Baking with kids can create some of the sweetest memories—but kitchen accidents can quickly turn those moments sour. That’s why making the kitchen a fun and safe place to bake together is so important. With a little preparation and a few simple rules, you can keep things running smoothly while helping your kids build confidence, skills, and delicious treats. Below are five essential kitchen safety rules to help guide your little bakers every step of the way.
The First Rule: Start with Clean Hands and Surfaces
Handwashing is non-negotiable in the kitchen, so proper handwashing skills are essential. Teach kids to wash with warm water and soap while singing the ABCs twice. Other helpful hygiene habits include: tying back long hair (or wearing a hat), rolling up long sleeves and wearing an apron to keep clothes clean and protected.
A clean surface is a safe surface, too. Make sure your work area is free from dirt and bacteria. Always wipe down counters before you begin. And make it a habit to clean as you go — if you spill an ingredient (like a cracked egg), clean it up right away to avoid contamination or slipping hazards.
The Second Rule: Be Careful Around Heat
Ovens and stovetops can be dangerous for kids, so adult supervision is key. Reduce the risk of accidents and help kids feel more confident around hot surfaces by teaching them how to safely turn the oven on and off. Explain how to adjust oven temperatures and to use potholders or oven mitts to take items out of a hot oven. When using the stove, be sure to always turn the pot and pan handles inward and to never leave the stove unattended.
The Third Rule: Choose the Right Job for the Right Age
When kids are ready to help, start with tasks that don’t involve heat or sharp tools. While not every activity is suited for every age, remember that simple responsibilities help children feel involved and successful in the kitchen. General tasks suited to a child’s skill level may include the following:
- Toddlers and preschoolers – pouring, stirring, sprinkling, measuring dry ingredients.
- Elementary age – cracking eggs, whisking, scooping dough.
- Older kids and teens – using nylon knives, reading recipes, operating small appliances with supervision.
The Fourth Rule: Use Kitchen Tools the Safe Way
Kitchen tools like mixers and hand blenders can be fun to use—but also come with risks. Take the time to show kids how to handle them safely. Start slowly, walk them through the steps, and supervise until you’re both confident. Some essential equipment rules include:Â
- Never reaching into a mixer while it’s on.
- Always unplug appliances before cleaning or adjusting parts.
- Be extra cautious around sharp blades in food processors and immersion blenders.
- Use nylon knives to teach cutting skills.
- Never remove hot items from the oven without an oven mitt.
The Fifth Rule: Keep Safety Front and Center
Baking with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little prep and the right safety measures, it can be one of the most rewarding parts of your day. You know your child best, so use your judgment when introducing new tools and techniques. To help your child master another important baking skill, check out this post on how to properly measure wet or dry ingredients.
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Great basic tips for cooking safely with young ones! I don’t have kids yet, but the idea of using mixers with little ones around makes me nervous. I would definitely be giving them a good safety lecture before turning those machines on! But as long as you’re following these (and other) basic safety tips, cooking with kids is a blast! I have so many happy memories of baking with my mom when I was a kid. 🙂
I have lots of happy memories baking with my mom too! Baking with young ones is so much fun.