Window Safety: Preventing Falls and Injuries

Every year, thousands of children are injured—and some are killed—in falls from windows. These tragedies are almost entirely preventable. Children don't understand the danger of open windows, and screens are not safety devices. Simple precautions can keep your child safe while still allowing fresh air in your home.

Understanding the Danger AAP

Window falls happen more quickly than parents expect, often in just seconds of inattention.

The statistics:

• About 5,000 children fall from windows each year
• Falls peak in spring and summer when windows are open
• Most victims are ages 1-4
• Boys are more frequently injured than girls
• Most falls occur from second story or higher
• Even falls from first-floor windows can cause serious injury

Why children fall:

• Screens provide no protection—they're designed to keep bugs out, not children in
• Children don't understand height or danger
• Furniture near windows provides climbing access
• Young children are top-heavy and fall headfirst
• Curiosity about the outside world

Risk factors:

• Living above ground floor
• Open or easily opened windows
• Furniture near windows
• Air conditioning units that create ledges
• No window guards or stops

Window Guards and Stops: Essential Protection CPSC

Window guards and window stops are the most effective protection against window falls.

Window guards:

• Bars or grilles that attach inside the window frame
• Prevent children from falling out
• Allow some airflow
• Available for most window types
• Required by law in some cities for rental buildings

Types of window guards:

Permanent guards:

• Securely mounted to window frame
• Most protective option
• May require professional installation
• Should have emergency release feature

Removable guards:

• Can be taken out when not needed
• Easier to install
• Still very effective
• Good for rental properties

Important features:

• Bars should be no more than 4 inches apart
• Must have emergency release for fire escape (adults can open, children cannot)
• Should withstand 50 pounds of pressure
• Must be properly installed per instructions

Window stops:

• Limit how far window opens (usually 4 inches or less)
• Simpler than guards
• Less expensive
• Still allow ventilation
• Good option for ground floor or lower-risk windows

Installing window guards and stops:

• Follow manufacturer instructions exactly
• Ensure guards can withstand significant force
• Practice using emergency release
• Check installation periodically for looseness

Additional Window Safety Measures Safe Kids

Beyond guards and stops, other precautions are important.

Keep furniture away from windows:

• Move beds, changing tables, cribs away from windows
• Don't place chairs, stools, or toys near windows
• Remember children will push furniture to climb

Window operation:

• Keep windows closed and locked when not in use
• Open windows from the top instead of the bottom when possible
• Teach older children to never play near windows
• Don't rely on screens—they won't stop a fall

Window cord safety:

• Blind and curtain cords are strangulation hazards
• Choose cordless window coverings
• If cords exist, keep them out of reach with cord cleats or condensers
• Cut looped cords into two separate strings

Window coverings:

• Don't let children play with blinds or curtains
• Keep coverings away from cribs and beds
• Repair broken or damaged blinds

Specific Window Types

Double-hung windows:

• Open from top for safer ventilation
• Install stops or guards on lower sash
• Ensure locks work properly

Casement windows (crank open):

• Can pinch small fingers
• Install stop to limit opening
• Keep crank handles out of children's reach

Sliding windows:

• Install stops to limit opening
• Consider guards in children's rooms

Low windows/floor-to-ceiling windows:

• Particularly dangerous
• Guards are essential
• Consider furniture placement carefully
• Safety film can prevent glass injury

Room-by-Room Window Safety

Nursery/baby's room:

• Place crib away from windows
• Install guards or stops on all windows
• Remove or secure blind cords
• Never rely on screens

Toddler/child's room:

• Install guards on windows, especially above first floor
• Keep beds and furniture away from windows
• Consider window film to prevent glass injuries
• Teach window safety rules

Living areas:

• Be aware of which windows children can reach
• Keep furniture positioned away from windows
• Install guards or stops as appropriate
• Supervise near open windows

Teaching Window Safety AAP

Even with physical safeguards, children should learn window safety rules.

Rules to teach:

• Windows are not for playing near
• Screens are not strong—never lean on them
• Never throw things at or through windows
• Tell an adult if a window is open
• Keep toys away from windows

Age-appropriate teaching:

Toddlers (1-3 years):

• Simple "no" near windows
• Physical redirection away from windows
• Can't understand danger yet—supervision is key

Preschoolers (3-5 years):

• Begin explaining window dangers
• Role-play safety scenarios
• Praise safe behavior

School-age:

• Explain why screens aren't safe
• Discuss what happens in falls
• Make them safety partners

Rental Properties and Apartments

Window safety in rentals requires special consideration.

Know your rights:

• Some cities require landlords to provide window guards
• Check local laws and building codes
• Document requests for safety improvements in writing

Renter options:

• Request window guards from landlord
• Install removable guards yourself
• Use window stops
• Document everything for safety and liability

High-rise considerations:

• Extra vigilance in apartments above ground floor
• Guards are essential, not optional
• Be aware of windows in common areas
• Talk to building management about safety measures

Emergency Preparedness

Fire safety and window guards:

• Guards must have emergency release feature
• Practice opening emergency release
• Ensure all family members know how to open guards
• Include window guards in fire escape planning
• Don't install guards on fire escape windows

If a fall occurs:

• Call 911 immediately
• Don't move the child unless in immediate danger
• Keep the child warm
• Stay calm and offer comfort
• Don't leave the child alone

Seasonal Considerations

Spring and summer:

• Falls increase when windows open more
• Review safety measures before warm weather
• Check that guards and stops are secure
• Remind children about window safety

Fall and winter:

• Good time to install or upgrade safety devices
• Check window locks are working
• Repair damaged windows before spring

The Bottom Line

Window falls are preventable. Install window guards or stops on all windows above ground level, especially in children's rooms. Keep furniture away from windows, never rely on screens, and supervise young children near windows. These simple steps can prevent tragedy.

Clara is here to help you keep every window in your home safe for your child!