The kitchen is such a dangerous room for young children that some experts recommend they be excluded from it. That's difficult rule to enforce, because parents spend so much time there and most young children want to be where the action is. Its probably more realistic to eliminate the most serious dangers by taking the following precautions:
- Store strong cleaners, detergents, soaps and other dangerous chemicals in a high cabinet and out of sight
- Never transfer dangerous substance into containers that look as if they might hold food.
- Keep knives, forks, scissors and other sharp instruments separate from 'safe' kitchen utensils and in latched drawers.
- Unplug appliances when they are not in use so your baby cannot accidentally turn them on.
- Don't allow electric chord to dangle where your baby can reach and tug on them, possibly pulling a heavy appliance down on herself.
- Always turn pot handles towards the back of the stove so your child can't reach and grab them. Whenever you have to walk with hot liquid, a cup of tea or a pot of soup be sure you know where your baby is so you don't trip over her.
- If you have a gas stove, turn the dials firmly to the off position and block access to the stove as much as possible.
- Keep matches out of reach and out of sight.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited