(HealthDay News) — The kitchen can be a dangerous place for young children.
Since it’s impractical for many parents to keep youngsters out of the kitchen all the time, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers these safety suggestions:
- Store all cleaning products, furniture polish and other chemicals in a high cabinet. If they are kept within a child’s reach, such as under the sink, make sure the cabinet is secured with a child-proof lock.
- Store all sharp utensils and instruments in a locked drawer, and all sharp appliances — such as food processors — out of reach.
- Keep all electrical cords out of a child’s reach.
- Cook with pot handles turned toward the back of the stove, and use care when moving hot liquids.
- Remove knobs from the stove if possible.
- Choose an oven with enough insulation that keeps it from getting hot to the touch.
- Store matches in a high cabinet.
- Keep a fire extinguisher mounted in a convenient, high place.
- Don’t use small magnets to secure items to the refrigerator; they could pose a choking hazard.