptable for containing a dog but inappropriate for a barrier intended to stop a curious toddler.

A gate being strong enough to stop a Labrador does not automatically make it suitable for a two-year-old.

When buying for a child, look for a product specifically designed and tested as a child safety barrier, rather than assuming any metal gate will do the same job.

Traditional cage-style fireguards are different too

The same caution applies around fireplaces.

Traditional cage-style fireguards have been used in homes for generations. Some are substantial products and there is a separate British Standard — BS 8423 — covering fireguards for domestic fires and heating appliances.

But that is not the same standard as EN 1930.

A traditional fireplace cage should therefore not automatically be assumed to be an EN 1930 child safety barrier simply because it is sold as a fireguard or because its packaging shows children.

Some traditional designs may include:

• horizontal or climbable sections
• large mesh or lattice patterns
• freestanding construction
• no permanent wall fixing
• structures primarily designed to provide separation from a fireplace rather than operate as a modern child safety barrier

If the purpose of the product is specifically to create a barrier against a baby or toddler, check what the manufacturer actually states the product has been tested to.

Pictures of babies on the packaging are not a safety standard.

Does EN 1930 mean a gate should have absolutely no movement?

No baby gate should become detached or allow a child to access the protected area, but it is also important to understand the difference between structural failure and normal movement within a product's design.

This is particularly relevant with large multi-panel barriers.

A modular barrier contains articulated joints so that the individual panels can be positioned at different angles.

Those joints are precisely what allow a large gate to be configured around:

• wide openings
• fireplaces
• unusual room layouts
• corners
• different wall positions

An articulated multi-panel barrier will therefore not necessarily feel like one solid welded steel wall.

Some movement or flex can be inherent in the configuration, particularly on very wide installations or where pressure is repeatedly applied sideways.

What matters is that the product is correctly installed, remains securely fixed and continues to prevent the child from accessing the protected area.

With the BabaSafe MultiFit system, the shape of the installation can also influence stability. Angling panels can often create a more stable footprint than positioning a very large number of panels in one completely straight line.

For certain unusual installations, additional floor brackets can also be used where extra stability is required.

Wall-mounted and pressure-fit gates are not the same thing

Another common mistake is assuming every baby gate is suitable for every location.

Pressure-fit gates are enormously convenient in the right situation.

They are held in position by pressure between two surfaces and can often be installed without drilling.

Wall-mounted barriers, on the other hand, are mechanically fixed to the building.

The correct type depends on where the barrier is being used and what the manufacturer says it is suitable for.

This becomes particularly important around stairs, unusually wide openings and configurations where significant forces can be placed on the barrier.

Never assume that because a gate fits physically into an opening it must be suitable for that location.

Follow the manufacturer's intended-use and installation instructions.

What about a baby fireguard?

A multi-panel baby fireguard introduces some additional considerations beyond simply choosing a child safety barrier.

The barrier still needs to perform its primary job:

preventing the child gaining access to the protected area.

But around a working stove or open fire you also need to consider:

• distance from the heat source
• radiant heat
• whether the child can reach through the barrier
• side clearance around projecting stoves
• the position of the hearth
• the hardness and sharp edges of the hearth itself
• where the wall brackets can safely be positioned

This is why a properly configured fireguard should normally protect the whole fireplace area, rather than simply putting a narrow barrier immediately in front of the flames.

You can view our BabaSafe Baby Fireguard range here:

https://www.babasafe.co.uk/baby-products/baby-fire-guards.html

Does compliance make every installation automatically safe?

No.

A safety standard tests the product under defined conditions.

The product still needs to be installed and used correctly in your home.

Even a properly tested barrier can be compromised by:

• unsuitable wall fixings
• incorrect installation
• badly positioned brackets
• leaving the gate open
• furniture placed beside the gate that allows climbing
• installing the wrong type of barrier for the location
• allowing a child to reach a hazard through or around the barrier
• failing to follow the manufacturer's instructions

Think of EN 1930 as an important foundation.

It does not remove the need for parents to choose, install and use the product correctly.

What should you look for when buying a baby gate?

Before buying a child safety barrier, look beyond the photographs and price.

Check:

• Is the product specifically intended for children?
• Does the manufacturer identify the child safety standard it has been tested against?
• Are clear installation instructions supplied?
• Is the fixing method suitable for where you intend to use it?
• Does the design avoid obvious climbing footholds?
• Is the opening and locking system designed for child safety?
• Can you obtain replacement components or support if required?
• Is the manufacturer or supplier clearly identifiable?

