How to Childproof a Kitchen

Because parents spend so much time in the kitchen, small children will want to be there with them. To keep your little one safe, take the following steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety Gates
• Antibacterial Soaps
• Meat Thermometers
• Safety Cabinet Latches
• Corner Guards
• Cord Covers
• Drawer Latches
• Outlet Covers

1. Store matches, lighters, sharp utensils and household cleaners in a cabinet accessible only to adults.

2. Put child-safety latches on all lower-level cabinets.

3. Unplug appliances when not in use and keep cords out of reach of children.

4. Never pour hot liquid near a child and never leave hot drinks within reach.

5. Use the back burners of the stove and turn pot handles toward the back.

6. Purchase safety features that secure free-standing ovens to the wall.

7. Watch out for tablecloths - since small children enjoy pulling on the cloth, glasses and plates can fall off.

8. Keep stools and chairs away from counters and stoves.

9. Be sure to keep alcohol locked away from children.

10. Cook meat, eggs, poultry and shellfish thoroughly to prevent food poisoning.

11. Always wash your hands with soap after handling meat or poultry.

12. Use a child-safety gate, if possible, in the doorway to keep children out of the kitchen completely when you are in another room.

Tips & Warnings

• Since children enjoy "helping" in the kitchen, give them large plastic containers and wooden spoons to play with while you're cooking.
• Let children help you with simple, safe tasks such as putting cookie dough on pans.
• Many kitchen accidents occur within seconds. It's best to keep small children out of the kitchen completely.

on 2/12/2007 While honey is safe for adults and most children to consume, it contains small amounts of *Botulinum clostridium* (the microbe that causes botulism) that can be harmful or lethal to a toddler or infant. Don't feed honey to a child under 24 months, and keep your honey pots away from their curious grasp too.

on 11/22/2005 Keep kid safe toys..like plastic bowls and sippy cups in a drawer they can access. This way they will have a place to play in the kitchen while you prepare meals.