As your baby grows and becomes more mobile, they’ll also become more curious. To you a cupboard may be just a cupboard, but to your baby it’s an exciting new world to explore. That means it’s time to child proof your home and keep an eye out for hazards.
If there’s any room to take special care with - it’s the kitchen. Here are a few tips to help keep your little one safe.
Keep them company –never leave your baby alone in the kitchen. If you can, think about fitting a safety gate at the entrance to the kitchen.
Beware of pan handles – it’s all too easy for your baby to reach up for a handle and pull the contents down on them. Make sure you never leave a pan handle sticking out so they can reach it and make a habit of turning handles inwards instead. Try and use the back elements whenever possible.
Hot stuff - keep kettles, including the cable, tea pots and hot drinks well out of reach.
Tablecloths - avoid hanging tablecloths or table runners. It’s easy for your baby to pull on them and send things crashing down onto them.
Wait for it - never hold your baby while you’re making up feeds, hot drinks or while you are cooking. Place them somewhere safe while you’re doing the dangerous parts and you can give them a cuddle after.
Lock it away - keep any hazardous chemicals and implements locked away. That means cleaning and gardening materials, matches, plastic bags and medicines well out of reach. Go for a locked cupboard, or one that’s well beyond their reach.
Clean ups – be extra careful when you’re cleaning something broken - splinters of glass or china can travel further than you think.
