Perhaps baskets that contain items you need? Not sure if a toddler or soon to be toddler could pull them out.

For right now why not put baby's stuff there so they can reach books and toys .This was I guess a great idea when we needed cookbooks handy but now I just go on the web to find recipes and pretty sure so do many others Once the baby no longer needs these I would maybe just look at closing that area in if you do not want to redo the island counter and add an overhang for seating.

I would contact a custom cabinet company to come in, measure and see the space. I agree with the cabinet doors as that will help keep your little one from accessing all of the items at his/her level. Allowing you to use the shelves for all items that fit. Sometimes it is difficult to find the right size baskets or bins that suit the space and hold the appropriate things. Sliding doors I would not recommend as this will restrict you from having full access to the shelves. At this moment my recommendation is cabinet doors with nice hardware to compliment the kitchen.

I had a similar shelf (s) in my own island. too much clutter for everything. I ended up have two drawers made for it. (I realize yours is too shallow for that, but perhaps getting some custom doors, or sliding doors? maybe one portion could stay open?

when baby is older, maybe you'd like to have storage for something like this

Well, I certainly wouldn't have those scissors there with a toddler nosing around! Do you know the paint color on the island? You might consider buying a piece of luan and cutting it to fit the opening. Paint it to match and tack it up with finish nails you can dab with a bit more paint. Once you have no more toddlers, you can remove it and use the shelves normally.

Store the plastic containers on it for now. Or leave it empty. The toddler will have fun practicing putting things on it and will show you exactly how to use it 😉

I'd definitely leave part of it open for the kidlet's kitchen play items.

I think Beth's sliding door idea is worth exploring if you actually need that storage. But I wonder if, for now, you could just use a curtain rod (mounted to the top or a swing arm from a side molding **), to attach a pretty length of fabric curtaining. Then you could stuff plastic and other unbreakable things, cookbooks, measuring spoons and loaf pans and things, that would be safe if kidlet explores behind the curtain but nothing you have to style or dust.

**

You can put a plank of wood across each shelf to make it difficult for a young child to remove items as easily but you would have to select items such as books, or something not a danger to a child. The kitchen is a danger zone for a child when there is cooking etc going on, so I would have a safe area for baby to play where they can’t enter action zone of kitchen but you can enter their safe zone area within sight to interact whenever you want.

a place for baby toys. ;)