Your home is a place that is meant to be a sanctuary but can also have some hazardous aspects to it. As a parent, it is your responsibility to provide safety for your little one. One of the most overlooked areas when parents are baby-proofing their home are the windows. Windows account for many significant injuries in children which is why it is important to not overlook baby-proofing them. Below we will dive into why childproofing your windows is essential and how to do it properly.
Why Child Proofing Windows is Essential
Risk of Falls
Windows pose a significant risk of falls for children, especially those under the age of six. Curious and often unaware of potential dangers, young children might lean against or climb up to open windows. Even a brief moment when you look away an accident can happen. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 4,000 children in the U.S. are treated yearly for injuries resulting from falls from windows. Tragically, many of these falls result in debilitating injuries or fatalities.
Strangulation Hazards
Window blinds usually come with long cords which are just one more danger to your little one. You little explorer can easily get tangled in the cord and the worst-case scenario can lead to strangulation. Nowadays, there are cordless window blinds that are operated fully by remote and prevents the risk of harm to your little one.
Additionally, you do not want your little one to try and climb on the cords. The cords cannot handle your little one’s weight and can snap off the wall leaving your child to fall and potentially hit their head..
Safety in Homes with Two Floors
For families living in multi-story homes or apartments, the risk is even greater. While ground-floor falls can still cause serious injuries, falls from higher elevations can be fatal. Childproofing windows in such homes becomes not just important, but critically imperative.
Environmental Risks
Besides falls, there are other environmental risks associated with windows, such as exposure to pollen, allergens, or potential break-ins. Proper childproofing mechanisms can also help mitigate these risks.
How to Child Proof Your Windows Effectively
Effective Guards for You Windows
Putting guards on your windows is a great option to prevent your little one from falling out. These types of guards are certified to meet specific standards which most come with a release mechanism that allows for quick removal if an emergency were to happen. You want to ensure that the bars are spaced properly apart at no more than four inches to keep your child from slipping through.
Window Stops
Window stops prevent windows from opening more than a few inches, thus avoiding the risk of a child squeezing through. They are adjustable and can be fitted to most windows to ensure they don’t open wider than the recommended amount.
Use Window Locks
Window locks can be a very easy, simple, and extremely effective solution for window safety. The locks, when installed properly, ensures that the windows only open to a safe distance so your child cannot climb out.
Install Window Screens for Safety
Safety screens can serve a dual purpose of keeping kids inside while also preventing bugs from getting in. While regular insect screens are not strong enough to prevent falls, safety screens built with specialized heavy-duty materials can act as an additional layer of protection.
Window Coverings without Cords
Switching to cordless window blinds or shades can eliminate the hazard of potentially life-threatening entanglements. If replacing existing blinds is not feasible, functional alternatives include using tension devices to keep the cords taut and out of children's reach.
Rearrange Furniture
Ensure that furniture like chairs, beds, or tables are not positioned close to windows, as they can be used by your adventurous tot to climb and reach windows. Make sure to keep your furniture away from the windows to reduce the temptation and opportunity for your little explorer to access potentially dangerous heights. However, ensure that all your furniture is secure to prevent them from falling over.
New Age Solutions for Child-Proofing Windows
Smart Window Locks and Sensors
In today’s tech-savvy world, integrating smart technology can add an advanced level of safety to your home. Smart window locks can alert you on your smartphone if a window is opened, giving you real-time information and added surveillance.
Child-Safe Opening Mechanisms
Some modern windows come with built-in childproof mechanisms, such as a two-step open process. These windows require adults to push two separate buttons simultaneously to unlock the window, making it difficult for children to operate.
Safety Films
Safety films are special adhesives applied to the glass that hold the shards together if they break. This ensures that if the window accidentally breaks, the pieces of glass don’t shatter and become a further hazard. This prevents your little one from falling into the glass while also protecting them from the shattered glass.
The Role of Education and Awareness
While implementing physical safety measures is crucial, educating children about the dangers of windows as they grow older is equally important. Below are some proactive steps:
- Teach Window Safety: As children reach an age where they can understand basic safety concepts, reinforce the fact that windows are not toys.
- Model Safe Behavior: Children often mimic adult behavior. By repeatedly demonstrating how to safely engage with windows children are more likely to adopt safe habits.
- Regular Safety Checks: Perform regular inspections to ensure that childproofing measures are intact and functioning properly.
Window Safety for Your Little One Is Paramount
Ensuring you are baby-proofing your windows is a fundamental step in creating a safe home environment for your little explorer. You want to make sure you understand the risks involved in having a baby and the potential harm windows can cause while also utilizing the right baby-proofing products.
As a parent, take the time and invest in the products that will keep your baby safe from windows. Through proper childproofing and education, you can protect your child from potential risks that windows can cause.
