How to child proof your kitchen

The kitchen is the nerve centre of the house, it is where most of the best family memories are made. But also, it is one of the hardest room to child proof because almost everything in it poses a threat to your child. Here is how to child proof your kitchen.

Use plastic plugs to cover your electrical sockets. Children love inserting objects into them and could result in electric shocks.
Make sure all drawers have latches that can be securely closed and won’t open however much the child prods them. Some really clever children can work their way around latches. So ensure your knobs and latches are also child proof.
Put all the sharp objects, be it knives, graters, forks and the likes in a high, lockable cabinet to avoid the risk of cuts and other serious injuries.
Secure all the plastic bags and cling wraps and keep them from accessible surfaces. They could result in suffocation.
Keep the surfaces clear of small round vegetables and fruits such as grapes and berries. They present a choking hazard. The same also applies to coins and small kitchen tools.
Do not leave kitchen appliances such as microwaves, blenders and food processors within the child’s reach. The hot surfaces of some of these appliances could result in serious burns while the moving parts can cause cuts. Also unplug and hide the cords of these appliances lest your child pulls on them and cause the appliances to fall on them.
Avoid the use of tablecloths and placemats. Toddlers can pull them when trying to stand up and cause the contents on the table to spill or pour on them.
Do not leave pet food on the floor or the child might eat them. They could be poisonous or may choke them.
Keep detergents and other potentially toxic supplies in high drawers. Also, try to swap chemical based cleaning supplies with less toxic ones such vinegar and non-chlorine oil.
Keep medicine away from children and ensure all caps are child proof. Also try to maintain the original containers of supplies and do not transfer them to food containers.
Fill a lower drawer with play things, that the child can explore and get distracted with while in the kitchen. Change the play things from time to time so they do not get bored. Also ensure this drawer is far from the cooking area.
Always keep an eye on your baby while they are in the kitchen.

ALSO READ: 4 reasons why you should stop posting your child’s photos online 

‘