Kid proofing your listening space is not terribly different that pet proofing your listening area. Fact of life ... speakers on stands will get tipped over. Your child or pet, for that matter could get injured and you would blame yourself forever ... so why go there?
Two of my systems utilize bookshelf speakers. I place them on shelves inside of bookcases. Not perfect, but perfectly acceptable. The give-up in audiophile niceties such as soundstage is more than made up for by the peace of mind that my pets can not accidentally hurt themselves.
In shopping for speakers, I look for sealed box or front ported designs. There are some rear ported designs that sound perfectly fine near the rear wall. You can always plug the rear ports with foam. When wall mounting speakers, just don't wall mount the speakers smack against the wall, but rather use wall mounters that allow for a little space for a rear port to breathe. If the bass sounds smeared, stuff the port. Also take some care in tacking the speaker cable.
You'll be fine, the speakers will sound pleasing, your child will be safe ... no brainer.
Best regards,
Rich
