Question:
How can I childproof my kitchen?
Tips for Moms - Kitchen Safety
Try using this great idea - cook using only the back two burners on the stove. Practice turning pot handles towards a side or the back rather than at your body.
Caring for Babies - Don't close your eyes
Think about this great idea - the entire concept of childproofing is not intended to replace you, the guardian, but to free you to safely turn your back long enough to answer the phone or stir a pot. Unfortunately, that is just about all the time it takes for an accident to happen.
Caring for Babies - Childproofing Strategies
Use this great tip for moms - it is never too early to get ready for your baby rolling, crawling, and falling around your home. Any to-do list can never completely eliminate the need for watchfulness, but the peace of mind that comes from preparing well is priceless. Everything does not need to be done in a day. Start low and go slow!
Better to have this completed a day early than a day late!
New Mother Tip - Tips Down
Imagine a 9 month old pulling himself up using the open door of the dishwasher for balance. If he or she grabs at those shiny utensils, which part is tips up? Can the basket be re-located to the back? Try loading at least the knives sharp edge down. Using this great advice will save many unnecessary "boo-boos"!!
Sharps
Sharps in all shapes, sizes and forms are hazardous to a curious, developing child. Scan from floor to ceiling to try to zero in on places sharp items now exist. If in doubt, check it out.
Starter Kits
If you decide to do something about anything regarding childproofing your home, your options are endless. Your local hardware store will certainly carry a variety of gadgets and whatnots to get you started.
Stimulating Attractions
What will attract any child are sparkly, bright, shiny, reflective surfaces and things; bright primary colors (red, yellow, blue); and anything that moves (the resting cat's twitching tail). Similarly, noise will also attract the curious ones. When assessing a room for child readiness, do it twice: Once with your eyes wide and again with your eyes closed. Identify the potential danger areas and be ready to intervene whenever necessary.
Tiny Tidbits
Starting from birth, all important things in a child's life go into the mouth. This is natural. The baby's first, unco-ordinated efforts soon give way to great arm sweeping pulling of everything towards the mouth. The next stage will be witnessed by intentional hand grasping of large objects and putting them in their mouth. The last refinement of motor skills involves the child being able to pick up very small items e.g. dropped and thought lost pills, and flaking paint chips, and putting them in their mouths. When childproofing any room, look for even the smallest morsels of anything and pick it up!
Water temperature
Most dishwasher manufacturers recommend a specific temperature range for optimal cleaning. When the water temperature is adjusted, it usually affects the entire water supply to every tap and/or appliance in the house. Imagine the possibility of an unsuspecting baby hand turning on the hot water only. How hot is it? If children are not frequent visitors to your home now, you have lots of time to adjust the thermostat. Or delegate it!
Mom Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a right way to parent?
Is it possible to keep a clean house with small kids?
How do I settle the children at night?
What do I do when my child has a fever?
How can I find time to spring clean?
Is there an easy way to teach my child about unacceptable behaviour?
How can I show my spouse that I still care?
What can I do about my aching back?
How do I use a rectal thermometer?
How can I childproof my kitchen?
How do I find time to do everything?
What do I need to do before surgery?
How can I get my child to eat?
How do I organize the household for a move?
How do you start toilet training?
What are alternate uses for common household items?
How should I dress my infant for bedtime?
How can I deal with Mommy burn out?
Why do they make you not feed your child before surgery?
How do I prepare my child for surgery?
How do I get rid of that heavy, lingering, oily, fried food smell?
Should I wash strawberries before refrigerating them?
Is there any way to slow down how fast strawberries get mushy?
No bowel movements from an excllusively breastfed baby?
Do I have to isolate my child who has chicken pox?
Is there a best way to pack a suitcase?
How can I raise my kids to be honest and responsible?
When can resume normal activities after Caesarian section?
What can I do with ripe bananas?
When can I resume normal activities after C-section?
How can I tell if baby is dehydrated?
