Kitchen Safety with Baby

Gas stovetop knobs are easy for toddlers to turn — knob covers or a full stove guard rail are essential

Front burners and outward-facing handles let a child grab or pull a pot of hot liquid

If you must leave, turn off the burner — a moment's distraction is enough for a burn injury

Oven doors get extremely hot during use — a lock prevents Ezra from opening it

Use a baby gate or playpen to physically enforce this boundary

Knife blocks on countertops are within a toddler's reach — move knives up high

Peelers, scissors, graters, and skewers are all hazards — lock every utensil drawer

Wet paper towels pick up tiny glass shards better than a broom — keep Ezra away from the area until fully cleaned

These items are often stored in low cabinets — move them to upper cabinets

A spilled cup of tea or coffee can cause severe burns to a baby in seconds

Push appliances with cords away from counter edges — Ezra can pull a cord and topple a hot appliance

Counter edges are at toddler hand height — keep hot items centered and out of reach

Microwaves create hot spots — stir thoroughly and test temperature every time

Under-sink storage is the most common source of childhood poisoning — relocate everything

Detergent pods are brightly colored and attractive to children — they cause severe chemical burns if bitten

Israel Poison Information Center: 04-854-1900 (Rambam Hospital, 24/7)

Use magnetic locks for a clean look that adults can open easily with the magnetic key

Open fridge doors can topple items onto a child, and some fridge contents are choking hazards

Kitchen trash contains sharp can lids, spoiled food, and small items Ezra could choke on

Place the high chair away from the counter, stove, and wall — Ezra can push off surfaces and tip over