How To Childproof Windows And Blinds

Windows can be one of the most dangerous threats in the home to children because they pose significant risks that can lead to substantial injury or even death.

Incidents that occur in the home are just as perilous as potential impacts that exist outside of it, which makes these issues just as important to address for keeping children safe and secure. Where windows are concerned, the biggest fear is that a child can somehow open one and fall out of it from a great height. This is a concern for homeowners who have an apartment or condominium in a high rise building or a free-standing home with more than one upper floor.

Some homeowners believe that having a screen on their window will help to prevent a child from climbing out or falling through. That is not the case.

There are other hazards as well, such as the risk of a window falling down on a child’s fingers or head causing mild to severe injury. Even the blinds hung on a window can pose a threat to a child.

That’s why it’s so important to babyproof windows before something occurs and you can prevent these many dangers from impacting your child’s well-being. In an effort to bring a heightened awareness to making the home safer for your child around windows and blinds, check out these helpful hints:

Window Locks

The most basic method for keeping children from opening and climbing through a window is to simply lock it. But the type of lock you need is going to rely on the type of window you have installed. Sliding windows, casement windows, double-hung windows, each one will need its own unique lock in order to keep it shut.

Screens

They are too soft and pliable to be relied upon to keep your child from falling out of it. Screens are not to be trusted as the only protection from a tragedy. That’s why you should also look into installing a window guard along with a screen. These are sturdier solutions designed to prevent your child from climbing out or falling from a window with a screen.

Blind Cords

Hanging cords are too dangerous for households with small children as they can pose a choking hazard. So you can either tie them away from areas where small fingers can reach them or install cordless options that can do the same job just as effectively.

Cranks

A crank is too attractive for a child to look past. Their shape is inviting and they don’t take much effort to operate and open a window. But you can take away this distraction by removing cranks from the windows they open. When a child can’t grasp the crank, it is physically impossible to get the window ajar.

Keep Furniture Away

Nearly all windows are positioned away from the ground, which means that a child needs to climb up to the sill, the frame, and the sash in order to get it open. If they can reach the window, they have a better chance of opening it.

Furniture is a convenient way for a child to get close to the window as they climb up on a chair or couch positioned near or directly in front of it. Moving these items away from your windows can help keep children at bay.

For more information on these and other window safety tips, visit our website: