BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Childproof a Kitchen

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (5 Ratings)

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.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

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

Step1

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

Step2

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

Step3

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

Step4

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

Step5

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

Step6

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

Step7

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

Step8

Keep stools and chairs away from counters and stoves.

Step9

Be sure to keep alcohol locked away from children.

Step10

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

Step11

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

Step12

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.

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Comments

Anonymous said

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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.

Anonymous said

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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.