A room-by-room safety guide for childproofing your kitchen covering cabinet locks, stove guards, cord management, cleaning product storage, sharp object safety, anti-tip brackets, and floor hazards.
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Cabinet and Drawer Locks
Install child-proof locks on all lower cabinets and drawers
Magnetic locks are the most discreet option — they mount inside the cabinet and open with a magnetic key. Adhesive strap locks work on cabinets with knobs. Most toddlers figure out basic push-button locks by age 2, so magnetic locks last longer.
Secure the cabinet under the sink where most families store cleaning supplies
About 90% of childhood poisoning incidents involve products stored in the kitchen or bathroom. A lock on the under-sink cabinet is the single highest-priority lock to install. Do this before the child starts crawling, around 6-8 months.
Move heavy items like cast iron pans and glass containers to upper cabinets
A falling cast iron skillet can cause serious head injuries. Move all items heavier than 2 pounds to cabinets above counter height. Leave one lower cabinet with safe items (plastic containers, wooden spoons) unlocked for the child to explore.
Install a lock on the refrigerator if the child can reach the handle
Refrigerator locks prevent toddlers from opening the door and pulling out glass containers, condiments, or spoiled food. Adhesive-backed appliance locks work on most fridge models and can be removed without damage when no longer needed.
Stove and Oven Safety
Install stove knob covers to prevent the child from turning on burners
Stove knob covers fit over front-facing knobs and require an adult grip to turn. About 67,000 fires per year are caused by cooking equipment. If your stove has knobs on the front panel, install covers as soon as the child can stand and reach them.
Attach a stove guard to block access to front burners and hot pots
A stove guard is a clear heat-resistant panel that mounts to the front of the cooktop. It prevents toddlers from reaching up and pulling hot pots or pans off the stove. Burns from hot liquids are the leading cause of scald injuries in children under 5.
Use back burners when possible and turn pot handles toward the wall
A child can reach the front of a stove by age 2. Always cook on back burners when a child is nearby. Turn all pot and pan handles toward the center of the stove so they cannot be grabbed from below.
Install an oven lock and teach the child that the oven is always off-limits
Oven door surface temperatures can exceed 150°F during baking. An oven lock mounts on the door and requires a two-step adult action to open. Reinforce the rule verbally every time you cook — children need 30-50 repetitions to internalize a safety rule.
Appliance Cord and Electrical Safety
Push all small appliance cords to the back of the counter or use cord winders
Toasters, coffee makers, blenders, and kettles all have cords that dangle over the counter edge. A child can pull a hot coffee maker down in under 2 seconds. Cord shorteners wrap excess cord into a compact coil and keep it against the wall.
Unplug small appliances when not in use
Unplugged appliances cannot be accidentally turned on by curious toddlers. Make it a habit to unplug after every use. Store lightweight appliances in a locked cabinet if counter space allows.
Install tamper-resistant outlet covers on all accessible kitchen outlets
Tamper-resistant receptacles (required by code in new homes since 2008) have internal shutters that only open when both slots are pressed simultaneously. If your outlets are older, install plug-in covers or sliding plate covers on every accessible outlet.
Cleaning Product and Chemical Storage
Store all cleaning products in a locked cabinet above counter height
Products at floor level or under the sink are the most accessible to crawling babies and toddlers. Move dish soap, dishwasher pods, oven cleaner, and all sprays to a cabinet at least 4 feet off the ground. Dishwasher pods are especially dangerous — they cause about 10,000 child exposures per year.
Never transfer cleaning products to unlabeled containers
Children and adults can mistake unlabeled liquids for drinks. Keep all products in their original containers with labels intact. Poison control handles about 2 million calls per year, and more than half involve children under 6.
Post the Poison Control number (1-800-222-1222) on the refrigerator
Memorizing this number in a panic is unreliable. Put it on the fridge, save it in your phone, and share it with all caregivers. The line is staffed 24/7 by toxicology experts and the call is free.
