As our children grow, their curiosity knows no bounds, especially in the kitchen where they see us spending so much of our time. This curiosity, while a wonderful part of their development, can lead to risky climbing attempts and falls. To highlight the importance of creating a safer environment, it’s critical to note that falls accounted for close to half (45.9% or around 30,500) of hospitalised injury cases and were the most common reason for injury hospitalisation of children across all age groups. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a comprehensive falls hazard checklist specifically for the kitchen, ensuring a safer space for your baby or toddler to learn and grow.
Falls Hazard Checklist for a Safer Kitchen
- Secure Drawers and Cabinets
- Install locks or clips on drawers to prevent your child from using them as makeshift ladders to the countertops. This simple step can deter those little climbers in their tracks.
- Store Items Strategically
- Keep frequently used and particularly desirable items out of reach and out of sight. This reduces the temptation for your little one to climb countertops or chairs to grab them.
- Childproof Appliances
- Install childproof locks or latches on oven doors and other accessible appliances. This prevents children from opening them, which not only avoids potential burns but also stops them from using these appliances as steps.
- Supervised Cooking Only
- If you involve your child in cooking activities, never leave them unattended on chairs, step stools, or other unstable supports. Always ensure they are safely grounded on the floor or securely seated away from any hazards.
- Highchair Safety
- Always use the straps in the highchair to secure your baby, and never leave them unattended. An unstrapped baby might attempt to stand or climb out, leading to falls.
- Mindful Highchair Placement
- Position the highchair away from potential hazards and ensure it’s out of reach from anything on the table that might tempt your baby or toddler to lean out of their chair, risking a fall.
- Manage Loose Cords and Cables
- Secure any loose cords or cables from kitchen appliances to prevent tripping. This includes blender, mixer, or toaster cables that can easily become trip hazards if left dangling.
- Soften Sharp Edges
- Use corner guards on sharp edges of countertops and tables to minimize the risk of injuries from falls. These soft, cushioned guards can significantly reduce the severity of an injury if a fall does occur.
Creating a Safe Kitchen Environment
By following this checklist, you’re taking important steps to mitigate the risks of falls and injuries in the kitchen. The statistic that falls accounted for nearly half of all hospitalised injury cases in children underscores the critical need for these precautions. Remember, the goal is to create a safe environment that allows your child to satisfy their curiosity and learn alongside you, without the added risks that come from potential falls.
