How to baby-proof a recessed convection radiator?

JodiMe

Anyone out there have any experience baby proofing recessed convection steam radiators? We have a den that we want to turn into a playroom for our 6-month old who will be mobile soon and a sizable recessed radiator, similar to the attached photo. We thought about using a fireplace screen, but I'd prefer something more permanent that won't chance tipping over.

willasdad

I just logged back on to ask a similar question! Commonly found in older homes, radiators would have wooden covers built around them. Think a book case, but instead of shelves there would be a decorative mesh covering the front. In your/our case, you would want to secure the the cover to the wall. I have the same question about CAst iron baseboard? Am I to assume the answer is nearly the same? Anybody seen anything new out there for us child proofing dads?

JodiMe

*Child proofing mom, here!

But yeah. I was thinking of framing a screen with moulding and then maybe hinging it to the wall? Was curious if anyone else had tips before I do trial and error. We certainly can't be the only people w/ recessed radiators in our old homes.

KC_Jones

I'm not going to tell you what to do, but will tell you my opinion. I have free standing cast iron radiators on steam. The worst thing that happened to any of my three children from them is my oldest tripping and pounding his head into one at 2 years old.

Teach them from the very beginning to not touch and they won't. The autonomic nervous system will pull the body part back long before there is any danger of burning, now if your child has some sort of nervous system dysfunction that would be a different story.

JodiMe

Yeah, that was one of my thoughts, too. Thanks for the vote of confidence. Sometimes I think we don't give our kids enough credit!

1Matthias

KC_Jones said:

I'm not going to tell you what to do, but will tell you my opinion. I have free standing cast iron radiators on steam. The worst thing that happened to any of my three children from them is my oldest tripping and pounding his head into one at 2 years old.

Teach them from the very beginning to not touch and they won't. The autonomic nervous system will pull the body part back long before there is any danger of burning, now if your child has some sort of nervous system dysfunction that would be a different story.

I grew up in an old house with steam. (Still live there!) I learned the first time I tried it to never touch any piping or radiators while they were hot.

Steve Minnich

I agree with @KC_Jones. My oldest daughter and son-in-law bought a 100 year old home with 100 year old radiators and my granddaughter touched one of them, once. That was it. Game over. She keeps her distance now.

Jamie Hall

Much better the little ones should learn this sort of thing when they are young and learn fast -- rather than when they are teens and think they are invulnerable and immortal...

EBEBRATT-Ed

I agree with the other posters. Overprotect and they never grow up. They are smart and will learn. No one wants a child hurt.