Sharp Object and Small Item Storage
Store knives in a high drawer or a wall-mounted magnetic strip above counter level
A knife block on the counter is a tempting pull-toy for toddlers. Mount a magnetic knife strip at least 5 feet high on the wall, or store knives in a drawer with a lock or child-proof latch. This includes steak knives and kitchen scissors.
Remove small magnets, batteries, and choking hazards from reachable surfaces
Button batteries are extremely dangerous if swallowed — they can burn through tissue in as little as 2 hours. Small refrigerator magnets and loose batteries should be stored out of reach. Any item smaller than a toilet paper tube is a choking hazard for children under 3.
Secure the trash can with a child-proof lid or place it behind a locked cabinet door
Kitchen trash cans contain broken glass, sharp can lids, and food scraps that attract curious toddlers. A foot-pedal trash can with a locking lid works well. Alternatively, store the trash can inside a cabinet with a child-proof lock.
Anti-Tip and Floor Safety
Secure the stove with an anti-tip bracket to prevent it from tipping forward
An unanchored freestanding range can tip forward when a child opens the oven door and stands on it. Anti-tip brackets mount to the wall or floor and clip to the rear leg of the stove. About 38 injuries per year are caused by tipping ranges.
Anchor any freestanding shelving or carts to the wall
Rolling kitchen carts, baker's racks, and microwave stands can topple onto a climbing child. Use L-brackets or furniture straps to secure anything taller than 30 inches. Test the stability by pushing gently on the top — if it rocks at all, anchor it.
Place non-slip mats under area rugs and near the sink
Wet kitchen floors are a slip hazard for toddlers who are still unsteady on their feet. Use non-slip pads under any throw rugs and wipe up spills immediately. A slip near a hard counter edge can cause serious head injuries.
Install a baby gate at the kitchen entrance if open-plan layout allows it
A hardware-mounted gate (screwed into the wall) is safer than a pressure-mounted gate, which a determined toddler can push over. If your kitchen has a wide opening, look for extra-wide gates that extend up to 72 inches. Gates should be at least 22 inches tall.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should you start childproofing the kitchen?
Start childproofing by the time your baby is 6 months old, before they begin crawling (which typically happens between 6-10 months). Babies can pull themselves up to standing by 8-10 months and reach countertop edges by 12 months. The kitchen is the most dangerous room in the house for children under 5 — accounting for about 67,000 emergency room visits per year from burns, poisoning, and falls.
What are the most common kitchen injuries for young children?
Burns are the number one kitchen injury, with scalds from hot liquids causing 65% of burn injuries in children under 4. Poisoning from cleaning products is second — about 300 children per day are treated in US emergency rooms for poisoning. Cuts from knives and sharp objects rank third, followed by falls from climbing on chairs, step stools, and counters. Dishwasher detergent pods are particularly dangerous; they caused over 17,000 ER visits in children under 6 in a single recent year.
Do you need cabinet locks on every kitchen cabinet?
Not every cabinet needs a lock. Focus on cabinets containing cleaning supplies, medications, sharp objects (knives, peelers, scissors), breakable items (glass, ceramic), and small items that are choking hazards. Leave 1-2 low cabinets unlocked with safe items inside (plastic containers, wooden spoons) to give your child something to explore. Magnetic locks are the most secure option; adhesive strap locks are easier to install but less durable.
How do you prevent a toddler from turning on the stove?
Install stove knob covers ($5-$15 for a set of 4-5) that prevent children from turning the knobs. For flat-top stoves, a stove guard ($25-$40) creates a barrier along the front edge. Always cook on back burners and turn pot handles toward the wall. Teach the "hot" concept early by letting your child feel warmth (not heat) from a cup of warm water. Gas stoves should have an auto-shutoff feature or a gas shut-off valve accessible to adults only.
What temperature should the water heater be set to for child safety?
Set your water heater to 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) or lower. At 140 degrees F (the factory default on many heaters), water causes a third-degree burn in just 5 seconds. At 120 degrees F, it takes about 5 minutes of continuous exposure. An anti-scald valve ($10-$30, installed on the kitchen faucet) automatically shuts off water flow if the temperature exceeds a safe limit. Test your water temperature with a cooking thermometer at the tap.