DIY: Childproofing Electric Baseboard Heaters

Childproofing electric baseboard heaters is an essential step in getting ready to welcome a baby into your home. These heaters have vents that can attract small fingers, causing cuts or burns if the child is not caught in time. To childproof electric baseboard heaters, you will need to purchase a special cover that locks over the electric baseboard heater. These covers prevent children from sticking their fingers into the heater and onto the hot surface, but still allow the baseboard heater to function properly.

Step 1: Measure the existing electric baseboard heaters. Note not only the length of each unit, but also the depth and height. Also useful is noting the maximum acceptable length of a potential cover: you may find that you would like a childproofing cover that extends beyond the actual heater so the cover will be centered underneath a window, or not end at an awkward spot.

Step 2: Take these measurements to your local home improvement center. There should be several styles of electric baseboard heater covers that are suitable for childproofing the home.

TIP: If the local home improvement center doesn't have what you are looking for, don't be afraid to look online. Electric baseboard heater covers are available in wood and decorative metal, with styles that would suit almost any interior design scheme.

Step 3: Attach the electric baseboard covers over the heater. Many metal decorative covers arrive preformed and simply snap into place over the existing heater. This type of decorative cover works by creating another metal barrier around the surface of the electric baseboard heater. Therefore, the cover gets less hot.

Wood electric baseboard covers often require minimal assembly. Once you have assembled them to the manufacturer's specifications, you often must also attach them to wall with plastic wall anchors. This will ensure that a child will not be able to topple these childproofing covers and touch the heater below.