Kitchen Safety for Young Kids

The kitchen is a fascinating place for children.  Aside from the many interesting gadgets to play with, it is a great place for them to mimic adult behaviors. But because kitchens are loaded with hazards, they can be dangerous playgrounds for children.  The natural curiosity of infants and toddlers puts them at risk for poisonings, burns, cuts, and falls.  Keep your kitchen safe for younger children by preventing them from being hurt by any number of hazards.

Work Area Safety
When there is an infant in the house, accomplishing anything in the kitchen is a challenge.  While personal carriers and baby slings are a great way to manage a young child, these devices should never be used when working in the kitchen.  Instead, infants should be safely confined in a high chair or playpen.  If your child is restrained in an infant seat, place it within sight on the floor; active babies can easily slide these seats across surfaces and may tumble off the table or countertop.

Kitchen Toxins
Cleaners and household chemicals are often stored in the kitchen for convenience.  Most of these are highly toxic, and sometimes fatal, to children.  Store cleaners well out of reach -- in a cabinet over the stove, for example.  Whenever possible, substitute a non-toxic alternative for a cleaning product.  Vinegar and baking soda, for example, are safe options.

Burn Prevention
The kitchen is loaded with hazards that can burn your skin.  Since most young children love to 'help' to cook, it is especially important to safeguard against burns. 

Teach toddlers the meaning of the word 'hot' early on. It even makes sense to use this word for infants.  Young children that don't speak or talk will react to your tone of voice.  Eventually the word will have meaning for them.  If you can't reach your child in time, hearing  'no, hot' can be enough to stop them.

You can keep your child from burning him or herself by modifying your kitchen.  Pot handles should always face inward, whether the pots are empty or full.  Cookies, potholders, paper towels, and cooking items should be stored away from the stove. 

Tablecloths should not be used on your tables until children are well past their toddler years; otherwise, the child can accidentally grab the fabric and pull food or utensils on top of him or herself.  You should place hot items towards the center of the table, out of the reach of children.

Appliance Safety
Appliances must be locked to prevent your child from using them without your supervision.  Try some of the following safety tips and modifications:

• Fit downward-swinging oven doors with safety latches

• Place knob covers over gas stove controls

• Adapt oven door guards for your dishwasher door

• Keep dishwasher cups free of cleaner

• Install Velcro-secured refrigerator door straps

• Keep appliance cords away from the edge of countertops

• Keep appliances unplugged and disconnected

With a few adjustments, kitchens can be safe for children without being a hassle to you