Baking with children: kitchen safety

Inviting the kids into the kitchen to bake with you can be a wonderful shared experience. Perhaps you have thought about baking together and were concerned about safety issues. Here are seven simple guidelines for staying safe while baking with kids.

Consider the size of your helpers when choosing a place to mix your ingredients. A table may be more accessible than the counter, for example, or a sturdy stool is another option. You want the child to be able to see what he is doing and to be able to reach things easily. It is not recommended to place a small child on the counter or table due to the risk of falling.

Before starting to handle any of the ingredients, make sure you and the child or children wash their hands well. Discuss why it is important not to lick your fingers, wipe your nose, or cough into your hands while working with food. Be vigilant and have children rewash their hands as needed.

Make sure the ingredients you are using are fresh. Many foods are dated regarding their shelf life in the refrigerator or on the shelf. Teach children to check the date on things like milk and eggs. Packaged mixes, such as cake or cookie mixes, can develop spores that can cause respiratory problems. Do not use these items after their expiration date.

Recipes may require the use of sharp tools, such as a chopping knife or scissors to open a package. Model the safe way to transport and use sharp utensils. With more than one person working in the kitchen, it is good practice not to drop sharp items into a sink with soapy water. Someone may inadvertently reach in and cut themselves.

Also be careful when using electrical kitchen appliances around children. Using a mixer, blender, or food processor safely requires following the proper steps for the tool, keeping your hands away from moving parts, and keeping water away from its electrical components. As an added precaution, unplug these appliances when not in use.

The most obvious danger when baking with children is probably the stove and oven. With young children, it is best to put things in the oven and take them out yourself. When doing so, make sure the child or children are in your line of sight and at a safe distance from the oven. Do not leave the oven door open, as you carry hot pans somewhere to put them. If your hands are full, place a skillet on the stove briefly while you take the time to close the oven door and eliminate the hazard it presents. Always wear hot pads or oven mitts and model gentle behavior around the stove and oven. If you feel like a child is ready to put something in the oven or take something out, try a cold oven and then monitor closely when real.

Finally, consider the safe storage of your finished product. Baked goods made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and similar ingredients often need to be refrigerated. Baked goods don’t stay fresh indefinitely. You will most likely be enjoying your delicious delicacy in no time and you don’t have to worry. If your recipe yielded a large quantity and you are concerned about freshness, you can easily freeze a lot of treats.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that baking together is a safe activity for children. I invite you to read more of my Ezine articles on baking with children.