"Hearth" baby gate vs. regular gate

[Mammabruski]

I've tried looking everywhere for some info about the difference between gates that go around a fireplace and plain old regular gates, so I thought I'd tap the infinite resource of Intercot. We have a gas stove fireplace and a one year old DD. We haven't turned on the stove since she's been mobile, but would like to. We have a great metal painted gate that bends and blocks the entrance to our stairway and I'm wondering if we could use something similar to block the fireplace. Is there a special coating on a "Hearth" gate (like from Kidco) that makes it safer than a plain old regular (cheaper) painted metal gate?

[murphy1]

We have three kids and have never blocked off the fireplace. But if you want to, definitely make sure it is something that can't tip over on her if it's not attached, that should work fine.

[BrerGnat]

I think the concern may be that the gate might get too hot and be a burn hazard if touched. Perhaps the "special" gates are heat resistant?

Honestly, we don't have a fireplace, but my two kids (almost 2 and 3.5) are TERRIFIED of fires. Whenever we see one, like some restaurants have outside in a pit, they are freaked out by it! I suppose that is a good reaction, but keep in mind your baby may be scared by it (and, really, you don't want your baby being "comfortable" around fire too early in life). I'd maybe hold off on turning the fireplace on, except maybe after the baby is asleep.

[MicMouse]

Here's an idea - how about getting a Super Yard gate. Its the one that creates a "corral" in the shape of an octagon when its linked together. You can stretch it out pretty far with its not in its octagon shape, so maybe you can put a nice border around your FP with that.

[MsMin]

I'm not sure what your "stove fireplace" looks like but it does sound like there is greater risk of burn if there is exposed hot metal and no open flame.
I've looked at kiddie corrals for the pups and My question would be does it take more space? We have gates up all around the house to contain puppies but I would be concerned about the distance needed to reduce the heat on a metal gate.
I am familiar w/ federal regulations w/ children's clothing e.g. flammability (how long it comes in contact w/ the flame before it ignites) on a child's garment is longer than an adults garment.
I know they are very strict so I imagine that there are features to protect the child from burns that supersede a regular gate.
Is there a great difference in price or did you want to use the gate you have? I'm sure some protection is better than none and the greater the distance from the hottest point the better.
Good luck with it. We don't have that problem around here too much.