Anyone with children will know how much they love to climb and access areas that are not safe for them. While falling over is something every child does frequently without incurring injury, falling from height has a very different outcome. So, childproofing areas of the home that are dangerous for them is essential. Windows are one such area. Here are some low-cost, simple childproofing options available for windows:
- Window latches are a good way to prevent a child from opening a window. However, whichever type you choose should also be easy for an adult to open while at the same time stopping the child from doing so.
- Window stops are designed to stop a child from opening a window past a certain set width. To prevent them from getting their heads or other body parts stuck, do not set the opening width more than 4 inches.
- Window guards which are usually built with bars designed to prevent a child from accessing the window are another option. Although if you purchase them new they should adhere to proper safety standards, it would be a good idea to double-check that bars are set no more than 4 inches apart.
You can also help childproof the home by the way furniture is positioned. Do not arrange furniture so that it is underneath a window or placed in a way that a child can climb on it and reach one. Another important reminder is that if windows have screens in them, these will provide no protection against a fall, so it is still necessary to take additional safety measures.