Important Steps to Take to Baby-Proof Your Kitchen
Bringing home a new little one is an exciting and joyful time. However, babies grow and start to walk around exploring all the facets of your home. It is your sole responsibility to keep them safe. One area to prioritize baby-proofing is the most hazardous area – the kitchen. It is filled with all types of hazardous areas and objects that you want to keep away from your little explorer. Below is a guide to help you identify specific areas of your kitchen to ensure your baby’s safety.
Locking Your Cabinets and Drawers
Childproof Locks
Cabinets and drawers are a treasure trove of dangers for curious little ones. Therefore, you want to put locks on anything that can open.
Locks that are Magnetic
Magnetic locks are more difficult to install but they are hidden from view to keep the aesthetics of your home. They are installed inside drawers and cabinets and require a magnetic key to open.
Locks with Adhesive
Adhesive locks are easier for your little one to remove as they are placed on the outside of the doors. If you have a smart baby, you might want to consider the magnetic locks so they cannot be taken off without you knowing.
Reorganize
It is important to store dangerous items such as cleaning supplies, sharp objects, and heavy pots in high cabinets so your little one cannot reach them. Reorganize your kitchen to keep everyday items in lower cabinets.
Electrical Safety
Babies love to explore and poke their tiny fingers into anything, including electrical outlets. Install outlet covers throughout your kitchen to prevent electrical shocks.
Appliance Safety
If you have small appliances that you usually keep plugged in, once your child starts walking, you may want to consider unplugging them when you are not using them. Consider installing appliance locks to keep little fingers from turning on devices.
Stove and Oven Safety
Knob Covers
Most toddlers find knobs fascinating. For added safety add covers to the burner knobs and look for covers that can only be removed by pressing and turning.
Oven Locks
An oven door lock can prevent your child from opening the oven and accidentally burning themselves. When cooking make sure to always turn the pot handles around so your child cannot reach them and pull them off.
Heat-Resistant Guards
Children put their little hands everywhere and if they can reach your stove, it is extremely important that you baby-proof this area. When it comes to your stove, it’s important to ensure that your little explorer cannot reach it. Make it very difficult for them to get to it and have heat-resistant guards if they can reach it.
Install Safety Gates
Safety gates are a very effective way to prevent your little one from entering the kitchen. This can be especially helpful if you have a kitchen-diner layout or an open-plan home. Ensure the gate is sturdy and cannot be easily pushed over.
Floor Safety
Non-Slip Rugs and Mats
Kitchens are often messy, with spills happening frequently. You should non-slip mats in generally high-traffic areas to prevent any trips or falls. Ensure they are securely in place and regularly check for wear and tear.
Food Storage
Choke Hazards
Small food items like grapes, nuts, and candy are choking hazards. Store these items out of reach and always supervise your child during mealtimes.
Refrigerator Locks
Refrigerators can cause a mess and be harmful if your little explorer gets inside. You want to make sure to install a refrigerator lock to keep your child from opening the fridge and accessing potentially harmful items or making a mess.
Cleaning Supplies
Secure Storage
Cleaning supplies contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous if ingested or touched. Store all cleaning supplies in upper cabinets or locked cabinets that your child cannot access.
Eco-Friendly Products
Consider switching to eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products. Although this doesn't eliminate the need to store them securely, it does reduce the risk if an accident occurs.
Dining Area
Highchair Safety
Ensure your child’s highchair has a secure harness and is always used properly. Avoid placing the highchair near the counter or stove where they might reach hazardous areas.
Table Corner Guards
Install corner guards on dining tables to prevent injury if your child falls or bumps into sharp edges. These are especially useful once your child starts to walk and is at eye level with table edges.
Small Appliances and Cords
Loose wires and cords can be a tripping hazard and also entice babies to pull on them, potentially bringing down heavy appliances. Use cord shorteners or concealers to manage and hide these cords.
Slow Cooker and Coffee Maker Safety
Keep appliances like slow cookers and coffee makers pushed to the back of the counter, and ensure cords are not hanging off edges where a child could pull them down.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Safe
- Constant Supervision: No matter how thorough your baby-proofing is, constant adult supervision is crucial when your child is in the kitchen.
- Educate Regular Guests: Educate babysitters, family members, and friends about the safety measures you have in place in your kitchen to ensure consistent safety practices.
- Weekly Checks: Regularly inspect your baby-proofing devices and update or replace them as needed. Children quickly grow and learn new skills, so stay ahead by adapting your safety measures.
- First Aid Training: Even with the best safety measures in place, accidents can happen. Ensure that you and other caregivers are trained in basic first aid and know what to do in case of an emergency.
Keeping Your Kitchen Safe for Your Child to Explore
Keeping your little explorer safe in your home is a priority, especially in your kitchen. It might seem overwhelming however taking it one step at a time with a comprehensive list makes it more manageable to baby-proof.
By taking a vigilant approach to creating a safer environment will help give you peace of mind. Children are naturally going to grow and explore. Therefore, baby-proofing your kitchen is the first step to keeping them safe in your home.
