The kitchen poses many dangers to your child, including poisonous materials, choking hazards, and hot surfaces. It is best to minimize the amount of time your child spends in the kitchen, but following these tips can also help prevent potential accidents.
- Cabinets and drawers contain many hazards. Be sure to lock all cabinets and drawers to keep your child away from the contents. Also move all cleaning supplies to a locked closet or a cabinet out of your child's reach.
- Spices and seasonings can be dangerous. Be sure to keep these items in a locked cabinet or drawer.
- Store knives and other sharp tools, such as food-processor blades, in latched drawers or high cabinets. Peelers, graters, and other kitchen utensils can also be sharp and should be treated just like knives.
- Ovens and stoves can burn your child. Use the back burners of your stove and remember to turn pot and pan handles in away from the edge of the stove. Reinforce with your toddler that the oven is hot and not to be touched. When not in use, keep your oven and stove knobs locked.
- Keep appliances such as refrigerator, dishwasher, and garbage disposal locked with appliance latches or cabinet locks to prevent your child from accessing sharp or breakable objects as well as choking hazards.
- Move the toaster, coffeemaker, and all other electrical appliances out of your child’s reach. Unplug them and hide the cords when they’re not in use.
- It can be very difficult to watch your baby and cook at the same time, but a play yard placed nearby will allow your baby to watch the action without getting underfoot.
