How to Baby Proof a Kitchen Stove

Keep your baby safe in the kitchen.

The kitchen is full of hazards for curious young children, who are often fascinated by knobs, handles and drawers. Keep your child safe in the kitchen by investing time and money on childproofing measures, especially for the stove. Prevent burn and other injuries with just a few safety steps.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• oven lock
• stove top guard
• knob covers(optional)
• anti-lock stove bracket

1. Turn pot handles inward or use the back burners whenever possible. Keeping hot pans away from the reach of children will help to ensure their safety.

2. Install safety latches on the oven door so kids cannot open a hot oven or be tempted to climb into a cold one. Most are designed to be difficult for kids to unlatch but easy for adults to undo.

3. Put childproof covers on stove knobs to keep your child from turning them on. Stove knob locks are also available, or simply remove the knobs when you are not using the burners.

4. Install a stovetop guard, which is a clear shield that will keep fingers away from the burners.

Tips & Warnings

• Baby-proof your home before the baby arrives, so you won't be overwhelmed.

• Continue to baby-proof your home. Make sure that anything that was installed is not worn down or out of place.

• Never leave a child unattended, even if you have completely babyproofed your home.

References

• Baby Center: Childproofing Your Kitchen
• One Step Ahead: How to Child Proof Your Home