Children have the attitude to draw your attention at all times of the day on a continuous basis. They will follow you at every corner of the house. They will try to grab the things which you use every day. They will make them "busy" just like you. During their daily "busy schedule" they will not forget to pay a visit to your kitchen! And as you can make out, children and kitchens definitely do not go well together! With so many appliances at one place and so much of activity all the time, a kitchen unfailingly gets a child's attention. And that is why you need to be super-cautious so as to prevent any mishap.
Kitchen Safety Guidelines With Kids Around
- Always store glasses, crockery, crystal ware and utensils made of bone china in a lockable cupboard or in a higher position which is out of reach of children.
- Keep household cleaning products like anti-grease and anti-rust solutions, insect repellent sprays, hard water softeners for your dishwasher, rat or cockroach poisons, strong detergents, floor and sink disinfectants, glass cleaners, water filter cleaning solutions and floor cleaning acid at a safer distance. These products are associated with potential hazards. Keep these products locked up inside a cabinet. Wash hands carefully after using them.
- Remember to keep knives and other sharp instruments like electric mixer blades, graters and tin openers and in overhead storage breakfronts or inside drawers. Make sure to keep the drawers locked. Keep sharp edged utensils, glasses, large pans or griddles in a safe area. Try to keep them in an out-of-reach storage place.
- Try to keep your kitchen open and spacious without any things hanging around. If possible, keep all the items inside a locked up cabinet rather than keeping them open.
- Never keep glasses, knives, hot foods and drinks near the edges of counters and tables. Rethink using mats and tablecloths because a they can be pulled easily by a playful child.
- Store spices in a place which will be out of reach of children.
- After cooking, place the hot pans and other cooking utensils in the kitchen sink, open the tap and allow water to cool them down.
- Don't use open baskets or trays to store fruit, chilies, onions, garlic or other vegetables.
- Try to leave one cupboard or drawer empty so as to allow your child to have fun while opening or closing it. You may leave some interesting things like steel or melamine plates, light saucepans, empty plastic containers and wooden spoons in the cupboard so as to allow him to explore.
- Try to use the back burners in a four-burner gas stove as much as you can. While using the front burners, turn the saucepan or the pressure cooker handles in the backward position. It is safer to keep the gas stove at least two inches away from the edges to prevent your child from reaching up to the gas knobs.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the high-risk area of your house such as kitchen and the area near the main electricity unit. But, only make an attempt to put off a fire if it is small and restricted.
- Always keep an eye on your child if he is in high chairs. Think of using the safety harness.
- Keep your child away from hot meals, sharp cutlery and sauce and condiment bottles made of glass.
- While carrying a hot drink in one hand, don't attempt to carry your baby with the other! Use kettles with coiled flex or use utensils with heatproof handles. Don't forget to place it at the back of the counter.
- Never allow your child to open the fridge and play with the contents.
- Keep grinding stones and other heavy equipments in a safe place. Do not allow your child to open containers with rice, pulses, flour or cereals.
- Make sure to keep the door that leads to the utility area shut off at all the times. If the channel is meant for light and ventilation, then it is better to install a mesh or a grill door.
- Your bin should come with a lid. This will offer you an extra precaution.
Attentive supervision seems to be the best way to safeguard your child from all sorts of potential hazards in the kitchen. But in general, kitchen safety should be a concern for everyone. You only need to be specially conscious and cautious about your safety needs if you have young children at home. Guaranteeing a safer kitchen environment for your little ones then becomes an additional responsibility for you.
