If you have small children in your home, the windows can quickly become a danger to them. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to keep your kids safe around windows. Here are a few ways to childproof your windows:

1. Make Sure Windows Have Locks

One of the best ways to childproof your windows is to make sure they have locks, and that you keep them locked when they are not open. Multi-point locking mechanisms are also useful for homes with young children. Not only does this help protect your children, but it’s also one of the home security tips to protect your home.

Keeping windows locks is one of the essential window safety tips in general, and can help you childproof your windows. However, you will want to make sure your children know how to unlock the window in case they need to use it as an emergency exit, but they should be taught that this is only for emergencies.

2. Put Screens on All Windows

Although screens won’t support the weight of a child and prevent them from falling, they can provide a physical barrier that can stop them from pressing further. In addition to keeping insects out, window screens can also help keep toys, small pets, and household items inside.

3. Use Window Guards

Window guards can be useful tools to keep children from playing around with windows. For windows that need to meet egress requirements, you may be limited in the type of window guards you can use, or you may not need to use them all.

If you are using window guards, make sure your children know to leave them alone unless it’s an emergency. In case of an emergency exit, they should know how to remove the window guard, but should be taught to leave them alone otherwise.

You also want to make sure you check in on the window guards every now and then. They should be in good shape and easy to use. If not, it’s time to replace them.

4. Choose Windows That Can Tilt and Turn

Windows are a great way to ventilate your home and improve air flow. But, if you have young children, you have to make sure windows are open in a way that they cannot reach or open fully. In this case, double-hung windows that can open from the top or windows that can tilt and turn are useful solutions.

5. Upgrade to Safety Glass

Not only is safety glass a theft deterrent that can also prevent home invasions, it’s also safer in case the glass gets damaged. Tempered glass tends to shatter into small pieces all over the floor, which can be dangerous for children.

Safety glass, which is laminated glass, will shatter, but it will also stay intact within the frame. This helps prevent injury from glass shards and can also help prevent falls.

6. Place Furniture Away From Windows

Another one of the ways to childproof your windows is to keep your furniture away from the windows. Unless you have a bay or bow window with a large bench, children should not be sitting or playing near or on window ledges.

By placing furniture away from the windows, you remove the temptation and the ability to easily climb up to reach them. Teaching your children not to climb up or jump on furniture and also not to play near the windows can also help.

7. Plant Shrubs Outside Under Windows

Although you may have implemented several ways to childproof your windows, accidents can still happen. Planting shrubs, or other soft plants or edging, underneath the windows outside provides a few benefits.

In addition to increasing curb appeal with attractive landscaping, these conveniently placed plants can help lessen the impact and lessen the severity of injury should a fall occur. Plants outside of windows or covering the entrance to an egress window is also one of the tips to burglar-proof your basement windows.

8. Opt for Cordless Shades

Another one of the ways to childproof your windows is to use cordless shades. Loose window shade cords or looped cords pose a serious strangulation risk to young children. Tragically, about eight children die each year after getting tangled in a window covering cord.

When it comes to your window treatments, opt for options with inaccessible cords or choose cordless shades or cordless window coverings. If you have older corded window coverings that cannot be replaced, the Window Covering Safety Council offers free retrofit kits to help you make your window coverings safer for the children in your home.

9. Make Sure Windows Are Properly Installed

Poorly installed windows cause energy loss in your home, create a security risk, and can also be a danger to children in the home. Poor installation causes damage to windows over time, Not only does it make windows harder to use, but it also makes them more prone to cracks, breaks, and more.

If your windows are poorly installed, make sure you work with an experienced contractor to either reinstall them or replace them. If you’re getting new windows, make sure you choose a reputable window replacement company so you know they will be installed properly.

10. Replace Windows Immediately if They Are Broken or Damaged

If windows become damaged or are broken, they are a hazard to children, and anyone else, living in the home. When window panes crack or windows become damaged, it’s important to clean up the area, stabilize the crack or cover the damage to the window to protect your home, and then contact a professional to get the window replaced as soon as possible.

These are just a few ways to childproof your windows. Implementing these can help you keep your children, and your windows, safe. If you need to replace your windows, or you want to upgrade them, contact Zephyr Thomas at 717-399-4708 to start a free quote!