And be particularly cautious when a product appears to be primarily a pet gate, decorative barrier or traditional fireplace guard that is simply being used as a substitute for a purpose-designed child safety product.

What standard does BabaSafe use?

BabaSafe child safety barriers are designed around the requirements applicable to their intended child-safety use, including EN 1930:2011 where applicable.

For UK customers, the current national adoption is BS EN 1930:2011.

For Ireland, the corresponding standard is I.S. EN 1930:2011.

The standard covers far more than whether a gate looks substantial. It considers construction, structural integrity, openings, footholds, locking mechanisms, fixing systems, impact and other hazards that are relevant when a barrier is intended for young children.

That is why we believe parents should look for genuine child-safety products rather than simply choosing something that happens to block an opening.

Is EN 1930 being updated?

Yes.

Safety standards do not stand still.

As of 2026, EN 1930:2011 remains the current published standard, but a new revision is progressing through the European standards process.

A draft of the revised standard entered public consultation in 2026. The current BSI development timetable shows the revised standard progressing through comment resolution, with publication presently scheduled for August 2027.

That timetable can still change during the standards-development process.

For consumers, there is no reason to wait for a future edition before buying a safety barrier.

The important thing today is to check products against the current applicable standard, while responsible manufacturers keep an eye on developing requirements and adapt when standards change.

The important thing isn't the number printed on the box

Most parents will never read EN 1930.

And they shouldn't have to.

That is the manufacturer's job.

But knowing what the standard represents can help you make a much better buying decision.

EN 1930 means that a child safety barrier can be assessed against defined requirements and repeatable tests, rather than safety being based simply on somebody saying:

"It feels pretty strong."

When you are protecting a young child, that distinction matters.

Choose a product designed for children.

Install it correctly.

Use it in the location for which it was intended.

And remember:

A dog gate is not automatically a baby gate.

A traditional fireguard is not automatically a child safety barrier.

And a photograph of a baby on the packaging is no substitute for proper safety testing.

Suddenly it is not just the flames or hot stove that you notice. The stone, marble or tiled hearth itself can be one of the hardest and most unforgiving surfaces in the room, often with corners and edges right at toddler height.

A properly fitted baby fireguard can create a protected area around both the heat source and the hearth. But choosing the correct size involves more than simply measuring the width of your fireplace.

View our full Baby Fireguard range:

https://www.babasafe.co.uk/baby-products/baby-fire-guards.html

With a modular fireguard, you need to think about width, depth, panel configuration, bracket position, distance from the heat source and the overall shape of the installation.

Here is how to work it out.

1. Start with three measurements

Measure the following in centimetres:

• The total width of your hearth
• The depth of your hearth
• The distance from the heat source to the outer edge of the hearth

The width and depth help you identify which fireguard configuration is likely to fit.

The distance from the actual fire or stove helps you decide whether that configuration will provide enough clearance from the heat source.

Measure the whole hearth — not just the fireplace opening

This is important.

Ideally, your fireguard should sit outside the hearth, rather than on top of it.

A raised stone, granite, marble or tiled hearth can be a significant hazard in its own right. A young child can fall against a hard edge or corner without ever touching the fire itself.

So when measuring, think about the complete area you want your child kept away from.

2. Understand how the panels create the shape

Most standard fireplace installations use a five-panel BabaSafe MultiFit Fireguard.

This normally means:

three panels across the front

and

one panel running back towards the wall on each side.

The centre front panel is normally the 90 cm walkthrough gate.

For example:

30 cm panel + 90 cm gate + 30 cm panel

across the front gives a nominal front width of:

150 cm

The remaining two panels then create the depth on either side.

But this is only one possible configuration.

Some fireplaces only need three panels

Certain fireplaces and stoves can be protected very neatly using a three-panel configuration.

A corner stove is a good example.

If the stove and hearth are already positioned against two walls, you may not need a conventional five-panel guard wrapping around both sides. A three-panel arrangement can sometimes create the required protected area while using the existing walls as part of the layout.

The same basic rules still apply:

• protect the complete exposed hearth
• prevent the child reaching the fire or stove
• maintain suitable distance from the heat source
• make sure both ends have suitable wall-fixing positions

Hearth running into a corner? An L-shaped guard may work

Some fireplaces have a hearth that runs directly into the corner of the room.

In this situation, trying to create a conventional rectangular fireguard may make little sense.

The MultiFit can often be configured into an L-shaped barrier, protecting only the exposed sides of the hearth while the walls themselves complete the protected area.

