From using the front burners to keeping spices on the counter, pediatricians share 14 things they avoid in their kitchens

Monica HumphriesMar 8, 2021, 15:45 IST

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The kitchen is full of dangers, here are some things the pediatricians kept an eye out for when childproofing their homes.visualspace/Getty Images

Insider spoke to five pediatricians about things they avoid in their kitchens.
Unlocked spices, unlabeled cleaning supplies, and hot foods were some of their largest concerns.
Locking cabinets and only cooking on the back burners were the pediatricians' biggest suggestions.

Nearly every room in a home poses risks when it comes to curious toddlers.

Between foods, fire, and chemicals, the kitchen is one room filled with dangers.

"The kitchen is the heart of your home," Dr. Amna Husain, a pediatrician, lactation consultant, and mother, told Insider. "And it's filled with all types of dangerous hazards."

Insider spoke with five pediatricians about how they babyproofed their kitchen.

Every pediatrician says they avoided using the front burners of their cookers at all costs. Instead, they opted for the back burners that are farther away.

A child reaches for a hot pan on a stove. Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

Some pediatricians suggest avoiding exposed stove knobs by keeping them covered.

A child reaches for the pan on the stove. Antonio_Diaz/Getty Images

Some pediatricians say they also avoid easily accessible ovens by adding a lock.

A latched kitchen over. Tomsmith585/Getty Images

The pediatricians also recommend locking cabinets with potentially harmful items, like cleaners, plastic bags, and heavy pots.

A baby stands near a locked cabinet. tiburonstudios/Getty Images

The pediatricians suggest keeping an eye out for kitchen appliances that have long cords and tucking appliances away when they're not in use.

A baby reaches for the cord of an iron. Martin Novak/Getty Images

Steer clear of keeping knives on the counter. Instead, place them up high and out of a child's reach.

A child reaches for something on a kitchen counter. Sally Anscombe/Getty Images

One pediatrician says spices shouldn't be left on the counter. Instead, store them out of a child's reach.

A child peers into a kitchen drawer. Daniel Tardif/Getty Images

These pediatricians avoided sharp corners by adding corner protectors.

A rubber stopper on a sharp corner. Thomas Faull/Getty Images

The pediatricians stress being aware of potential choking hazards and using the toilet paper tube method.

A toddler eats whole grapes. Frank Rothe/Getty Images

Make sure every outlet is covered so curious toddlers don't get electrocuted.

A baby near an exposed electrical outlet. Steven Puetzer/Getty Images

Avoid having dangerous liquids like dish soap, cleaners, and alcohol in unlabeled bottles so they're not mistaken for something else.

A child reaches into a kitchen cabinet filled with cleaning supplies. BFG Images/Getty Images

Some pediatricians say they ditched long tablecloths on their tables.

A child pulling on a tablecloth. Chalabala/Getty Images

One pediatrician also suggests keeping an eye on any hot foods at the edge of the counter.

A child reaches up for a cup of coffee. ronstik/Getty Images

Even in the kitchen, pediatricians say it's important to check that window blinds don't have long cords.

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