Childproof your kitchen

Of all the rooms in your home, your kitchen is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous when it comes to your children. From sharp knives to burning stoves and heated ovens, there are many potential hazards that your child may encounter when left unsupervised. Let’s take a look at the best ways to childproof your kitchen while still making it a great space for entertaining family and guests:

1) Keep it out of reach.

You have one big advantage over your curious toddlers and primary school-aged children, and that’s the height factor. As such, it’s best to store sharp utensils, heavy appliances, medicines, alcohol, and dangerous chemicals on high shelves and out of your children’s reach. Even the toaster, blender, and coffee maker should be hidden away when they’re not in use, as your child may feel tempted to play with these small appliances.

2) Make sure your appliances are unplugged.

You may think your child is free from danger when an appliance is not in use, but that’s not necessarily true. Fingers might get lodged in your kitchen toaster, or your child might decide it’s a good idea to get a bit too close to the blender to look at the blades. In order to ensure your children’s round-the-clock safety, then, make sure all appliances are unplugged when they’re not in use.

3) Swap chemical-based cleaning products for more natural ones.

Even if you keep your chemical-based cleaning products locked away and out of reach of your children, there is still some possibility of your little ones coming in contact with them and suffering severe burns. In order to better protect your children, consider swapping these chemical-based products for more natural solutions, such as vinegar, borax, beeswax, mineral oil, and baking soda. You’ll be surprised at just how capable these products are at eradicating grime and dirt!

4) Use caution when operating appliances.

Of course, your dishes, silverware, and kitchen appliances aren’t meant to stay on display, but rather to be used on a regular basis to prepare and serve your family’s daily meals. As such, you may find your children hanging around the kitchen while you’re in the process of preparing food or cleaning up after lunch or dinner. Protect your children by keeping pots and pans on the back burner and turning their handles towards the wall. Don’t pour hot liquids within reach of children. Even the dishwasher holds certain hazards in the hands of a child, so make sure the door is latched while the appliance is in use.

Just because your kitchen needs some childproofing doesn’t mean it can’t still be a great place for entertaining your family. Place some sturdy kids’-height chairs around your kitchen island so kids can witness first-hand the joys of cooking, and maybe even designate a lower cabinet space full of lightweight boxes and wooden utensils where your child can explore and roam freely. Consider adding a blackboard or a burst of colour to create a fun and friendly atmosphere in your kitchen where you children can learn and play.