This can produce a much neater installation and prevent unnecessary panels projecting into the living room.

The shape should follow the hazard

The important point is not to assume that every fireplace needs five panels arranged in a rectangle.

Depending on your room, the best solution may be:

• a standard five-panel configuration
• a three-panel configuration
• an L-shaped guard
• an angled or trapezoid-style layout
• a larger extended guard
• a completely custom combination of panels

The BabaSafe system is modular because fireplaces and hearths come in so many different shapes.

Start with the area that needs protecting, then build the fireguard shape around it — not the other way around.

3. Don't size a fireguard by total perimeter alone

This is one of the most important parts of sizing a modular fireguard.

Just because the total length of all the panels appears to match the perimeter of your hearth does not mean the fireguard will fit.

You need enough panel length in the correct places.

A configuration may have more than enough total panel length but still fail because:

• the front panels do not provide enough width
• one or both side panels are too short
• too much of the available length is being used across the front
• the brackets need to be fitted further back than expected
• the left and right sides of the fireplace require different depths

Always check separately:

Front width

Left-side depth

Right-side depth

Wall-bracket position

Think of fireguard sizing as geometry, not simply perimeter.

4. Choose the configuration that most closely matches your hearth

For the neatest installation, start with the configuration whose width and depth most closely match the area you need to protect.

On a typical five-panel installation:

Three panels normally create the front width.

One panel on each side normally creates the depth.

But as we have seen, corner fireplaces and unusual hearths may require a completely different arrangement.

It is generally better for the fireguard to sit slightly outside the hearth than to leave part of the hearth accessible.

However, do not concentrate so much on achieving a neat fit around the stonework that you forget about the actual fire or stove.

You must also consider heat clearance and your child's reach.

5. Use the panel angles to create the right shape

The BabaSafe MultiFit does not have to form a perfect rectangle.

The joints between the panels rotate and lock at the angle you choose, allowing you to alter the finished shape of the fireguard.

This can help when:

• your hearth is not perfectly square
• the chimney breast is narrower than the nominal guard width
• the left and right sides are different
• the wall-bracket positions are unusual
• the hearth runs towards a corner
• you want the fireguard to follow the fireplace more neatly
• you need to improve stability on a wide configuration

Angling a panel changes the straight-line distance between the wall brackets even though the physical panel length itself has not changed.

Angles can also improve stability

This is especially important with larger configurations.

Putting several articulated panels into one long, completely straight line can allow more lateral movement.

Creating a slight shape — for example by angling the outer sections backwards — can give the fireguard a more stable footprint.

So do not automatically assume that the straightest-looking configuration is the best one.

A subtle angled or trapezoid-style shape may both fit the fireplace better and reduce movement.

6. Check the distance from the fire or stove

Once you have found a configuration that fits around the hearth, check how far it will sit from the actual heat source.

There are two separate issues.

Can your child reach the heat source?

Your child must not be able to reach:

• through the vertical bars
• around either side
• over the fireguard
• towards a projecting stove from an angle

Children vary considerably in height, reach and ingenuity, so there is no single distance that can guarantee suitability for every child.

Look at the completed installation from your child's position.

If they can reach the fire, stove or another dangerously hot surface from any direction, the protected area needs to be increased.

Can the fireguard itself become too hot?

The fireguard is made from metal and will absorb radiant heat.

As a precautionary starting point, our instructions recommend approximately:

75 cm from a stove

and

90 cm from an open fire.

These are precautionary guidelines rather than universal guarantees.

Every fire is different.

A small stove burning gently can behave very differently from a high-output stove running strongly for several hours. Likewise, the radiant heat produced by one open fire can be significantly greater than another.

In some installations a shorter distance may remain safe.

In others, more than the suggested distance may be required.

When first using the fire after installing the guard, check the panels periodically during realistic use.

Pay particular attention to:

• the front panels facing the heat
• side panels beside projecting stoves
• areas receiving concentrated radiant heat

If any part of the fireguard becomes excessively hot, stop using that configuration and increase the distance from the heat source.

Always follow the instructions supplied with your stove or heating appliance as well as the fireguard instructions.

What if the fire is never used?

Many parents use a fireguard even when they do not intend to light the fireplace or stove.

In that situation, the main reason for fitting a guard may simply be to prevent access to:

• the hard hearth
• sharp corners
• the stove body
• soot, ash and dirt
• the fireplace opening

If the fire genuinely will not be used, heat clearance is obviously no longer the determining factor and you can concentrate on obtaining a neat protective fit around the physical hazards.

