How to Childproof the Kitchen
When it comes to the kitchen, there are times when it is necessary
for the young ones to be present. However, the kitchen should never be
thought of as a room to play in. There are many potential risks in the
kitchen for children. Hot objects, sharp items and poisonous cleaners
are just a few to start with. The kitchen should hold no interest for
the little ones and, thus, they will not be as likely to wander off into
the room unsupervised.
 Cabinets are within easy reach of most toddlers. Even infants
crawling can find their way into a cabinet. The most preventive action
to take is to purchase cabinet locks. Do a quick crawl through and open
up the cabinets that baby can reach. What do you see? Cleaners, plastic
bags, heavy pots and pans, breakable and pet food and the list can go
on. Make a list of what is within baby’s reach. Next, write out a plan
of action. Re-organize the kitchen in a safe manner by putting the
dangerous items up high and, if you cannot get the safety locks on the
cabinets right away, sometimes a rubber band will suffice until little
hands can reach it, too. By then, you should have your store bought
locks in place.
There are some, much to most everyone’s surprise, cooking ingredients
that can be dangerous to a young child in large quantities. Salt, being
the common item in every ones kitchen, poses a threat because of the
iodine content. Babies under 1 year old should not ingest honey, as they
cannot process it properly and can become quite ill. Vanilla and cooking
wine, along with salt and honey, should be put up high. Don’t overlook
herbs. Store them properly to keep them away from your baby. When it
comes to cooking and using your stove, begin using the back burners and
turn the handles on the pots and pans inward. Allowing your toddler to
hang onto your pant leg while you cook may be endearing buts it is not
safe. If having the child with you is the only way to do your chores,
then make good use of the highchair and secure your child in it as you
cook and work in the kitchen. Once again, this is a teaching moment. Use
as such to teach about heat, its uses and dangers. As your toddler grows
older and realizes the kitchen holds nice treats, you may want to
install a child’s safety gate on the doorway into the kitchen.
 Always
unplug appliances and push back from the counter. Get in the habit of
clearing the counters, not leaving anything tempting out for baby to
pull down on themselves. It is the simple things that cannot be
overlooked that can cause injury in the kitchen and, though concessions
must be made due to each unique situation, when it comes to the kitchen,
being vigilant is the best way of keeping baby safe and happy. Then your
peace of mind can remain firmly intact.
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