Windows flood rooms with natural light, but they are also a magnet for young children who are eager to see what’s going on outside. Each year, thousands of children are severely injured or lose their lives due to window accidents. Curious babies, toddlers, and kids of a certain age should be protected from sustaining life-threatening injuries, and you can do that by learning how to childproof the windows in your home.

Window safety solutions are affordable and relatively easy to install. There are several types of safety devices that work on any type of window. Get familiar with each type and select ones that best suit your home environment.

1. Window Guards

Window guards are constructed of sturdy materials that cover a portion of the window, or the entire window. The guard incorporates a grid pattern consisting of horizontal and vertical bars. Once installed, the guards are extremely difficult for babies and small children to remove. Kids can lean on the bars safely without fear of tumbling out the window. Adults can release the safety mechanism in a jiffy for emergencies. These are so effective that the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends their use.

2. Window Locks

Installing locks on windows is an easy way to prevent children from opening them. Many contemporary windows come with locks attached. For windows that don’t come with locks, you can purchase locks from stores that sell hardware supplies. Easy to install models use suction to adhere locks to window sills, requiring no tools.

3. Window Stops

Similar to door stops, window stops work by preventing a window from sliding open with the use of force. They require installation, and once installed, a young child cannot accidentally lift up the window.

4. Window Cranks

Some windows have manual cranks that you turn in order to push open the window. Children can quickly figure out how to operate the crank mechanism, which makes them a safety risk. Installing a casement window lock is one way to resolve this problem. Another option is removing the cranks altogether.

5. Window Blinds

Window blinds are responsible for numerous in-home accidents involving children. Kids are attracted to the dangling cords used for adjusting the blinds. In the blink of an eye, a small child can get their head entangled and suffocate. Keep your children safe by using cord clips or wraps to keep cords safely out of reach. Alternatively, install cordless window blinds.

Need More Information About Window Safety?

XO Windows are window experts, and you can contact us anytime for quick answers and assistance with any type of window issue—including childproofing your windows.