Windows are essential to every home, welcoming fresh air and natural light. However, they can also be a safety hazard for kids, presenting as prime areas for falls and injuries. This guide to child window safety covers common risks, steps you can take to make your current windows safer, and the best styles to consider if it’s time for a window replacement.
Here are some of the most common window risks parents and caregivers should be aware of:
Keeping your children safe is your top priority. With so many resources around the topic and products on the market, gathering the information you need can seem daunting. Starting with small improvements now is better than waiting until you have all the answers.
You can implement the following tips to childproof your windows immediately and without purchasing anything.
Kids like to climb and explore, even before learning to walk. Be sure to keep furniture and any other household items that they can try to climb away from the windows. These items can include couches, chairs, cribs, soft toys, small tables and even stacks of books.
Insect screens can be a lifesaver in the warmer months, as they allow you to keep your windows open without worrying about bugs entering your home. Though handy for the heat, they don’t help prevent falls. They can pop out easily with little force. Make sure kids know this and put other protective methods in place.
One of the best things you can do is to actively supervise young children as they play. Steer them away from windows at home. If you’re visiting friends or family, talk to the homeowners about kindly closing and locking the windows where the children are playing.
You can also teach older kids about window safety. Explain to them how easy and dangerous it is to fall out of a window and go over the importance of practicing safety all the time, even when not at home.
If you’re used to keeping your windows open, some lifestyle changes can easily help to create a safer space for your kids. If you can, try and keep your windows closed and locked whenever children are around or in the room. It’s also best to keep kids away from balconies and decks or close the doors leading to them.
Switching on the air conditioner (AC) can help with indoor comfort, and you can always open the windows again once the kids are done playing in that part of the house.
Once you understand the common risks, you’re in a better position to choose the right safety solutions for your windows. Several kinds of aftermarket window safety devices are available, and the one you need largely depends on the type of windows you already have.
These sturdy barriers are placed over window openings on the inside, allowing you to keep your windows open while your kids play. Try to get ones that swing open or have an emergency release for escaping during a fire.
Small and usually made from durable plastic or rubber, stops and wedges restrict the window’s movement. Many will only allow it to open around 4 inches.
You can also add child safety locks to each window that kids can access. Various locks are designed for different types of windows, including those that slide or open outward.
Window safety information and tips from Safe Kids Worldwide and the Window Safety Task Force from the FGIA tend to promote a multilayered approach. Talking to kids about window safety, supervising play and getting window locks are a few recommendations that tackle the issue from several sides.
Temporary fixes are great for providing quick peace of mind, but a permanent upgrade offers lasting durability. Modern windows are often engineered with safety as a core feature, and a quality brand will provide several of these features.
A double-hung window is one of the safer options on the market. These windows can be opened from the top sash instead of the bottom, making them difficult for kids to reach. You can also get one custom-made with grilles for extra security.
Window control devices are built-in hardware that limit how far the window can open. They usually work alongside the sash lock and can be set in place once you’ve opened the window to your desired width. This means you can open the windows up to only a few inches before locking them in place.
Factory-installed locks are high-quality, offer robust security and are difficult for children to operate. Your family can access a more secure option during your window upgrade instead of installing an aftermarket alternative later.
Renewal by Andersen is your local expert for top-quality, premium windows and window replacement services. We help homeowners who are looking for windows that offer the highest standard in safety and quality. Our team will assess your home’s current windows and demonstrate the safety features of our products, helping you make an informed decision.
To get started, schedule a complimentary in-home consultation. We’ll help you explore window solutions that provide lasting quality and peace of mind.
