Fireplaces and newborn

[Almondbiscotti]

Hi
Just wondered what your thoughts are about fireplaces and children.

Weve ripped the old one out and dont know whether to plaster and make it a decorative spot for flowers/keep clean or to brave putting a wood burning stove with a fireguard of course.

Not keen on fake electric or gas fireplaces.

What have you all done with your fireplaces?

Thanks!

Wood burner and massive fire guard. So cosy!

We have a wood burner, a 3yo and a 7mo. It's not in the main living room so it's not an immediate danger. We use a playpen around it and supervise the toddler when he's in the same room as it.

We took ours out totally. Capped the gas and plastered the wall. Lots of extra space for sofa/chair/toys. Family members have fires and the biggest hassle is stopping DS2, 1, walking off with the coals.

I plastered mine I don't like fires and fireplaces

We have wood burners. Stating the obvious, but they're only a risk when they're lit, so you could always save lighting it until after DC's bedtime if you're worried, assuming you've got central heating too.
Don't get the fake ones : they're the preserve of the over 70s. And a fake electric / gas one would be just as much of a risk.

Wood burner and big fire guard, plus extra caution when toddler is about. It's so lovely and cosy, it's worth it. I remember loving out fire when I was s child, too - a lovely film and marshmallows melted on the fire for a cosy family night in. Can't wait to do that with my two when they're bigger.

As Nenny says, we tend to light it mainly after the toddler's in bed. When we swap the marshmallows for red wine! Just lush.

We have a fireplace in one room and woodburner in the other. We don't use either until DC is in bed. We only burn logs and don't have any in them in the daytime. We use a fireguard around the fireplace to stop him touching any ash etc.