7. Don't forget the side clearance

It is very easy to concentrate entirely on the width across the front.

But with many stoves, the side distances matter just as much.

A stove projecting into the room can radiate significant heat sideways as well as forwards.

Your side sections therefore need to be long enough to:

• clear the hearth
• prevent access from either side
• maintain appropriate distance from the heat source
• reach the intended wall-bracket positions

This is particularly important with freestanding and partially recessed stoves.

It is also why matching the overall perimeter alone does not work.

You might have plenty of total panel length, but if the individual side panels cannot reach the wall safely, you need a different configuration.

8. Allow for the wall brackets

The wall brackets form part of the finished installation and should be considered before choosing the final size.

They add approximately 5 cm at the wall connection and can be positioned in different ways depending on the chimney breast and available wall space.

For example, they can normally be fitted:

• to the front face of the chimney breast
• or rotated onto the side of the chimney breast

This is particularly useful when the hearth extends almost all the way across the chimney breast and there is not enough clear wall immediately beside it.

If the brackets need to be fitted around the side, make sure your side panels are long enough to reach those fixing points.

Also look for anything that could interfere with the installation, including:

• skirting boards
• gas valves
• pipes
• sockets
• decorative mouldings
• unusual wall shapes

A note about inglenook fireplaces

Do not mount the BabaSafe wall brackets deep inside an inglenook or recessed fireplace opening.

Heat can become concentrated within the recess, and the internal walls may become too hot for suitable bracket positioning.

The fireguard should normally be configured outside the inglenook, with the wall brackets positioned away from the concentrated heat.

If you have a particularly unusual inglenook or deeply recessed stove, use our sizing help service and send us photographs and measurements before choosing your configuration.

9. Some movement in a multi-panel fireguard is normal

This is important to understand before purchasing.

The BabaSafe MultiFit is an articulated multi-panel barrier, not a single rigid welded frame.

The same joints that allow the fireguard to bend into different shapes also mean that some flex and movement is normal.

Movement can become more noticeable when:

• the guard is particularly wide
• several panels are arranged in a completely straight line
• the guard is significantly larger than the hearth
• there is no raised hearth behind the guard to limit movement
• persistent pressure is applied sideways

The hearth often helps naturally

On many installations, the raised hearth sits behind the lower part of the fireguard and naturally limits how far the panels can move backwards.

Where there is no raised hearth, or where the fireguard extends substantially beyond it, that natural restriction is no longer present.

The articulated movement may therefore become more noticeable.

Sideways pressure creates the most movement

Pressure applied towards the fireplace is generally better resisted by the overall shape of the guard and, where present, the hearth behind it.

Persistent sideways pressure can create more movement because the articulated joints are being encouraged to change angle.

This does not automatically mean there is a fault with the fireguard.

What matters is that:

• both ends remain securely fixed
• the guard remains attached to the wall brackets
• the fireguard stays correctly positioned
• movement cannot allow the child to reach the protected area

Use the shape to improve stability

If a wide guard has more movement than expected, the first solution may simply be to reconsider its shape.

Slightly angling sections rather than trying to stretch the entire guard into one long straight line can create a more stable footprint.

This is particularly useful on wide installations.

Floor brackets are available where needed

In the relatively small number of installations where additional stability is required, BabaSafe floor brackets are available.

These can provide extra support at floor level and are particularly useful where:

• there is no raised hearth
• the guard extends substantially beyond the hearth
• a very wide configuration is required
• the particular geometry allows excessive lateral movement

Floor brackets are not necessary for most installations and may not be suitable for every type of flooring.

But they provide another solution where the layout of the room means additional stability is desirable.

10. Don't underestimate the hearth itself

It is natural to think that the biggest fireplace danger is always the heat.

But for a child learning to crawl, stand and walk, the hearth itself can be one of the most significant collision hazards in the room.

A stone, granite, marble or tiled hearth can have:

• extremely hard surfaces
• sharp corners
• projecting edges
• exactly the wrong height for a toddler's head or face during a fall

This is one of the main reasons we recommend surrounding the whole hearth, rather than placing the guard immediately in front of the flames.

The aim is not simply to stop a child touching the fire.

It is to create a protected zone around the entire fireplace area.

11. Height, climbing and nearby furniture

The BabaSafe MultiFit Fireguard is approximately 76 cm high.

But the height of the guard is only one part of preventing climbing.

