Play Kitchen Safety

Play kitchens offer little ones a way to perform daily tasks just like Mom and Dad, but they also offer parents an easy way to teach children basic kitchen safety rules they can use for a lifetime. Here are five rules to teach your children in the safety of their play kitchens.

Food Safety. Utilizing play kitchen sinks and play food, teach your kids the importance of cooking with clean hands and separating certain raw foods from others. Teach children never to taste raw or uncooked food, and never to taste hot food right from the oven.
Preparation. Start with a simple recipe, and stress the importance of reading it and getting all ingredients and materials ready before cooking.
Heat Safety. Use a play kitchen oven and cooktop to teach your kids to use hot pads and caution when handling hot foods. Make sure pot handles are turned away from the front of the stovetop. Place a first-aid kit in the kitchen, and teach children where it is and how to use it. Tell children that if a fire should start, call for an adult or 911.
Knife Safety. Teach kids to always exercise caution when chopping and cutting, and don't let them perform such tasks until older. Remember to instruct kids to place knives point-down in the dishwasher. Always wear shoes in the kitchen, too.
Cleaning Up. After cooking, teach kids to thoroughly wash all pots, pans and utensils, and to mop up any spills. Put all tools and food away, and clean off cooking surfaces and countertops so the kitchen is ready to use again - safely.