1. Poisons in the Kitchen
When you're child-proofing the kitchen, think about poisons. Move any products containing toxins out of the kitchen. Many cleaning products or other poisons look like juice or foods your child may be used to ingesting, and they may not ask before they eat or drink them. If it's not possible to remove the poisons, keep them up on high shelves or in cupboards with latch locks. Consider using alternative cleaning products, such as white vinegar or borax, which don't contain poisons.
2. Latch Locks on Cupboards
There are many products on the market that prevent toddlers from opening cupboards or drawers. Most of these products are easy to install, though they may damage the inside of cupboards. Keep sharp utensils behind drawers with latch locks. However, you should monitor their effectiveness. Children are smart and often learn at a young age how to open latch locks.
3. Preventing Burns in the Kitchen
Turn pot lids away from the front of the stove or use back burners for cooking. Don't allow children to stand on a chair over a hot pot. They may slip and become badly burned. Use outlet covers and keep electric products out of reach or unplugged when not in use. Install oven latches to prevent toddlers from opening the stove and use knob covers to prevent toddlers from accidentally turning on the stove.
4. Slips and Falls
Clean up any spills immediately. Small children can be clumsy and may injure themselves by slipping on a liquid. Install non-skid backings to the bottoms of any rugs to prevent any accidental falls.
5. Vigilance at all Times
You only have to leave a knife on the edge of a counter once for an accident to occur. Put cleaning products away, don't leave cupboards open and keep sharp utensils and heavy appliances away from edges. Keep foods that may cause choking, like grapes, popcorn and tortilla chips, away from small children. Consider making the kitchen a no-child zone by using gates to keep them out of the kitchen while you're cooking and whenever you're not there to watch them.
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