Do not position objects immediately beside it that could provide a convenient step, including:

• footstools
• chairs
• toy boxes
• baskets
• large toys

Children develop quickly.

An installation that is completely inaccessible to a crawling baby may look very different several months later when that child can stand, climb and move objects around the room.

Review your setup as your child develops.

12. Make sure adults can still access the fire

A fireguard should protect your child without making the fireplace difficult for adults to use.

The BabaSafe MultiFit includes a walkthrough gate, allowing you to access the fireplace for lighting, refuelling and cleaning without removing the complete barrier.

After accessing the fireplace, always make sure the gate is fully closed and locked.

Even the best fireguard cannot protect a child if the access gate has accidentally been left open.

13. Take it down and put it away quickly

A large fireguard does not have to become a permanent feature of your living room.

The BabaSafe MultiFit is designed so that it can be quickly released from the wall brackets without dismantling the individual panels.

Once removed:

1. unlock or loosen the panel-angle joints
2. fold the articulated sections together
3. store the complete guard away

In most configurations, there is no need to separate every individual panel and rebuild the fireguard from scratch each time.

The small wall fittings can remain in place while the main guard is stored away.

When you need it again, unfold it, reset the angles and remount it.

This is particularly useful during the warmer months when the fireplace may not be used for weeks or months.

So if you are tempted to choose a fireguard that is too small simply because you are worried about losing living-room space, remember that the main barrier can be removed very quickly when it is not required.

Some unusually configured guards may need a little more dismantling to fold into their smallest possible storage size, but the modular system is designed to make this straightforward.

14. What if none of the standard sizes works?

That is exactly where a modular system comes into its own.

BabaSafe extension panels are available in different widths, allowing you to increase the width, depth or overall protected area.

This can be useful if:

• your fireplace falls between two standard sizes
• you need greater heat clearance
• your hearth is particularly deep
• you have a corner or L-shaped installation
• you move house
• you replace your stove
• your existing configuration needs to become larger

You can also create a custom configuration using individual panels rather than choosing one of the standard preset sizes.

View our full range of Baby Fireguards, sizes and configurable options:

https://www.babasafe.co.uk/baby-products/baby-fire-guards.html

So purchasing a MultiFit does not lock you permanently into one width and depth.

Final checks before choosing your size

Before ordering, run through these questions:

Have I measured the complete width of the hearth?

Have I measured the depth on both sides?

Have I checked the distance from the hearth edge to the actual fire or stove?

Do the front panels provide enough width?

Are the individual side panels long enough to reach the wall?

Have I checked where the wall brackets will actually be fitted?

Would a three-panel or L-shaped configuration suit my fireplace better than a standard five-panel layout?

Can my child reach through, around or over the guard from any direction?

Is the proposed guard far enough from the heat source?

Would angling the panels create a more stable shape?

Is there a raised hearth behind the guard to limit movement?

If there is more lateral movement than suitable, would floor brackets help?

And remember:

Do not choose a configuration simply because its total perimeter appears large enough.

The width, side depths, panel positions, angles and wall-fixing locations must all work together.

Not sure what size baby fireguard you need?

Fireplaces vary enormously, and sometimes the easiest solution is simply to let us have a look.

If you are unsure which BabaSafe configuration will work for your fireplace, use our Baby Fireguard Sizing Help service.

Send us:

• a photograph showing the complete fireplace or stove
• your hearth width
• your hearth depth
• the distance from the hearth edge to the heat source
• any unusual details about the room or intended fixing positions

Our team can review the photograph and measurements and come back to you with a recommended BabaSafe MultiFit configuration.

This is particularly useful for:

• corner stoves
• L-shaped hearths
• unusually wide fireplaces
• projecting stoves
• asymmetric hearths
• inglenooks
• limited wall-bracket space
• installations that may require extensions
• unusual layouts needing a custom panel combination

Need help choosing the right size? Submit your measurements and fireplace photos here:

https://www.babasafe.co.uk/baby-products/baby-fire-guards.html

The principles to remember are simple:

Protect the whole hearth.

Maintain an appropriate distance from the heat source.

Choose the right geometry — not simply enough total panel length.

And if you're unsure, send us a photograph and measurements and we'll help work out the configuration.

You may be thinking, I’ve seen fireguards in various DIY stores. Or, I have a crazy fireplace area that will be challenging to fit. Worry no more! Babasafe’s fireguards give you the ultimate protection - they’re unmovable, unclimbable and do not overheat! We also have high customizable fireguards that can fit any type of room, fireplace or stove. Although we believe our product is one-of-a-kind and absolutely great, we have compiled a list of things you should consider before you make a purchase.

