5 Pieces of Advice for Making Your Kitchen More Kid-Friendly
As a parent, you know how important it is to have a safe and kid-friendly household environment. With the kitchen being the heart of the home, it may seem like a daunting task to make it more kid-friendly, without sacrificing style or functionality. With a few expert tips, you can create a kitchen that is both beautiful and safe for your little ones. This blog will share five pieces of advice for making your kitchen more kid-friendly.
Keep Safety in Mind When Choosing Appliances
When choosing appliances, keep in mind that they should be kid-friendly and safe. For example, opt for a range or oven that has knobs placed at the front rather than the back, which can be easily reached by curious little fingers. You should also ensure that the microwave is placed at a lower level than the countertop to avoid accidents. Lastly, install child safety locks on cabinets and drawers around the kitchen.
Create a Safe and Functional Work Area for Kids
If your little ones like to help you out in the kitchen, it’s important to have a designated area where they can safely work. Consider consulting a remodeling company like Nielsen’s Remodeling & Construction, to work on lowering the height of one of your countertops. You could also try adding a small table and chairs to your kitchen. This ensures that children can comfortably and safely work without the danger of accidental cuts or burns. Also, investing in kid-safe utensils not only provides a safe working environment but also encourages them to be thankful for the opportunity to learn and work with you in the kitchen.
Make Use of Kid-Friendly Storage Solutions
Opting for kid-friendly storage solutions in your kitchen can help maintain order and avoid accidents. For example, storing heavy or breakable items such as glassware and ceramic dishes on upper shelves and replacing them on the lower shelves with kid-friendly plastic ware. Consider installing pull-out drawers for storing pots and pans, as well as baskets for storing vegetables at a lower level where they can be easily accessed by kids.
Choose Kid-Safe Flooring
While the kitchen is the busiest room in the house, it’s also the most prone to spills and accidents, so it’s important to choose the right type of flooring. It’s best to avoid ceramic tiles as they are prone to breakage and can be dangerous when wet. Opt for flooring such as non-slip vinyl, cork or rubber as it is both durable and easy to clean. Kid-safe flooring can give you peace of mind, especially when your little ones run around the house.
Add Some Fun Elements
Adding some fun elements in the kitchen can change the ambiance and make cooking fun for both you and your little ones. Consider adding a chalkboard wall where your children can leave messages, drawing, and other creativity during the cooking experience. Another fun element would be a small garden on the windowsill. This not only encourages your children to explore different vegetables, but it also adds some color to your kitchen.
Designing a kitchen that is both functional, stylish, and kid-friendly is possible with the right guidance. By choosing kid-safe appliances and storage, incorporating a kid-friendly work area, kid-safe flooring, and adding fun elements like chalkboards and gardens, you can create an environment where your children can safely learn the art of cooking and help you out in the kitchen. Always consult a professional to give you a detailed plan of action that is within your budget. Now that you know these expert tips, you can confidently and safely create a kitchen that is both stylish and kid-friendly.