Your kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in your home. It’s where you cook for your family, which takes time, and while you’re in there, it’s only natural that your child will want to be there with you. So, you need to find a way to keep them safe. Here are some ways you can childproof your kitchen.
The cabinets
Apart from the danger of shutting the cabinet doors on their tiny, delicate fingers, your cabinets contain many things that can be harmful to your child. Even the simple, everyday things can hurt them.
For example, they can inhale or swallow smaller objects, like bottle caps or bits of aluminum foil; they can seriously hurt themselves with metal dishes, as well as with sharp objects, such as knives or graters. Luckily, there are several options for child-proofing your cabinets. You can get magnetic cabinet locks, which are very easy to use.
You just need to install them inside your cabinets and the only way to open them will be with a magnetic key. Pull-cord cabinet locks are another option.
They don’t have to be installed and you can use them very simply, even with only one hand. And if you need a quick solution, you can always use a rubber band to tie the cabinet door knobs together. Use corner guards and drawer locks for extra safety.
Be extra careful with appliances
Don’t let your child anywhere near the oven, microwave, the toaster or any other kitchen appliance that your child can switch on. Keep the oven door closed using anti-tip brackets and use stove covers to prevent your child from turning the stove knobs. When you’re not using your kitchen appliances, unplug them, keep the cords hidden and cover the outlets.
Never leave your child in the kitchen if your oven is still hot, keep any cups or pots containing hot food or drink well out of your child’s reach and never turn saucepan handles towards the front of your stove when cooking. Don’t hold your child in one hand while stirring your hot dish or using a knife with your other hand.
Keep hazardous products out of reach
You need to be very careful about what your child can get their hands on. For example, the lovely magnets on your fridge can be swallowed and cause a serious injury. Other than magnets, your child could also try putting your cleaning products in their mouths. So, keep them somewhere your child can’t reach them, and make sure that the things that are available to your child are clean and safe.
For example, depending on your child’s age, you can allow them to play with some bigger plastic dishes, that can’t hurt them. Mind you, your child might still try to put them in their mouth, so keep those dishes hygienic and spotless.
The best way to do that is to wash them at high temperatures in a dishwasher, such as the fully integrated ones from Electrolux, so that you don’t have to worry if your child is licking or chewing on something less than clean. Also, keep your salt, flour, and spices on higher shelves, away from your child.
Keep your eyes open
No amount of child-proofing is a substitute for parental monitoring, so always be present when your child is in the kitchen.
You can even install a safety gate at the entrance to the kitchen so that they can’t go in unless you let them. However, if they are in the kitchen with you, place them in a high chair or a playpen. Pay attention to tablecloths, since their corners can be tempting and your little one might try tugging them, so never leave heavy or hot dishes on your tablecloths, but rather use placemats.
Although the best way to keep your children safe in the kitchen is by keeping them out of it in the first place, this isn’t always an easy task. And if they follow you into the kitchen, the best safety measure you can rely on is yourself. So, stay alert and enjoy the time you spend with your little one.
image credit: pixabay.com
Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in topics related to marketing and business technology. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
