Childproofing cabinets is a necessary step when you have toddlers in the house. We don’t have eyes in the back of our heads and certainly there are things that children will find a way to get into even if just turn our backs for a minute. Here is a guide to making your kitchen safe to have toddlers around who love to get into everything.
The first thing I would do is move the hazardous chemicals from any kitchen cabinets onto a tall shelf like in the garage. Yes, the cleaning chemicals will be further away and less convenient. I wouldn’t let my own kids around cleaning chemicals when I knew there could be the possibility of poisoning and they were always kept in the playpen when we were cleaning.
Now that chemicals are out of the kitchen and on a garage shelf, we still need locks on the cabinets for the sharp utensils. Pick a lock system that works well for your cabinets. There are adhesive-based locking systems that work without using tools, but you will either need a screwdriver to install locking mechanism or even a drill to get through the door of your cabinet.
Maintain a watch on child safety websites and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for any recall information regarding the safety of any cabinet lock system. Being diligent when you are planning your kitchen is important.
An easy way to help childproof your kitchen cabinets is to watch your child and keep them out of the kitchen as much as possible. Baby gates are wonderful inventions as are playpens. Keep in mind you won’t have to childproof your kitchen cabinets until your baby is older so this is not a concern when you first bring home your baby.
Locking your cabinets will not only keep your children out of harm’s way from getting into something sharp but you also have to consider getting their fingers accidentally caught in doors and drawers. Find a locking system that will secure the door from opening at all unless you control the locking mechanism. There are systems that allow your cabinet to open slightly and then not close all the way, but my issue with those is that your child can still reach into the cabinet and get their hands on something.
Childproofing your kitchen cabinets is vital as your kids will eventually be able to run around the house faster than you can catch them. Locking systems are everywhere and can be very reasonably priced. All it takes is some careful planning and finding system that works for you and taking a few safety steps.
