Children find playthings in the most unusual areas. The contents of boxes for example are of particular interest, even though they may find objects that could cause them damage.

By the ovens
When you cook you should always take care that pan or pot handles are facing inwards and never in danger of spilling their hot contents if you trip for some reason. It is also advisable that you never cook whilst wearing dressing gowns, kimonos or long-sleeved shirts, which could get caught on the handles, above all if the children are distracting you or playing with you.

However, to prevent pans from being knocked over and spilling their content you can purchase protective grids or pasamanos. Even if your kitchen is old you can find these easily installed devices that could one day prevent a potential accident.

Cleaning products
The kitchen is usually where cleaning products such as detergents, softeners and grease removers are kept. Most have safety tops to prevent accidental spillage. But there are very few bottles or boxes that can survive a thorough inspection by a curious child, which is why it is essential to keep all these products under lock and key or in a high cupboard or shelf. Drawers are other places of neverending curiosity for children, which means you should never keep knives or other sharp or dangerous objects in drawers that are within reach of little ones.

For all these reasons kitchen furniture manufacturers are launching increasingly innovative products in this sense. You can purchase doors with lateral blockages or locks, which when closed cannot be opened other than by pressing a small button that overrides the blockage and that is out of sight of children. There are also an impressive number of child-proof cupboards whose doors are similar to window blinds. These are attractive and easy for adults to open but far more difficult for children.

Small household electrical items
Anything that makes a noise and has an unusual shape interests children: mixers, coffee-makers, juice-makers and the like. When you are using these items, make sure the cable is not on the kitchen top, as children may pull it and topple over the contents. Always store them after using them and ensure your children cannot reach them.

Irrespective of all these precautions, the most important advice to prevent accidents is for you to teach your children from a very early age that certain objects are dangerous, without exaggerating. Make sure you are clear and concise, and do not be over-zealous, as prohibiting children from entering certain rooms often has the opposite effect and simply sparks their imagination.