Want to cook more with your kids? Getting your kitchen set up with the right kids’ kitchen tools is the key to make it easier and (a little) less messy).
Truthfully, any equipment that you have that isn’t breakable and that your kids can safely use is ok – you don’t need anything special.
That said, I have a few favorite pieces of kids’ cooking equipment I stock my kitchen with to make sure that my kids can easily and safely get in on the action. After all, you can’t give your kids much space to play and learn if you’re worried about them reaching the counter or misusing the precious tools that you have.
In this post, I’ll be focusing specifically on the kitchen tools you’ll need to get cooking with your kids. Think set-up basics like stools and cleaning supplies. More on the actual utensils (knives, spoons, measuring cups) next week.
Kids’ Kitchen Tools: Key Pieces of Equipment to Set Up a Safe Kitchen
These are the things that you need on hand to even get your kids started in the kitchen. Here are a few of the things that we use on a daily basis:
Step stool
This is especially important for little ones who can’t yet reach the counter! I know that many people love the Learning Tower, which you’ll see below, but I’ve never had the space to store something that doesn’t fold up at all. And that price!
In the event that that’s your situation too, it can sometimes be as simple as using a high bar stool and sticking nearby while kiddo is on it. Otherwise, a lightweight folding step stool that you can easily put away, is the favorite device in our house.
Hook on High Chair
Working with a really little one that you don’t want to have to supervise on a stool? This hook on high chair can be a great solution for those of you who work at an island in your kitchen.
When my older guy was little, I loved having him set up at counter height so he could join me in the kitchen – either eating or helping.
Splat Mat
Is the mess on the floor going to stress you out? If so, I suggest something like this splat mat that you can put under the step stool or hook-on-chair. BTW, they also work great under a high chair for meal time.
I love that these are easily wipeable and washable.
Kid’s Cleaning Supplies
No reason that you can’t get help with clean-up after the cooking happens! Most kids love helping out with it. PLUS it’s a great skill to start building from the get-go.
Here are some of our favorites:
Did you know that you can shorten the Swiffer handle? My three year old has his own and loves pushing it around. Plus he manages to pick up a surprising amount of dirt!
Now that you have the right kids’ kitchen tools, want to know more about what kinds of things kids can help with at different ages and stages? Here are some great resources:
- The Kitchen Skills Kids Can Learn By Age Group
- 10 Cooking Skills Your Kids Should Know
- A Guide to Cookery Skills by Age
Come back next week for our favorite Kids’ Cooking Utensils! Here we’ll share the knives, measuring equipment, and other children’s cooking utensils that we love!