SIZE OF HEARTH

It is essential that your fireguard clears your hearth in order to keep your child safe and to look nice in your room. Your hearth can be a safety hazard of its own, with sharp edges and hard corners, so it’s important to measure the length of the depth of this hearth to make sure your fireguard surrounds it!

SPACE OF YOUR ROOM

The types and styles of living rooms are endless! Some people have extra-large living rooms with a large hearth that requires an extra-large sized fireguard. While other rooms are small and require a small-sized fireguard. Whatever the size of your fireplace or hearth, don’t hesitate to reach out so our team can help you find the perfect fit for your home!

FITTINGS

It’s important to always choose a fireguard that is screw fitted so that your little one cannot pull your guard right out of the wall! Make sure you always choose a fireguard that won’t disrupt your skirting boards as well. Our Babasafe Multifit Fireguard does just that!

A SAFE DISTANCE

It’s essential to keep in mind where you position your fireguard, and how close to the fireplace or stove the gate sits. Remember that some wood burning stoves extend out on the hearth or are only half set in the chimney breast. Every fireplace, stove, and fire is different. Some can burn for incredibly long times and can get to extremely dangerous temperatures. All fireguards, no matter the type, have the risk of overheating. 

No official regulations exist on what the distance should be from a stove or open fire in the United Kingdom and many of the stove manufacturers give individual instructions depending on the brand or model. We recommend thinking about the distance to the fire carefully. The baby fireguard should firstly not be close enough to the stove or fire that your child can reach through the vertical bars and touch the fire or stove from any side. Usually above 40cm is too far for a baby up to 2 years of ages to reach through.

Furthermore, as fireguards are metal in construction, you should consider the possibility of the fireguard becoming too hot on every panel both front and sides. Each fire/stove is different and the temperature from home to home can vary depending on the power of the stove and the strength of the fire as well as the length of time the fire guard is exposed to heat. As a precautionary measure in our instruction manual, we mention the distance from a stove should be 75cm, and the distance from an open fire should be 90cm. However, in many cases, this distance is not needed and is not even possible due to space limitations and in some situations, more 75cm is required! It is the responsibility of the user to check the fire guard both initially and regularly to make sure the gate is not overheating. We included the over-heat thermometer on the gate panel to help you with this - anything above 40° is considered too hot to touch. If you discover that your fireguard is becoming too hot stop using it immediately and look at extensions from Babasafe to increase the distance.

HEIGHT

Most fireguards are suitable for kids up to 2 years old and should be at least 75cm to avoid any climbing dangers. But of course, with a new item in your home, children become curious, and might find a way to climb over! Keep close watch of your children with the new fireguard to see how they respond. Also, keep an eye on furniture sitting close to the fireguard that could potentially be a climbing/falling hazard. If your room is snug, try rearranging so that your fireguard can prevent any and all injuries.

EXTRA TIPS

• The fireguard should be baby proof, contains nontoxic paint, and has no sharp corners.
• The fireguard should contain a door gate that is large enough for easy access.
• It’s important to invest in a fireguard that can be folded up and stored away easily when not in use.
• A handy reuse with the baby fireguard is to surround your barbecue grill during the summer months.
• To eliminate collisions, use our edge guards and corner edge guards when you’re not using your fireguard.

Check out Babasafe’s Multifit Fireguard today! It’s purposely designed to cover all bases and comes in 10 different sizes so you can get a custom fit!

E-Liquid.

The first known case of child fatality as a result of nicotine poisoning from nicotine liquid occurred in 2014 in New York, USA after a 1-year-old tragically drank the contents of a nicotine refill bottle. The number of people including toddlers, who have been poisoned by swallowing nicotine liquid has risen drastically in the UK since 2013. The National Poisons Unit UK claimed that over a third of all the calls regarding nicotine poisoning from e-liquid involved young children.

It’s vitally important to keep e-liquids locked away safe when there are young children around. While almost all e-liquid bottles have child proof caps, it can be relatively easy to replace a cap without locking the top back in. Nicotine liquids come in a variety of flavors, some sweet such as blueberry, ice-cream or candy. Their smell can be quite strong and young children could easily be attracted to the bottle if left lying around.

Signs of nicotine poisoning in a child could include:

• Your child feels sick or is vomiting.
• Your child becomes pale.
• Sweating or drooling.
• The child has a raised pulse rate.
• If a large amount is ingested it could result in a seizure or passing out.

