Keep kids safe in the kitchen

Keeping kids out of the kitchen can be near impossible, but with some preparation it's possible to child proof it.

Buzz Mums, a community of Australian parents discussing kids safety at home and in the car,  asked parents for their tips on kitchen safety.

Here’s a selection of top tips & tricks from Buzz Mums to tackle the dangers:

Stove

• Use the back elements on the stove top to avoid a pot being pulled off from the front.
• Get a stove guard that sits at the front of the stove so little hands cannot reach up onto the stove.
• Fit stove knobs with covers to stop kids from turning them on.

Saucepans

• Keep saucepans (empty or full) away from the edge of the bench
• Never leave spoons, ladles etc. in hot saucepans. The handles can get hot and they can be used to knock pans over.

Oven/ Microwave other appliances

• If possible turn the oven switch completely off from the wall, when not in use.
• Kids should not be allowed to open the doors of microwaves or ovens at any time.
• Place appliances well away from the edge of the bench so kids can't pull them down.
• Keep sharp attachments of food processors and similar items away from reach when not in use.

Medicines and other chemicals

• Keep all medicines on the very top shelf.
• Never store cleaning materials, liquids like vinegar and cooking wine in bottom cupboards.
• Keep the Poisons Information Hotline Phone number in a handy spot e.g. on your fridge.

Cupboards/Drawers/Dishwashers

• Get safety locks or latches for all low cupboards and drawers.
• Never put any sharp objects or breakable kitchen ware in low cupboards and drawers that are in easy reach of kids.
• Keep the dishwasher closed or fit safety catches when not in use.

Other tips

• Put safety caps on power points.
• A safety gate installed in the kitchen will make sure they are away from danger when you’re not looking.
• Don’t allow any toys in the kitchen. Its not a play area.

Special tricks by Buzz Mums

"I implemented a very simple solution to kitchen safety. I put a white tape at the beginning of my kitchen, and told my boys it is off limits. It's like the yellow strip at the train stations, which my boys clearly understands."  Su Chin

“My daughter gets curious about what is on the kitchen table.  Usually when there is a hot cup of tea or coffee on there!!! My tip is to sew a pocket around the edge of the tablecloth and thread a piece of elastic in there so it is sort of like a fitted sheet. Then when you put it over the table there is no overhang for little ones to grab. Hopes this can help give another Mummy a little peace of mind!! “ Juanita

“ Leave a cup of water in the microwave when not in use, so it doesn't blow up if your child turns it on.” Cheryl O’Shea

“ For my toddlers safety in the kitchen I set up her own mini kids play kitchen so she can cook the same time as me. Just make sure it is set up well away from the real stove/oven. Works a charm! “ Carly Fletcher

“ My husband and I have done the whole 'teach the kids not to touch, it is all hot or sharp' but I found that their curiosity got the better of them (and still does) sometimes, so in the dinning room I have set up a kids kitchen so when I am cooking (and making a mess) that they can do a little cooking of their own. This way I can see them all the time, they feel like they are partaking in the cooking process, and teaching them food and kitchen safety from a very young age.” Jennifer Mckendrick

“Designate a “safe play” cabinet. One of the lower cupboards that’s filled with pots, pans, lids, wooden spoons and all sorts of safe kitchen gadgets and odds and ends where your child/ren can explore and play to their hearts content. Add new things from time to time to keep it interesting. You’ll probably find they have little interest in getting into the “danger zone” areas of the kitchen.”  Lauren Munro

“I have taught my daughter that she has to sit on her bottom wheneven we open the oven, This means that I know exactly where she is and she is not going to suddenly run and touch something hot, or be under my feet and get something hot dropped on her!  I have done this since she was first able to move and now she does it ...as soon as she sees us go to the oven!”  Rebekah Bull

“I give my daughter jobs she can do to help in a safe part of the kitchen. That way she's part of the action, learning about kitchen safety and feeling useful. I talk her through what I'm doing and remind her about hot, sharp etc. “ Natasha Coster

To get the latest news, research and tips for keeping kids safe join Buzz Mums on Facebook or follow Buzz Insurance on Twitter.

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