Kitchen Gadgets Kids Love
Kitchen safety tips
By Paul Krantz
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Safety Tips
Don't let an accident ruin a perfectly fun time in the kitchen. Follow these guidelines when you and your children cook together.
- Use the buddy system. Never allow a young child to work alone in the kitchen. Even the safest gadgets and tools can be dangerous if misused.
- Be age appropriate. You are the best judge of what your child can do, so use common sense. Stop if your child has to physically struggle with a job, or if he or she has to reach beyond a comfortable distance.
- Stay food safe. Always check that your child washes his or her hands after handling eggs, poultry, meat, or similar foods. Wash cutting boards, utensils, and counters with warm soapy water after use.
- Keep it clean. A messy work area is more than an eyesore. It's also a danger. Wet floors lead to falls, of course, but even a dusting of flour on the floor can be a slippery as ice. Bacteria thrive on spilled food, and can contaminate your food even after their food source has dried. The best approach: Clean as you go.
- Use stove smarts. There are several ways you can ensure safety around the stove. First, turn the handles of pots and pans so they don't extend beyond the front or sides of the cooktop where they can be accidentally bumped. Use appropriately sized, dry pot holders to handle hot utensils. And avoid loose clothes and dangling cuffs that might come in contact with hot burners.
