Kitchens are full of hazards for babies and young children. These rooms contain poisonous substances, like cleaning products, and dangerous materials, like knives and glass, as well as the potential for burns from hot food and liquids. Read our tips below to learn more about how to keep your baby safe in the kitchen!
Burn Prevention
Monitor children closely when they are in the kitchen with you.
- Never hold or wear your baby in an infant carrier when cooking.
- Make sure you let hot liquids and food cool before giving them to your child.
- Before removing anything from the oven, microwave or off of the stove, make sure that your child is not standing too close.
- Make sure all pots and pan handles are turned inward to avoid a toddler reaching up and grabbing the handle.
- An infant’s highchair should not be within reach of the stove or any other hot items.
Poison Prevention
All poisonous or toxic chemicals should be locked up or placed out of reach of children.
- Remember to clean out all bottles that contain chemicals or poisonous substances before discarding them.
- Medication Safety: Read more here.
Fire Prevention
- Install smoke detectors on every level of your home.
- Stay focused in the kitchen and limit any distractions while cooking.
- Do not leave a hot stove or oven unattended.
- Keep anything flammable (towels and chemicals) away from the stove.
- Have a fire extinguisher in the room, know how it works, and replace it when necessary.
Babyproofing Your Kitchen
- Install childproof locks on all cabinets that may contain harmful products.
- Keep all glassware, silverware, and appliance wires out of the reach of children.
- Childproof your stove with covers that prevent the child from turning the knobs.
- Small or ornate magnets that may fall off and break should be removed from the front of the refrigerator to prevent choking.
- Plastic bags or wraps should be discarded or stored properly to avoid suffocation.