The sense of security that we attribute to the kitchen can be shattered in an instant by the tragedy of an accident. To maintain its cozy image, we must make the kitchen a safe and secure place to be.

Some experts in child safety have been quoted as saying, "Keep children out of the kitchen." Somehow, the combination of kitchen and children is, at times, inevitable. Ken George, founder of Safety for Toddlers, has two children of his own. We cannot protect our children from everything, even though we would like to think we can or should. Children will experience, and must experience certain things, but at the same time be taught these learning experiences. As an example, we suggest leaving a lower drawer or cupboard in the kitchen as a learning place for a small infant. Fill that drawer or cupboard with Tupperware. Let your child take these items from that space and, at the same time, teach the child to put those items back into that space when he or she is finished playing with them. You have provided space for your child to have as its own and created a learning tool for behavioral development.

MAKE YOUR KITCHEN SAFER BY ELIMINATING TEMPTIONS AND DANGERS.

LOWER CABINETS AND DRAWERS:

Start by removing all hazardous products from the cabinet under the sink. To keep your child from unauthorized access to the remaining objects, secure a safety latch to the cabinet. Place all cleaning agents, which can provide a poison and chemical burn hazard, in a cabinet out of sight and out of reach. Provide a latched cabinet in your upper pantry above the sink, or in an out of reach area, for small infants, that can safely store cleaning products and other hazardous items.

If you keep liquor in a lower cabinet, lift those spirits immediately to an inaccessible, securely latched cabinet. A child who ingests even a small amount of alcohol could get very drunk and could potentially fall into a coma. Do not display liquor or fancy liquor decanters in open areas made available to curious children.

Safety for Toddlers also recommends placing safety latches onto your upper, above counter, cupboards and cabinets. Before you know it, that child that was crawling is now walking. Soon the child learns to move that kitchen chair to the counter, crawl up onto the counter, and is now into those upper cabinets. His curiosity has risen above the counter - be prepared.

SMALL APPLIANCES:

Get down on your hands and knees and look up. You are now viewing your kitchen from a new vantage point - your child's. Cords should not dangle from the counter-top. A curious child could pull on that cord and bring a heavy appliance onto his head or body. Appliances should be stored away from the edge of countertops with their cords wrapped and unplugged. If possible, small appliances should be stored in an enclosed pantry or cabinet when not in use.

A toddler may very well exhibit his first formidable display of strength by pulling open the refrigerator door. Refrigerators often contain breakable bottles or medicines. Safety for Toddlers recommends a refrigerator latch.

When using the stove, use the back burners whenever possible and keep pot handles turned toward the inside of the stove.

Keep the dishwasher door latched to avoid having it come crashing down onto your child. And remember to keep utensils pointing downward to avoid cuts. The dishwashing detergent should be poured right before you're ready to use the dishwasher. A swallow full of detergent is a hazardous snack.

If your kitchen has a trash compactor, keep it latched. If it is key operated, keep the key out of reach from your child.

A fire extinguisher is a great tool for the kitchen. It should be located prominently near an exit. "They should never be wall papered." A wallpapered fire extinguisher would be difficult to locate in a moment of panic.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS:

Emergency telephone numbers should be placed on or nearby each telephone. Those numbers include the fire department, police department, poison control center, hospital, family doctor and ambulance service.

 

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Orange & San Diego Counties California

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 The Original Safety for Toddlers