How can I prevent cracked nipples from breastfeeding?
How can I get my son to go to bed?
How can I get the kids organized to stay on time?
Why won´t my child use a toilet to pee?
How can I get my toddler to stay in his own bed?
We never spend time together. How can we change this?
How can I afford new clothes for my kids?
No bowel movements from an exclusively breast fed baby?
How can I limit television viewing?
Will my newborn catch chicken pox from me?
How can I help my child make good decisions?
How do I find out more about homeschooling?
How do I cope with his tantrums?
What do I need to teach my child before tonsillectomy?
How can I stand sleeping in a hospital bed?
How can I cut my grocery bills?
How can I get more cooperation from my children?
How can I be sure my kids have the right values?
How can I prevent stains on linens and other fabrics?
How can I stop a child from being afraid at bedtime?
When can my child eat after throat surgery?
How can I reduce my electric bills?
Is there a best time to talk with teens?
How can I best organize my time to include everybody?
When is there ever any time to talk with your life mate?
What can I do with all those crusts that the kids won´t eat?
How do I deal with people that disapprove of homeschooling?
How can I make the ´punishment´ fit the ´crime´?
Why won´t my baby sleep at night?
What food should I give my child with a fever?
Is there a right way to change diapers?
How can I cut down impulse shopping?
How can I help my son adjust to the loss of his father?
When do I start to read to my children?
How often should I change my bedding?
How can I involve my kids in gardening?
What are the complications of chicken pox?
Does you child ever question a decision you have made?
How can I get my kids to really learn?
How can I entertain early party arrivals?
How can I remove crayon from walls?
What can I tell stories about?
What should I cook tonight that is quick and easy?
How can you tell if you have rotten eggs?
Can I teach my kids to hang up their clothes?
Can I prevent sibling rivalry?
What activities can I offer kids on long drives?
What are alternate uses for common household items?
Is vinegar used for anything more than ´just´ cooking?
How long is chicken pox contagious?
When do kids stop believing in Santa?
How do I manage to do Christmas shopping with kids?
Do teens ever listen to their parents?
How do I deal with unbelievers of Santa?
Is there any way to prevent fingerprints on walls?
When should I start toilet training?
How can I prevent shrinking and ´bleeding´ of fabrics?
What is a good baby shower gift?
What time is a good deadline for a sleepover?
How can I treat post operative pain?
Is there financial aid available for stay-at-home moms?
Can I still do a recipe if I don´t have enough bread crumbs?
Are routines good for myself and my children?
How can I provide a little light at bedtime for my children?
How can I prevent motion sickness?
How can I reduce my utility bills?
When do I start childproofing my home?
When can my daughter start dating?
How long do I need to keep the catheter after surgery?
How can I identify positive role models for my teens?
How can I keep tomato sauce from staining my containers?
How can I keep dust from settling?
How can I deal with the daily distractions?
How do I get started homeschooling?
Can anybody use those junk mail cd´s?
Wht does baby cry after breastfeeding?
When can my child resume normal activities after surgery?
Why does baby cry after breastfeeding?
Can I get chicken pox as an adult?
Who wrote "youth is wasted on the young" ?
Is there an easy way to keep track of who to write thank you notes to?
How can I keep foods that should be refridgerated cold in lunches?
How do I keep my baby safe while changing diapers?
How can I get out of bed with all these attachments after surgery?
Why do I have to walk so soon after Csection?
How can I prevent resentment in my child?
How can I get my child to take medicine?
Can I stop everything from melting/warming when we go on a picnic.
How can I pamper myself without spending a lot of money?
How often should I clean my mattress?
How often should I flip and/or reposition your mattress?
How do I save half an avocado?
How can I help my children to recognize good role models?
How can I get my laundry brighter?
How long are shingles contagious?
How often should I breastfeed my newborn?
What supplies do I need to get ready for our first baby?
Why is my baby´s bottom all red, splotchy and painful?
