When Paul & I were remodeling this kitchen (before kids, actually before marriage even), we didn't think about child safety. There are three things we would do differently. Two are conveniences: put in a mudroom, put microwave up higher out of the kids reach, and the third is a safety issue. Get a oven/stove that has child-safety features (locks) on it.
About 3 years ago when Noah was learning to crawl I hired a child proofing company. They came in and evaluated our entire house recommending everything needed to make it safe for a toddler. There was one thing we couldn't child proof though. Our oven! First, of all, how is it that cheap ovens have locks and this one doesn't? Just does NOT make sense to me at all.
Unfortunately the locks on the market are crap and don't work well. The adhesive breaks down in the heat and they were not recommended. Also the knobs are too big for knob covers. Because we have two over sized entries into our kitchen we didn't gate it off either. Instead I've just been very vigilant for 3 1/2 years. I teach them "HOT!" at a very young age when around the oven/stove. I keep them out of the kitchen as much as possible if something is cooking. If they are in here, I'm carrying the baby or he's in a highchair. When we get near the oven I always point and tell him "HOT!".
Well after 3 1/2 years I guess an accident was bound to happen. I was baking oatmeal bread this morning (something out of my usual routine). I had to go to the bathroom and left the kids playing (E was in the playroom, Noah was in the living room). I can move the couch to block E in there, but didn't do that, not thinking about the bread in the oven.
As I was in the bathroom I suddenly heard a blood curdling scream. The kind of scream that tells me E was in pain. I run out and find him lying flat on his back, in front of the oven, gripping it with 4 fingers on the INSIDE (right where I'm pointing in this picture).
The oven was heated to 350 degrees. I immediately scooped him up and assessed his hands, but there was no sign of a burn. I felt the spot he had his hand on myself and somehow it was warm, but not hot. I have no idea, but I believe it must be a miracle. I always pray for God to protect my kids. Thank you, GOD! I really thought we'd be on our way to Children's Mercy. Poor baby was just crying from falling on a tile floor. OUCH! But, no serious harm. I try to be a good mom and watch my kids carefully, but sometimes we all screw up. I'm just SO glad that my Curious Elliot is not hurt.
Please, when buying oven/stoves consider their child safety features. Even if you don't have young kids, at some point they will be in your home. I am writing to Viking to tell them this, too.
And since I'm on a PSA roll, I want to add that in addition to gates on stairs and electrical outlet covers (obvious), make sure you tether furniture to the wall that kids can climb up on. And TV's are a big cause of injury too. Protect those babies!
