How to Make Your Kitchen Safe for Babies

The kitchen can be a dangerous place for children. Here are some tips to make your kitchen safe for babies.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If possible, keep your baby out of the kitchen! If he must be in the kitchen with you, always keep your eye on him and consider securing him in a high chair.

2. Equip kitchen cabinet doors and drawers with childproof locks. These products are easy to install and can be found at home improvement stores and department stores for cheap!

3. Remove all cleansers and chemicals from lower cabinets that can be accessed by the baby. Even if the cabinets have childproof locks they still pose a danger.

4. Ensure that no cords are allowed to dangle from counter tops. A small tug on these cords could result in serious injury or death to your baby. Many children have received serious burns when they pulled off appliances such as coffee pots, deep fryers, crock pots, and the like.

5. Sharp kitchen items such as knives and scissors should be kept separate from "safe" utensils. Also secure knives and scissors in a drawer with a childproof lock.

6. Look for stoves/ovens that are well insulated to protect your baby from burns that could occur from touching the oven door. Also, be sure to NEVER leave the oven door ajar.

7. Pot handles should be turned toward the back of the stove. This will help prevent your child from reaching up and pulling the hot pot off onto himself. Always make sure your child is out of the way when you must walk with a hot pot of water, hot cup of coffee, etc.

8. Dials for gas stoves should be firmly turned to the off position. If possible, remove the knobs when you are not cooking. Or, look for childproof locks that can be placed on the knobs.

9. Matches should be kept up...out of sight and reach from your child.

10. Never offer your baby liquid (including formula) or food that has been warmed in the microwave. Microwaves do not heat evenly producing hot spots which can lead to the burning of your baby's mouth.

11. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it!!!

Tips & Warnings

• NEVER leave your baby unattended in the kitchen.

[Dino1353]

on 4/10/2009 How to Make Your Kitchen Safe for Babies A very important subject and great article. 5*