Is there financial assistance available for disabled children´s needs?
What can I give as a (cheap) gift for relatives?
Can you suggest some safe summer activities for 3+ yr. olds?
What do you do when you hear "I´m bored"?
Why do I give out loot bags at children´s birthdays?
How often should I change my dish sponges?
How do I teach eye-hand coordination?
How do I properly fit a helmet?
When do you introduce fruit juice to an infant?
How do I keep my child safe while bike riding?
What do I need to do to start a home business?
How many children should I invite for a sleepover party?
When should I introduce a ´date´ to my children?
Can I catch shingles from someone else?
Should you combine Christmas with December birthday events?
What cleaning agents are non toxic?
How do I keep collars and cuffs looking new?
What costumes are safest for kids to wear?
When do I feed kids on Hallowe´en night?
Should children help plan their own birthday parties?
How do I clean straws and other tube shaped items?
How do I clean the tines of silver forks?
What´s a cute way to put candles on a birthday cake?
How can I remove soap scum from the tub?
How do I teach good toothbrushing habits?
Is there a good time to toilet train my baby?
When do I start tooth brushing for infants?
Are food cravings normal during pregnancy?
Is there any way to avoid ironing?
How can I get sand off a body, easily?
Is there a use for used bottled water containers?
Can I reuse the batteries from disposable cameras?
How can I keep mealtime peaceful?
How long will this bleeding go on after baby´s birth?
How can I find a babysitter for New Year´s?
What can I give a child age 4-6 for a gift?
How can I help my child adjust to me returning to work?
How do I keep drains from clogging?
How long does it take for the uterus to return to normal size ?
When is the best time to hold a baby shower?
How can I deal fairly with sibling rivalry?
Can you tell me some crafts to do with the kids?
What kind of sunscreen do I need for my child?
How can I get my mums to bloom in the fall?
How do you prepare an avocado?
How do I remove multi-cooked food from the microwave?
How can I breastfeed discreetly in public?
Can you prevent birthday candles from dripping all over birthday cake?
What is a good costume for my two year old?
Is there a simple way to decorate for parties that is NOT a theme?
Why does my child always walk on tiptoes?
How can I prevent my silverware from tarnishing?
Do you treat your children differently but fairly?
How many smoke detectors do I need in my house?
What can I do to relieve the itch of chicken pox?
How do I store homemade babyfoods?
What are tooth friendly snacks?
When should I teach my children about money management?
How do I prevent pansies from looking "leggy"?
What is an appropriate hostess gift?
Are there ways to find a babysitter for New Years?
Does having kids mean I have to give up New Year´s Traditions?
Won´t coughing break all my stitches after surgery?
How can I gefinancially organized?
What are some good time management tips for parents?
What are some good advice for moms?
How can I manage my time while running errands?
How can I keep my baby/child safe?
How do you evaluate a choice or dilemma?
What beverages can I serve to kids on New Year´s?
How can I get my teen to cooperate?
How do I find out what my child is feeling?
What is a reasonable cost to budget to create each loot bag?
Do I owe a loot bag to a child that missed the party?
What age group expects loot bags at birthday parties?
My child is terrified of white labcoats. What can I do?
How often do you need to wash your hands?
Can you prevent catching a cold?
How long should you keep Halloween candy in the house?
What kind of activities do you reccommend for a sick child?
Will my child get scars from scratching Chicken Pox?
How do I keep track of clock changing days?
How do I start plants from seed?
What can I do to re-use gallon milk jugs?
Can I clean, or at least deodarize, goalie pads?
How do I prevent silver tarnish?
What is a reasonable number of children to invite to a birthday party?
What are some enviromentally friendly room deodarizers?
What products are safe for kids but great for floor cleaning?
What can I use to clean my toddler´s toys?
What do I need to do to get my property ready for trick-or-treaters?
How can I keep track of which (identical)cup belongs to who?
Where can I get more breastfeeding information?
