The dangers in a kitchen are significant for anyone, but for an unsuspecting infant, they can lead to deadly consequences. Childproofing a kitchen begins with understanding each of the potential threats and what they can mean to a young child of any age.
Childproofing the Refrigerator
The dangers in a refrigerator can go undetected because children, once old enough and strong enough, are typically aware that they are not allowed to open it. However, the problem with accidents is that they are unexpected. No one expects their one-year-old to open the refrigerator and shatter a jar of pickles on the floor, but it does happen. Aside from broken glass, there is also the risk of young children eating something they shouldn’t, leading to food poisoning, alcohol poisoning, or even choking.
The Solutions
**On-Off Child Lock** – A system available in both white and black, this lock is attached to the refrigerator with an easy stick-on adhesive. It’s ideal because you can lock it when needed and disengage it when you don’t.
Appliance Lock – A versatile system that can be installed on any surface you’d like to secure. One piece is installed on the base, while the other attaches to the door. When the two pieces come together, they lock. These systems are usually not easily disengaged and must be dealt with every time the refrigerator is opened.
Childproofing the Oven
For most parents, the dangers of the oven are among the top concerns when childproofing a kitchen. Young children and infants often take an interest in the oven well before any other appliance in the kitchen, making it a top priority to protect them. Burns are the primary concern and can be deadly if severe.
The Solutions
**Oven Lock System** – There are various lock systems available for different types of ovens, including wall ovens and stove top range ovens. Some oven lock systems can be installed on the oven itself, while others use simple peel-and-stick adhesive.
Oven with Built-In Lock System – Many modern kitchen appliances, including ovens, are now designed with childproofing features. While these may be slightly more expensive, they are well worth the cost when it comes to protecting young children from burns.
Childproofing the Stove
Contrary to what many may think, the most dangerous time for a child around a stove is when you’re right there. Children often reach up to grab the stove, and before you can catch them, they might touch a hot burner or even pull down a hot pan. This makes childproofing the stovetop essential, no matter how much supervision you offer your infant or toddler.
The Solutions
**Stove Guard** – This plastic guard is installed with a piece of long adhesive tape. The guard is adjustable to fit the width of your stove and is made from special heat-resistant plastic.
Knob Shields – A knob shield creates a barrier between children and the stove knobs to prevent them from turning the burners on. These are particularly useful for gas stoves, where the risks of fire and severe burns are much higher. Simply slip a plastic shield over each knob, and you can rest easy knowing children can’t tamper with them.
Childproofing Outlets
Electrical outlets pose a danger to all children younger than five. It’s often the confident three- to four-year-old who tries to plug in a toy and ends up at risk of electrical shock. Outlet covers and plugs have been common childproofing products for nearly twenty years. Today, there are many different types available to ensure even the most determined infants, toddlers, or preschoolers can’t remove the plug and insert a toy or their fingers. Using these products can save your child’s life.
The Solutions
**Traditional Outlet Plug** – Simple to use, these plugs are inserted into each outlet, creating a shield that prevents little fingers from coming into contact with electricity.
Outlet Covers – These covers are installed as an outlet plate and can’t be tampered with by a child. Adults must twist the prongs slightly to plug something in.
Childproofing Cabinets and Drawers
Many kitchen items, such as canned goods, dry goods, pots and pans, glass dishes, glass cups, silverware, cooking utensils, knives, and more, are stored in cabinets and drawers. Moving everything to the top cabinets isn’t always practical. Instead, you can keep your cabinet and drawer space secure while protecting your infant by locking them. This can prevent small children from accessing dangerous items like glass products, choking hazards, sharp objects, poisons, and even avoid smashed fingers from slamming cabinets and drawers.
The Solutions
**Cable Lock** – A single-piece cable system that locks into place to keep cabinet doors shut. It can be installed on all cabinets with parallel handles, allowing them to be locked together. These are ideal for under-sink cabinets.
Cabinet and Drawer Latch – This system can be installed either permanently with screws or with strong adhesive. It works for most cabinets and drawers, making it versatile for all kinds of cabinetry.
Strap Locks – Similar to the cable lock system, this option requires two cabinet doors side by side. Simply loop a small strap over each handle, and both doors will be securely closed.
Additional Tips
**Cooking**
- When using the stove top, turn all pan handles toward the wall to prevent small children from grabbing the handle and pulling a hot pot onto themselves.
- Make a rule that the oven is never open (even when quickly removing dinner) with the child in the room. Create an imaginary line that they must stay behind when you remove something from a hot oven.
Cleaning
- If possible, save mopping and scrubbing with harsh chemicals for immediately after a child’s bedtime to prevent poisoning and accidents with a mop bucket of water.
Never leave a sink full of water. Children often look for opportunities to play in water, especially when soap bubbles are involved.
Storing
- Store knives and sharp objects out of reach of all children in the home. Many people store knives in their utensil drawer, which can still be a threat to small children. Another common place for storage is a knife block on the counter, which is also dangerous.
Often, sinks are positioned right next to a window, and there isn’t a splashback area. If there is, it’s likely only enough for a single row of tiles. In this case, you can add instant charm and a unique touch by using handmade or hand-painted ceramic tiles. Alternatively, consider vintage Victorian tiles; no one will suspect you’re selecting them as a splashback for your kitchen sink!