If you suspect your child has ingested nicotine call the National Poisons Information Service UK by dialing 111, visit http://www.npis.org/ for further details.

Second-Hand Smoke

A study conducted in 2015 suggest that vapor from e-cigarettes produce harmful chemicals, similar to those found in traditional tobacco, and have the potential to harm the lungs and immune system. The study was conducted on mice and the study indicated that they suffered mild lung damage and became more susceptible to infections. The study also detected free radicals (damaging toxins) albeit at 1 % of the levels found in traditional tobacco.

I could wade into the whole debate on vape second-hand smoke vs. tobacco smoke here. It’s obvious from the many studies that what we know so far about vapor, it is far safer than tobacco smoke. While I would be willing to take that chance as a smoker, it’s not something I’m willing to bet on with my kids!

It’s important with this in mind to treat vaping in terms of second-hand smoke in the same way as you would traditional tobacco around young children and children in general. A no smoking house is the best approach in my opinion. People who vape may find this difficult to swallow, as many will defend the honor of vaping vehemently!

Choking Hazards

Apart from the toxicity of e-liquid itself as a danger to your young child, parents should be mindful of the components of the devices used to vape. There are many different types of electronic cigarettes and apart from the disposable kind found in most shops, almost all of them have replacement parts and removable components small enough to choke on. Refill cartridges, replacement coils, tips and even batteries - anyone who is a habitual "Vaper" could have these lying around. Anything that is over 1 ¾ inches in diameter is said to present a choking hazard to young children. A toilet roll test (the inner tube is normally 1 ¾ cm) is a handy way of gauging this, but if there is someone who vapes in your home its best to keep the paraphernalia under lock and key.

It’s that time of year again, the evenings are getting shorter and as summer comes to a close our minds turn to preparing for autumn and winter! The BBQ is back in the shed, the central heating is firing again and the sound of coughing, sneezing and sniffling can be heard around homes across the UK!

If your little one arrives during the colder months or during the summer it's worthwhile thinking about your baby’s first flu or cold and how you might avoid it for as long as possible during your child’s first winter months.

After all, newborns don’t have the immune system to fend off viruses, bacteria and infections as adults do and will likely catch a flu virus much quicker and for much longer than grown  ups. Here is a list of do and don’ts to help you keep baby healthy during his or her early months!

Vaccinations

Vaccination gives you as the parent the power to protect your baby from even the most dangerous illnesses such as measles and hepatitis and is a powerful defence to give a child early on in life.  Vaccination from an early age could save your child’s life and is a must for all parents. There is a recommended time schedule to vaccination– and this is generally recommended to start at 2 months. It may seem quite early but infections can be picked up at any time and we can’t keep our little ones at home for ever! In the UK a child’s first round of vaccinations at 2 months includes a 5 in 1 vaccine via a single jab which protects against 5 different diseases including tetanus, whooping cough and haemophilia type b. Timing is very important  and we recommend viewing the NHS’s detailed list and information on the recommended vaccine schedule here .

The first 2 months

In the 2 months prior to vaccination it is recommended to avoid crowds as much as possible and public transport during this period should be avoided if at all possible too. Scientists from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine tested over 400 people in 2008. Out of the hundreds of people tested it found that in some cities across the UK up to and over 50% percent of people had faecal bacteria present on their hands! In colder months places such as airports, the tube and buses are a hotbed of flu viruses and bacterial infections. While this may seem a little bit like scare mongering, keep in mind that an infection or virus that may be barely noticeable for an adult, could be much more easily picked up and felt for much longer for an infant. Keeping your little ones exposure to situations like this at minimum is the best approach until they have had their vaccines.

Breast Feeding

Human breast milk provides all the nutrients your baby needs to be strong and healthy but also contains an incredible amount of immune boosting substances for your baby including antibodies and white blood cells. The presence of these substances in breast milk are natures defence against a broad range of infections and disease during breast feeding and long after.

While breast feeding with a cold will most likely result in passing it on to your child, the antibodies you produce to combat the infection will also be transferred to your child giving them the defence they need to fend of the cold or possible prevent the cold from developing at all.

Here at Babasafe UK we are great advocates of breast feeding and it's benefits and encourage all parents to breast feed for as long as possible as baby formula simply won’t give the kind of protection that can be given through your milk.

You’re the bouncer!

