Are you planning a Great British Bake Off level holiday baking session this weekend? Perhaps friends are coming over for a gingerbread-house kids party or you are prepping treats for Santa’s arrival? It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new cookie recipe or holiday menu. Safety needs to come first – especially when you bring little ones into the kitchen! While burnt holiday cookies may not ruin your holiday spirit a kitchen fire and other cooking hazards will. Whatever your holiday cooking and baking plans include and before donning your aprons, make your kitchen safe with these tips.
Do not leave young children unattended in the kitchen
Ensure an adult is always present when young children are in the kitchen. Take the opportunity to reinforce kitchen safety rules and safety zones when you are cooking or baking. Repetition is important.
Always turn pot handles inward
Young children love to help and they also love to reach. Put pans on the backburner and always turn pan/pot handles in and away from their reach. This will help prevent spills and subsequent burns. Additionally, watch out for hot foods, bowls, lids, and other containers that have been on the stove or in the microwave.
Choose the right tools
Make sure the kitchen is stocked with the right tools to keep adults and children safe. Always have oven/pot mitts, a cookie sheet or a pot lid and a timer close by and easily accessible. Oven mitts (or a thick towel) should always be used when removing items from the oven.
Setup safety zones
To protect young children in the household from very serious burns, the National Fire Protection Association recommends having a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around hot things like open fires, space heaters, and the stove or areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Cookie recipe
Sweet & Simple Sugar Cookie Recipe
Printable holiday activity sheets
General cooking safety
While this blog is dedicated to cooking and baking with young children, please general cooking safety tips here: