How to child-proof windows
Windows can be a hazard for young children if not properly secured. Discover tips and products that can help keep your kids safe.
We know what it's like. You become a parent, and suddenly every household fixture becomes a potential hazard.
Plug sockets? Yep, hazard – better put covers on those. Stairs? Of course – a stair gate is a must. Windows? In some cases, yes – if you don't take the right precautions.
We don't want to worry you when you already have 5,000 things to fret about. But the statistics are pulse-quickeningly stark. According to the Child Accident Prevention Trust, one child under 10 is admitted to hospital daily after falling from a building.
The good news is that these accidents can almost always be avoided. It might just mean a bit of forward planning. Or it could mean investing in safety devices or even a whole new window. But we think you'll agree – that's a small price to pay for your child's safety and your peace of mind.
In this guide, we talk you through the basics of child-proofing windows – the risks, the solutions and when an upgrade is the safest option.
What dangers do windows pose for children?
Kids are a curious bunch. To them, a windowsill is an invitation to practice their climbing skills and see what's going on in the big, wide world outside.
That's why windows pose a particular risk to pre-school children. They often learn to climb before they learn to walk. And even a fall from a ground-floor window is a nasty fall when you're three-foot-nothing.
But falling out of windows is just one potential hazard. Kids who clamber also risk falling indoors – from the windowsill onto the hard floor below.
Finally, there's the risk of unsavoury types gaining access to your home. Vigilance and good home security are your friends here. With windows, that means high-quality, multi-point locking systems and modern double or triple glazing.
Five simple steps you can take
1. Keep low furniture away from windows
By "low furniture", we mean anything kids could climb to reach the windowsill. Remember: falls from windowsills are as much of a risk as falling out of the window. Your best defence is to keep your children off the windowsill altogether.
2. Keep windows locked (but know where to find the key)
If you're not using a window, keep it securely closed and locked. This helps reduce the risk of kids falling out, as well as intruders getting in.
That said, you should never lock a window without knowing where to find the key. In an emergency, you might need to use that window as an escape route.
3. Keep kids away from open windows
You can't keep windows closed all the time – but you can do your best to keep your kids away from the danger. If you need to open a window for ventilation, make sure your little adventurers can't access the room.
4. If possible, open windows from the top
Some types of windows offer safer opening options. With double-hung sash windows, for instance, you can slide the top pane to create a narrow ventilation slot. And with tilt-and-turn windows, you can choose to open them from the top rather than the side.
If your windows allow it, do it. An opening at the top is much harder for children to access than one at the bottom or side.
5. Educate your children on the dangers
As soon as your kids are old enough to understand, explain the risks in child-friendly terms. It might not stop them from exploring, but it should give them pause before their next daredevil climb.
Window child-proofing equipment
If you want to be extra-safe, you could consider investing in special child-proofing equipment. These gadgets are designed to allow for ventilation while preventing falls.
Window restrictors
Window restrictors fit inside the window frame and use a simple hook mechanism to stop the window from opening fully. Typically, they allow for an opening of about 10cm – wide enough to ventilate the room, but narrow enough to prevent access to the outside.
If you have modern windows, they may already be fitted with window restrictors. If not, you can retrofit them to most existing frames.
Window guards
Window guards are like stair gates for windows. They cover the entire width of the window with metal bars, providing a robust barrier against falls.
Window guards come in all shapes and sizes. Some cover only half the window's height and can swing open when a child-proof lock is disengaged. Others cover the window entirely but can be retracted so you can open the window and ventilate the room. Prices range from around £50 to £400 or more.
Tilt-and-turn windows
Tilt-and-turn windows are a modern marvel. Thanks to some clever German engineering, they can open in one of two directions – from the side, like a door, or inwards from the top. When opened from the top, they create a ventilation slot that's too narrow and too high for kids to access.
Naturally, replacing your windows is a big investment. But depending on your tolerance for risk, it may well be worth it – especially if your windows are too old or worn to be safe.
When should you replace a window to keep kids safe?
It always pays to be vigilant where kids and windows are concerned. But it's worth remembering that not all windows are created equal.
Modern windows are, generally speaking, much safer than older windows. All new windows come with double or triple glazing, which is much harder to break into or out of. They include multi-point locking systems for better security. And they're often fitted with window restrictors as standard.
Plus, with innovations like tilt-and-turn windows, you can ensure safety without having to put up with a muggy, damp, unventilated home.
With that in mind, your safest bet might be to replace the window entirely. You should seriously consider this option if:
- Your window has no locks or inadequate locks: a simple catch mechanism won't do. You need sturdy, modern locks that only adults can operate.
- Your window locks are broken: broken locks are as bad as no locks at all. And while you could replace the locks, the fact that they're worn and broken might signal it's time for an upgrade.
- You have single-glazed windows: not only are single-glazed windows insecure, but they're also highly inefficient. Upgrading will help keep your children safe and work wonders for your energy bills.
Need secure, modern windows to help make your home a safer place to grow? Here at Calder Windows in West Yorkshire, we make it our mission to source quality products and fit them to the highest standard. Browse our windows online today – or feel free to contact our team if you have any questions. We're always happy to help.
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