For those of us with the ultimate DIY projects running around (that’d be kids), sometimes it’s hard to figure out the best way to make your home safe while encouraging curiosity and healthy boundaries for your littles. While there are plenty of theories on how much baby and childproofing a family should or shouldn’t do, universally there are some basics, such as hot surfaces, staircases, and fireplaces that need addressed regardless of your safety philosophies.
We saw this idea on Ohdeedoh a little while back and thought it was an interesting and creative childproofing solution.
The idea was this — the family had a non-functioning gas fireplace and a precocious toddler. They started off with a baby pen wrapped around the hearth, taking up a great deal of play space and not exactly looking that attractive.
Since the fireplace needed repair (and anyone around a toddler and a fireplace will know the extreme anxiety the combination can create), they looked for a solution to streamline their living space with a more kid-friendly surface that protected their child without stifling his curiosity. They bought some plywood, industrial strength magnets and screws, and magnetic and chalkboard paint. They alternated coats of magnetic and chalkboard paint on the plywood, then used the magnets and screws to securely attach it to the fireplace surround.
Now they have an interesting play surface for their toddler that encourages learning and creativity while protecting him from the dangers of a non-functioning fireplace. The family intends to get the fireplace repaired once their child is older, which will address any damage possibly caused by this project.
We think this is awesome, and to be honest, kinda ballsy in the best way. We especially love that this is childproofing stylishly achieved while also incorporating the kids into the family’s decor — a feat not easily achieved in most homes.
We want to hear your creative childproofing solutions as well as your opinions on this magnetic chalkboard fireplace cover, so tell us all about it in the comments!
Photo via pinkgreenandzebra.blogspot.com
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