When a child learns to crawl, it's a joyous milestone for the whole family. But with this new motor skill, your home can suddenly feel full of potential dangers. Child-proofing allows little ones to move around safely and gives parents peace of mind. Of course, this will vary from family to family and home to home, but the kitchen is usually the first place parents turn for safety upgrades. Sharp objects, open cabinets, and hot appliances can lead to life-threatening accidents. Whether you're new to child-proofing or need guidance on the latest developments in the child safety market, experts recommend making timely adjustments to your kitchen to make cooking and eating spaces safe for children.
What does it take to childproof your kitchen?
Kitchens are full of products, utensils and appliances that can be dangerous for little hands. It's not just knives and detergents that can be dangerous – appliances and sharp edges are also a concern. At a toddler's eye level, cabinets, ovens, drawers, doors and the fridge are all within reach. It's best to start there and work your way up as your child grows.
“We recommend starting childproofing your kitchen as soon as your child starts crawling,” says Nitya Seth, head of interior design at Nityanamiya. “As children become more curious and mobile, the risk of accidents increases,” she says. As your child grows and becomes more active, be proactive in repairing any breakages and mitigating new hazards on a regular basis.
How to child-proof your kitchen
There are many steps to making your kitchen childproof. Start with small DIY fixes that are affordable and quick to do. [have] “Safely lock all drawers and doors with child-safe clips,” says Colleen Butte Bennett, founder of CBB Design Firm. Store knives, hazardous materials, and sharp objects out of children's reach, such as in high overhead cabinets or locked pantries. Cover all electrical outlets with plastic covers or safety plates. “Install corner guards on sharp corners on countertops and tables, and store cleaning supplies and small items high up and out of reach,” adds Seth. Add stove burner knob covers and foam door stoppers where appropriate.
Also, learn about child-proofing features that are already built into your appliances and kitchen equipment. Some appliances, especially newer models, have child-proofing options. Child locks on dishwasher, microwave, and oven doors will keep them closed unless an adult unlocks them. This usually requires a two-step process to prevent accidents caused by adults and teens. Use child-proof garbage disposal covers and make sure all electronics are stored in locked areas. “Also, secure heavy appliances to the wall to prevent them from tipping over,” says Seth. Anti-tip brackets can be used for stoves, wine cellars, bookshelves, and more.
Which are the most effective childproofing tools?
Some child-proofing methods are more effective than others. “Sliding cabinet locks often don't work on double-door cabinets because a determined child can easily open them,” says Seth. So to safeguard your cabinets and drawers, try magnetic locks and latches instead. Corner guards and edge protectors prevent injuries from sharp tables and counters.
But not all childproofing items need to be purchased; there are creative DIY options for dexterous parents. “I used to secure drawer knobs with hair ties,” says Butte Bennett. In a pinch, you can hold double cabinet doors shut with tight rubber bands for a crawling baby, but they won't work for a stubborn toddler.
Use stove knob covers, baby gates, and appliance locks to prevent burns and other injuries. Keep utensils and hot items behind the stove, not on the front burners. Keep pet supplies, including feeding stations, poop pads, pee pads, and grooming supplies, out of reach of children.
It's best to keep a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector nearby at all times.
Common mistakes when child-proofing the kitchen
Like parenting, child proofing is never done. Kids of all ages, even kids at heart, can unintentionally hurt themselves in the kitchen, so it's important to always be vigilant. Remember, young children don't necessarily know the proper use of items, their temperature, or their weight, and this is usually where things start to take a turn. Think of child proofing as an iterative process, not a one-time job.
Childproofing mistakes can also look like buying the wrong product, especially if you've rushed and bought everything you need at once. Remember to measure your items accurately to choose the right fit and size for your doors and appliances. Look for places that offer refunds or exchanges, especially if you're buying online, as it may take a few tries to find the right fit. If you're shopping in person, take photos of the area you want to childproof beforehand and bring them to the store. That way you'll know the quantity and size to buy. Also, don't forget to ask parents of other kids in your family or friend group if they have any items they no longer use. Hand-me-downs can be very cost-effective.
Other safety precautions
Interior designer Bilal Rehman adds: “Surprisingly, I have seen many parents forget to keep their dustbins child-proof. Usually, I don't pay much attention to this, but even I sometimes forget to throw out glass, expired items and even detergents, as I don't want my kids to end up in the bin.”
Of course, keep hot cookware, cleaning products, pet supplies, pest control and food out of reach of children, don't put pot and pan handles facing outward where children can grab them, and always make sure young children are secured in their chairs (even high chairs) with safety harnesses to prevent them from falling over.
If your kids are old enough to help out in the kitchen, make sure they have a stool in an appropriate place and put it away when you're not looking. “A lot of parents forget this. [putting stools away] It will help many parents quickly avoid safety issues in the kitchen,” adds Butte-Bennett.
As mentioned above, once you've purchased and installed all your childproofing measures, don't think that's the end of it. “Regularly evaluate your child-proofing equipment to see how well it's working and replace any that wear or tear,” says Seth. Baby equipment and childproofing products are constantly being updated, so check regularly for breakages, recalls, and new products that are appropriate for your child's motor skills.
Ensure close adult supervision in the kitchen, especially around gas stoves, cleaning products and appliances with doors. If you want your children to develop a sense of independence without being left alone, consider using a baby monitor or other camera device to watch over them from a nearby room without them realising you are there.
