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How to childproof a kitchen

Sorting and organising soft toys for young children

Overview

The kitchen isn’t just where meals are made - it’s a busy hub for everything from cooking and cleaning to family time and play. But for young children, it’s also one of the most hazardous rooms in the home. That’s why childproofing your kitchen is so important. With a few smart changes, you can create a safer, more child-friendly space without losing any of the kitchen functionality you need day to day. 

Safety tip: Always wear appropriate safety equipment, including safety glasses, ear protection and a dust mask. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any tools or hardware you’re using. 

Steps

1Secure your cupboards and drawers

Start by installing child safety locks for kitchen cabinets and drawers. Focus on those that store sharp utensils, glassware, heavy items or cleaning products. Even with just a moment’s distraction, curious hands can find their way into places they shouldn’t. These locks are quick to install and make a big difference to everyday kitchen safety. Don’t overlook the kitchen bin - it might seem harmless, but it can contain sharp lids, food scraps, cleaning waste and plastic packaging - all of which can pose a risk. Use a rubbish bin with a secure, childproof lid or store it inside a locked kitchen cabinet to keep it safely out of reach.
Secure cupboards and drawers with safety locks

2Move hazardous items out of reach

Where possible, store dangerous items on higher shelves. Sharp knives, heavy pots, and breakable dishes are best kept well above a child’s eye level and ideally out of sight. Reorganising your kitchen storage is a quick and effective way to reduce risks without needing to install additional barriers.
Move hazardous items out of reach

3Store cleaning products securely

Cleaning chemicals should always be stored in a locked cupboard or fitted with child safety latches. Even small amounts of detergent, surface spray or household cleaners can be harmful if ingested. Keeping these products locked away adds an essential layer of protection and peace of mind. 
Store cleaning products securely

4Childproof your appliances

Appliances like the fridge, oven and dishwasher can all be intriguing to children. To prevent accidents, add childproof latches to each one to keep them securely closed. These safety latches help ensure little fingers stay clear of hot or heavy surfaces - and anything stored inside.
Childproof the appliances to prevent it from being opened by children

5Cover exposed power points

Cover any accessible power points with plug protectors, especially in areas where kids might be playing or exploring. Where possible, upgrade to tamper-resistant outlets for added protection. These small additions help prevent electrical hazards and give you peace of mind.
Cover exposed power points to prevent children from accessing them

6Keep benchtops clear and cords tucked away

Benchtops often hold small appliances like kettles, toasters or food processors. When not in use, unplug these devices and tuck cords out of sight. Loose cords can be tempting to pull, which could bring appliances crashing down - posing a serious risk to small children.
Keep benchtops clear and cords tucked away when not in use

7Prevent slips and trips

Clean up spills as soon as they happen to avoid slippery surfaces. Place a non-slip mat near the sink or main prep areas to provide extra grip underfoot. It’s also important to keep the floor clear of bags, toys, and utensils to minimize trip hazards - especially when kids are nearby.
Clean up spills as soon as they happen to avoid slippery surfaces

8Create a safe play zone

To keep kids entertained while you’re busy in the kitchen, dedicate one lower cupboard as a child-safe zone. Fill it with plastic containers, wooden spoons or soft items they can explore safely. It keeps them engaged, encourages independence and helps you work with fewer interruptions.
Create a safe play zone

9Now that you’ve childproofed a kitchen

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.