CHILDPROOFING KITCHEN

The kitchen is another one of those areas that many parents choose to make a no-baby zone, and for good reason.  If you do choose to give your baby access to this room, it is important to supervise their activities.  Many a parent has been caught up in meal preparation or dish washing, and failed to watch their toddler.

The stove is one of the most dangerous items in this room and should be watched at all times.  Here are a few more tips to get you started:

• Watch the stove at all times.  Turn pot and pan handles towards the back of the stove to prevent possible spills.  Whenever possible use the back burners when cooking.  A stove guard can help prevent your baby from burning themselves on the burners.  If your toddler can reach the stove knobs- try installing ones that they are unable to operate.  Proper teaching is also critical.  Teach your baby what “HOT” means and teach them to stay away from the stove and oven.
•  The oven should also be watched at all times.  Appliance locks can be purchased to keep this area secure.  The key is to find one that is heat resistant and durable.  Older ovens tend to radiate heat from the front panel, so consider upgrading to a newer “cool to the touch” model.
• Appliance locks.  You will want to install locks/latches on all appliances.  This includes stove, fridge, and dishwasher.  Only open these appliances when loading or unloading items.  Never leave them open.
• Cabinet locks.  These are the same type that you installed in the bathroom.  Many parents choose to have one safe cabinet that baby can explore.  Fill this cabinet with plastic and unbreakable items.  Your baby may practice their musical talent with a Tupperware drum set!  Chemicals should be stored in a locked cabinet away from prying hands.
• Trash.  Keep a lid on the trash can at all times, or better yet keep it in a locked cabinet.
• Be mindful of small appliances.  Your toddler can easily pull the cords and face electrocution.  Keep toasters, coffee makers, phones, and microwave cords out of reach. Cord shorteners are also available to keep them out of babies reach.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Plastic kitchen bags and trash bags are one of the most dangerous things you can have in your home.  Keep these up high and out of babies reach. 

• Install magnetic child safety locks (Tot Loks) on all accessible drawers and cabinets that
  contain toxic items (i.e. cleaning supplies, alcohol, vitamins, plastic bags, etc.)

• Gate off kitchen area.

• Keep child in high chair or pack and play during meal preparation.

• Latch all other drawers and cabinets. We recommend babyproofing for safety first and
  foremost, however it’s also a matter of convenience. If you choose, keep one cupboard
  with Tupperware lids unlocked for child to access but be sure they can not use this open
  cabinet or drawer as a step to climb up onto counter. Your child may not be able to reach
  certain drawers now but he surely will in no time.

• Never let child play with pots or pans as it sends the wrong message to child that these
  are toys. When child sees the same pots/pan on stove top he will want to grab his
  familiar “toy.”

• Consider latching all appliances child can access like the refrigerator, dishwasher, trash
  compactor, dumbwaiter and oven.

• Keep all appliances on counter unplugged and hide electrical cords.

• Do not hang dish towels on oven door as baby can pull towel and bring the door down
  into the bridge of his nose.

• Use back burners on stove and install stove guard and knob covers if child has access to
  them.

• Do not use small or breakable refrigerator magnets as they are choking hazards.

• Beware of leaving knives, scissors, coffee mug, etc. out on counter as child will grab at
  whatever they can get a handle on from their vantage.

Here are the items that you should buy for child proofing purposes: