August 22nd, 2019 / 0 Comments

There are many ways parents can help keep their kids safe when using a microwave, including using microwave-safe cookware, teaching children to use potholders, and reminding kids to follow the microwave instructions on the package.
Microwave ovens are found in 90 percent of American households, and for many families a microwave can be convenient, quick and easy to use. However, a microwave can also pose potential risks for children such as burns and unhealthy eating habits.
For children, the most common microwave injury is burns. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children can be burned by removing dishes from the microwave, spilling hot foods or liquids, opening microwave popcorn bags and other containers and eating food that is cooked unevenly or has hot spots.
Hot soups or water tend to be the biggest problem for children because the containers get soft, which can cause the water to spill on the children. Parents should make sure children are old enough and tall enough to reach the food or beverage they are heating up in the microwave.
Additionally, sometimes families tend to rely on convenient, microwaveable foods, which can be high in calories and fat. On occasion, these foods are fine for children to consume, but families should not rely on them too much. Instead, try eating leftovers and fruits and vegetables, and avoid prepackaged vegetables with sauces and cheese.
There are several ways parents can help keep their children safe when using a microwave, including:
If your child is too young to read or follow written food preparation directions or to read the microwave oven keypad, they are too young to use a microwave oven without supervision.
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