Turn kitchen objects into children's toys

Most babies know that the kitchen is where the real action is — it's full of shiny things, interesting sounds, yummy smells and — oh, yes — food. You'd be amazed at how children can turn the most insignificant household items into captivating games. Your kitchen actually contains more toys and entertainment than you suspect, including what's listed below.

It's important to childproof your kitchen, to install safety latches, cover sockets and to make sure that anything even remotely dangerous is out of reach. Once this is done, you can designate one lower cabinet to be baby's kitchen toy box and stock it with a few specific items that your little one can play with. Some items you may want to include are:

• Smaller pots and lids
• A few plastic containers
• A wooden spoon
• A sturdy set of measuring spoons
• Nesting metal measuring cups

Some metal and plastic food cans, like containers for coffee and stacked potato chips, come with plastic lids. Turn them into fun noisemakers and you've got a brand new toy.

1. First, clean and dry an empty can, making absolutely sure that all sharp edges have been removed or filed down,
2. Toss in a small amount of dry pasta, cereal, hard candy, dried beans or rice.
3. Secure the plastic lid with pressure sensitive tape and test the noisemaker to be certain the top won't come off.

For a quieter alternative: Put crunchy cereal in a cardboard oatmeal box and secure the top with tape. When rolled on the floor, this homemade rattle makes a neat swooshing sound.

Too many tiny toys underfoot? This is a problem you can fix. Bring some order to it all by making a simple toy carrier from an large empty juice jug with a handle. Here's how.

1. With scissors or a utility knife, carefully cut a large opening out of the top third of the jug, leaving the handle area and the plastic cap intact.
2. Cover the cut edge with pressure sensitive or masking tape. (While the cut edge could be filed or sanded smooth, taping gives extra protection.)
3. Let your child decorate the carrier with permanent markers and then fill it with small toys.

Arguing siblings can keep their treasures in separate carriers and perhaps avoid the usual debates.

Creating a toy area out of kitchen items is genius — your toddler will be busy while you work in the kitchen, no expensive toys needed!