We all know about bathroom safety - keeping the hot water system below scalding point, keeping razors and medications out of reach, never leaving our child alone - but recent research from KidSafe suggests that the kitchen is the biggest danger zone for child injury.

Burns, scalds and cuts suffered by children from kitchen activities are increasing.  According to KidSafe, the level of new burn patients admitted to hospital has increased over the past 4 years by a staggering 65%, mostly in children under 4 - and most of these have happened in the kitchen.

Most scalds and burns happen quickly but can have devastating effects.  For example, it's easy to leave a hot drink on the edge of the bench without thinking.  Imagine a toddler who can't see over the top of the bench reaching up and pulling the hot cup over onto themselves, scalding their chest, neck and shoulders.  Babies' and toddlers' skin is more delicate than an adult, and what may feel only hot to an adult can cause quite severe burns to a small child.

Scalds make up about half of all patients treated at the Stuart Pegg Paediatric Burns Centre (Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane). That's about 300 children every year.

Boiling water from hot kettles, and saucepan spills also cause scalding.

Burns from electric hotplates can also occur - old hotplates that have been off for a while can still retain a lot of heat which can still burn a little one's skin if they touch it.

So, how to keep them safe and prevent injury? Here are some of our suggestions.

• If your kitchen has a doorway, a gate across it is great - it can be an idea to always ban your children from the kitchen when you are boiling something on the stove.
• Trying to get into the habit of turning the saucepan handles toward to back of the stove while you're cooking,  where they can't be grabbed by a child who can't see, is a good idea, too.
• Make sure your tea or coffee is in the middle of the bench so that your little one can't reach it.
• Check for any cords hanging down within reach from kettles or hot appliances.
• Electric stove guards are another good idea if you have hotplates - you can view these and other safety devices at KidSafe House.
• If you're replacing your stove, choosing a wall oven rather than an under-bench one is a good idea as well.
• You could also consider elevating your child to bench top level a safe distance from the stove so that they can see what’s going on, and giving them something safe to do while you cook, like chopping with a safe knife or stirring something.
  

Read more information on home safety in general.

Find local businesses who will conduct a home safety audit at your house.

Find your local Kidsafe.

This article was kindly contributed to Bub Hub by Rose & Lily Australia.  Their range includes many great home safety products.

website:  www.roseandlily.com.au