How to Childproof Windows And Prevent Accidents

As a homeowner, securing your windows should be one of your top priorities. Not only does it improve the security of your home against break-ins, but it also ensures the safety of your children. 

Your little ones are naturally curious and eager to explore their immediate environment, making them more prone to accidents. If they get close to an open window, they can fall outside and get seriously injured.

The good news is that these accidents are preventable, and an effective solution is to have childproof windows.

In this guide, we’ll share what safety precautions you can take to make sure your children are safe inside your home. 

General Tips on How to Childproof Windows 

Before we get down to the specifics, let’s get the general window safety precautions out of the way. Here are some key points to keep in mind when child-proofing your windows:

• Keep windows closed and locked when not in use to keep children from opening them
• If your children are old enough to understand, explain how dangerous it is to play near windows and to be careful so they don’t fall from great heights
• Keep your furniture away from the windows—these could be used by children to climb atop window sills
• Even if you take all the precautions, perhaps the best measure is to never leave toddlers unattended  

Once you’ve got these basics covered, we’ll dive into the different ways you can childproof your windows. 

Ways to Childproof Your Windows 

When it comes to ensuring the safety of your children, it never hurts to go the extra mile. After all, over 420 children are admitted to emergency departments each year due to injuries from falling out of windows. 

To avoid these incidents, here are some specific childproofing methods you may need for your windows:

Secure Your Window Locks 

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Ensuring your windows stay locked is the most common approach to childproofing windows. So, first, make sure your window locks are functioning properly. 

If you find broken locks, replace them or have them repaired immediately to avoid any potential accidents. Alternatively, you can also switch your locks for child safety window locks, as these are specifically designed to prevent a window from opening.

Remove the Handles on the Awning Windows 

These are windows that have hinges at the top of their frame and are crank-operated, making them one of the easiest windows to baby-proof. So, if you have these awning windows with removable crank handles, unscrew them and store them in a place where your children won’t be able to reach them. 

Install Window Guards on Casement Windows 

Casement windows open completely, so it has a big opening that needs childproofing right away. The first thing you can do is remove the crank handle and store it in a safe, hard-to-reach area. 

Then, install window guards to guarantee children’s safety. Window screens won’t be enough since they can tear and get broken on impact.

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Window guards are grill-type fixtures that typically span your window’s entire width so no child can lean and fall. When buying window protectors, first ensure they are compatible with your window frame’s material. 

Install Window Stops to Your Hung Windows 

Whether you have single or double-hung windows, installing window stops can wedge your windows shut or stop them from opening beyond a specific point. This makes it challenging for your toddlers to open your windows entirely while still allowing fresh air to circulate inside your home. 

Aside from the added safety benefit, window stops are also visually discreet—meaning you can place them on your window and won’t have to worry about seeing an eyesore on your home fixtures.

Similar to window stops, you can also use window wedges to ensure your double-hung windows don’t open past a certain point. A window stop acts just like a door stop and can be placed anywhere on your window.

Secure Your Sliding Windows With a Charley Bar 

Charley bars are a type of security bar commonly used to deter theft on sliding patio doors. They’re just as effective in babyproofing sliding windows, too. Just place the security bar high enough so your children won’t be able to reach it or pry the window open. 

Make sure to place these bars in a horizontal position so your sliding windows remain closed. 

Switch to Cordless Window Treatments 

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While this may not contribute to fall risk, leaving window blinds or treatments with cords around children unattended can easily harm or strangle them. Anything over 22 cm of dangling window cords is enough to choke a toddler, and if your little one isn’t attended to immediately, they could face serious injury. Additionally, some window coverings have small plastic, removable pieces that could be a choking hazard for your toddler. 

So, make sure that aside from childproof windows, you’re choosing cordless window treatments as well.

Secure Your Child’s Safety With Trusted Windows From Burano 

They say that the best solution is prevention, and this applies to your home as well. By having childproof windows, you guarantee your children’s safety and security around these home fixtures. That’s one thing off your mind. 

But all these precautions won’t matter if your windows are old and prone to easy breakage or damage. In such circumstances, it’s best to get replacement windows that are more secure. Ensure your windows won’t shatter easily with a single tug and protect your kids from debris with Burano Doors’ high-performance windows.

When it comes to top-notch windows and doors, we’ve got you covered. We offer premium window products made from durable low-E glass and vinyl material at the best prices. Our windows are lab-tested and Energy Star-certified to ensure they meet the highest standards on the market.

Make sure your childproof windows are secure right from installation. Get in touch with us and let’s ensure your home has childproof windows today!