Window safety for kids
Find out how these window safety tips can help protect your kids from getting injured around windows.
Overview: Windows can pose serious safety risks for young children, but you can improve your home's safety by keeping them closed and locked when not in use, and by installing window safety devices that limit how far they can open.
Window safety devices
Although most windows come with screens, they aren’t built for safety. Screens are lightweight and can tear easily because their primary purpose is to let air in and keep insects out. For child safety, consider these devices specifically designed to prevent accidents:
- Child-proof window locks — prevent children from opening closed windows.
- Window stops, limiters and restrictors — limit how wide windows can open.
- Window guards — metal bars or grilles installed over windows to block access and keep children safe.
How to improve window safety for toddlers
These tips can help make the windows in your space safer for your kiddos:
- Close windows when not in use. It’s the easiest way to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Secure windows with child-proof locks. They prevent children from being able to open them on their own.
- Use window stops, limiters and restrictors. They prevent toddlers from being able to open them wide enough to slip through or get hurt.
- Keep climbable things away from windows. Kids can gain access to windows by climbing.
- Practice removing safety devices quickly. Don’t forget to practice with babysitters too, so they know what to do in case you’re not there if there’s an emergency.
- Choose cordless window coverings. Loose cords pose serious risks to children.
- Don't rely on screens for window safety. They’re designed for pest control and ventilation.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.
