Baby Proofing Electric Heat baseboards?

Question

Hello,

My son is crawling all over the place.  He has a playroom which is all for him to crawl around and play.  The only "unsafe" thing is the baseboard to the heater.  I have electric heat, so It's not the "vent" type.  They get very hot when the heat is on.  I can't cover them with a pillow or anything b/c of a fire risk, which is what I do when the heat is off b/c they are metal and have a sharp corner.  Leaving the heat off isn't an option b/c it's a converted garage and isn't insulated very well, so the room gets very cold with the heat off.  I tell him "no" when he goes near it or trys to touch it, but then he thinks it's a game and keeps going back to it.  Any suggestions for making my baseboard heat safer?

Sara P · Accepted Answer

Maybe you could build a sort of "cage" around it using metal grid, and attach it to the wall/floor around the heater. That way he couldn't touch it, but the air would still circulate freely. You'd need to be careful with the material to make sure it has smooth edges and holes of the an appropriate size (so he can't get his hand through). Also, the walls of the cage need to be far enough from the heater that the cage itself doesn't get hot enough to burn him. I would be surprised if someone hasn't already thought of this--I wonder if any are available at a hardware store or to order online...

RB · Answer

If the room isn't too big, maybe you could get the baby gates that fold multiple ways (you can make a circle "pen", or block a large doorway with them) and put that in front of the baseboard. That way he couldn't get to it, but the heat would still be able to run normally.

Maybe something like this:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266978&fromWidget=TRU%3ACategory%3ATop+Sellers

This one is a pet website, but most all the gates are the same for children or pets:
http://www.ryanspet.com/productInfo.aspx?itemNo=CAR1510HPW

It wouldn't necessarily have to be tall, just enough that he couldn't get over it.  You may be able to find cheaper gates somewhere else, those were just examples of what I was suggesting.

Anonymous · Answer

You can buy covers for them they are usually made out of wood etc, they bolt into the wall and completely cover the baseboard, yet are open to allow air flow.  You could even make them easily.  All daycares etc in Canada have them and my parents just put them in their home as my son is walking and climbing now.  Google it I'm sure you can find pics, if not let me know I can send some.

threenorns · Answer

seriously, disconnect it and install a heater up on the ceiling, one of those infrared jobs - they're far more economical than baseboards.

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Baby Proofing Electric Heat baseboards?

4 Answers