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25 Ways to keep your child safe in the kitchen

Children are naturally curious creatures and from the minute they are able to move they will begin to grab for anything and everything that interests them!

Your kitchen is already full of all manner of risky items which are bound to trigger the curiosity of any inquisitive child. Combine this with the fact that the kitchen is the main place in most households where you likely to be fairly busy and probably more than a little distracted, then its little wonder that this room is the location where most household accidents take place.

To help you to remain vigilant we have put together a few tips to keep your kitchen childproof and your little ones safe:

  1. Install childproof locks on your cabinets, drawers, oven and dishwasher.
  2. All chairs and stools need to be kept well away from the stove or countertops.
  3. When you are cooking make sure that all pan handles on the stove are positioned to the rear and preferably on the back burners.
  4. Be vigilant when boiling liquids. They can quickly boil over and scald a child.
  5. Hot fat should always be watched carefully to avoid it setting on Even small amounts of hot fat can spit and burn.
  6. Never leave hob rings on and unattended and keep tea towels etc. well away from hot hob rings.
  7. Children should be kept away from the oven when it is on, either in a highchair or playpen.
  8. Your child’s highchair should be placed away from potential hazards and have a secure harness which fits well to avoid them trying to climb out. If you place them in a playpen make sure that they are unable to climb out.
  9. All matches and lighters should be stored in a locked drawer.
  10. Burning candles can be a hazard for children to burn themselves on or start an accidental fire.
  11. Keep all sharp objects (knives etc.) in a drawer with a childproof latch.
  12. Glass objects such as glassware should be kept in a wall mounted cupboard.
  13. Keep foil, Plastic wrap and waxed paper dispensers out of reach because they have a sharp serrated edge which could cause a nasty cut.
  14. Plastic bags should be disposed of carefully to avoid a potential suffocation.
  15. All appliances should be unplugged when not in use and all cords must be kept out of reach. Dangling wires could be used to pull a heavy object onto your child’s head and could also become wrapped around a child’s neck.
  16. Keep electrical items away from the sink even if your child is older. Accidentally dropping a live item into water will cause electrocution.
  17. Use safety covers on lower power outlets and avoid plugging in items which your child could reach.
  18. Pay particular attention to the lock on cabinets which contain cleaning supplies and chemicals.
  19. The kitchen bin could contain all manner of hazards (empty sharp cans, plastics etc.) and should have a locked lid or be kept in a locked cabinet or in a high place.
  20. Spices can be a choking hazard if inhaled by a small child and some are actually toxic in large amounts.
  21. Any bottles of alcohol should be stored out of reach of children.
  22. Small refrigerator magnets can be a choking hazard and are best avoided with young children because they easily dislodge.
  23. Kitchen tablecloths can be pulled by small fingers. Never leave hot or heavy items, including hot drinks, on the table if your child is able to reach and pull the cloth.
  24. The sharp edges of tables and counters can pose a hazard to a child’s head, face and particularly eyes.
  25. Slippery floor surfaces can be dangerous particularly if they get wet. Rugs can also slide and cause a potential hazard.

Along with all these simple safety precautions, you should also make sure that you fit a smoke alarm and check that it is working regularly – and also have a working fire extinguisher and blanket close to hand just in case they are required in an emergency.

May 11, 2018

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