Yes we are talking crowd control! In the first 6 months, it’s often the case that many visitors arrive to see the little bundle of joy for the first time. As draconian as it may seem it’s important to screen those arriving at the house in these early stages to ensure that none of them are suffering from a flu or cold that could be passed on to your infant.

Younger children have a tendency to want to touch and cuddle newborns and as cute as it is, it’s probably best to prevent them from doing so in the early stages. After all the average child gets 5 to 8 colds a year particularly while in preschool and crèche.  While keeping everyone in check, try blaming it on your GP’s recommendations so you don’t seem overly protective!

Keep germs at bay

One of the most effective ways of preventing flu or other viruses is to keep your hands and commonly used areas as clean as possible. Keeping your hands and surfaces that you and your child come into contact with clean will greatly reduce the spread of viruses & bacteria.

• Buy a number of bottles of sanitizer to pop in your bag and have in the house for when visitors arrive. Hand sanitizers are as effective as washing your hands at killing germs and are really handy.
• Identify the “germ hot spots” around the house and even when you’re out. Use anti-bacterial wipes to wipe down door handles. Mobile phones, iPads and toys!
• Watch out when you visit the GP’s or paediatrician’s It’s tempting to flick through the magazines or allow children to play with toys in the waiting room! Most waiting rooms have sanitizers provided buy given the number of people arriving through a typical GP’s surgery with a flu or cold it's worthwhile being cautious.

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Take a look at these key considerations when planning ahead for your child’s balcony safety:

The balcony should be on lock down.

Regardless of the precautions you take on your balcony for your child, a balcony is not safe for unsupervised children. We recommend locking it down with at least 2 locks – the lock built into the balcony door counts as one and you can either have a second lock or latch fitted available from a DIY store, or if you have a sliding door you can take a look at our sliding window/door lock here which is very handy to install. If your balcony is regularly used by others living at your house it’s important to highlight the dangers to them as keeping it locked consistently may not always happen. Making it out of bounds for everyone is an option but if that’s not possible it might be worth considering an extra-large safety gate or room divider to section of the area completely as an added layer of security.

Is it climbable?

You would be amazed at the climbing skills of a toddler. If you’re in doubt about the ability of a young child to climb a balcony don’t be!  It's not wise to underestimate their skill or desire! While we don’t condone in any way allowing a child to do what the child in this video is doing, we thought it was an excellent example of how skillful a young child can be at climbing. You will gasp at the below video, afterwards take a look and read on at ways you can prevent your child from climbing the balcony:

Railings

There are lots of different shapes and sizes of balconies and each could present a different climbing hazard. What size is the gap between rails? If the gap is larger than 4 inches or you think your child could realistically fit through or try to fit through its probably a good idea to find a way to block the gap. Horizontal or crisscrossed bar balconies are as easy and as good as a climbing frame! Fit either Plexiglass or deck netting on the inside. Ensure none have a grip and be careful that deck netting is secured tight and well so that a tiny foot can’t mount the bars.

 Furniture & Toys

If you have table, chairs or any furniture on the deck or balcony we recommend removing it. Young children are little geniuses! It won’t be long before they put two and two together and realise that they can reach something high by dragging a table or chair over and climbing it.

There are two considerations about toys on the balcony a) can they be moved and used as a climbing step and b) can they be thrown off the balcony and land on a unsuspecting passerby outside? Keep this in mind when choosing the toys your child plays with on the deck or balcony.

 BBQ

While normally  not allowed in the UK in apartments, we still see people using BBQs on balconies and many people home their BBQs right on their decking. The burn hazard is obvious there and make sure your little one can get nowhere near it. The balcony or deck should be out of bounds if the BBQ is fired up and not secured. Our hearth & fire gate is extra sturdy, is large enough to house most BBQ’s or grill and can be folded up neatly in seconds when not in use check it out here

Travel

We have lost count of the number of times while abroad British tourists, both adults and children have been injured while falling off balconies. One of our staff members at the office here at Babasafe as a child managed to squeeze through a balcony rail on the 6^th floor of an apartment block while in Spain. They managed to walk across the front of the balcony, holding on to the rails and managed to access the neighbouring apartment! Luckily the story ended well - but extra caution is recommended while visiting abroad or on holidays. You will be relaxed and it’s not likely you will have the equipment or time to secure a balcony the same way as you would at home. You may consider contacting the hotel/apartment maintenance to see if they can offer help. Secure the furniture and toys so they cannot be climbed. Some of our baby safety accessories including window locks and multipurpose locks can be fitted, and easily removed without leaving a mark.

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