The kitchen is usually the hub of the home. Family gatherings, homework at the counter, science experiments, and lots of creative meals, but to a toddler, all they see are shiny sparkly things that they want to touch and play with. Here are a few tips to keep your little one safe in and around the kitchen.
1. Plug ALL electrical sockets with safety caps. Outlets throughout the kitchen that are near a water source should have GFCI, ground fault circuit interrupters, which protect against electrocution if an electrical appliance gets wet. (If you live in an older home that may not be "up to code," have an electrician inspect your circuit breaker panel.)
2. Blinds: Cords should be raised beyond child’s reach.
3. Trash cans (ALL) should have lids
4. Knives should be stored in a locked drawer when not in use. They should not be left close to the edge of the counter when in use.
5. Knobs on stove should be out of children’s reach. If this is not possible, remove knobs and replace them only when stove is in use.
6. Pots should be placed on the rear burner of the stove while cooking. If front burners must be used turn handles towards the rear of the stove.
7. Keep children away from the cooking area of the kitchen while food is being prepared. This includes babies on hips. Food splatters or boils over, and children are curious and want to touch.
8. Walkers — devices with wheeled frames and suspended seats that allow babies to move around using their feet — are a big no-no nowadays. Health experts strongly discourage the use of walkers. While in walkers, babies can roll into hot stoves, heaters, and pools. They also can fall over objects or down a flight of stairs.
9. Use safety locks that are built in on microwaves and refrigerators with ice and water dispensers on the door.
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