As a parent, you can never be too careful about choosing the right windows, especially if you have a younger child in your home. When we first take our babies home from the hospital, we begin to view our homes in terms of all the danger they present to our child. Luckily, childproofing guides exist to help us figure out how to protect our kids (and our home) from harm. While you may have already covered any sharp corners with protective edges, plugged up any sockets with socket guards, and put locks around your kitchen cabinets, you’ve still got your Phoenix replacement windows and doors to consider. If you have a curious child, you’ll want to protect them from falls, bumps, or scrapes by doing something more than installing a screen. If you don’t want to take any chances with your home windows, here are a few simple ways to make sure your child stays safe at home.
1. Get Window Locks
Childproof locks are every parent’s best friend. They create a simple, quick way to keep certain areas off limits during those moments when your curious toddler wanders off to explore. While you may have already invested in childproof locks for the more easy-to-reach cabinets and drawers in your home, you should also make sure to get some for your window as well. Since there are different types of windows in each home, you can buy different locks that work to keep your windows firmly shut and rigidly in place no matter what. They’re inexpensive to buy and easy to set up, especially for windows in your home that tend to remain closed more of the time. Whether you have sliding, double-hung, or casement windows, you can easily find a lock that will prevent your child from tampering with any easy-to-reach window in your home.
2. Use Window Stops
If you want the same effect as window locks but you also want the freedom to open and close your window as you choose, there’s an even simpler solution: Window stops. These gadgets allow parents to keep windows open a crack without creating any danger for their child. You can use your stops to keep your open window firmly in place, letting enough air in to keep a room well-ventilated without leaving your window wide open for your toddler to come across. For sliding windows, these stops can be adjusted horizontally, while double-hung window stops can be placed on the side of the window to make sure no movement occurs.
3. Use Cordless Blinds
When you have a small child, even a seemingly innocent device like a window cord can end up creating big trouble. Every parent knows that window cords should be kept far away from the reach of children until they’ve reached an age where they can understand the consequences of their actions. But without window blind cords, how do you control how much shade you get in a room? Simple: By using cordless models. Many companies are now creating easy-to-use cordless blinds to meet the demands of parents who are eager to create a truly kid-friendly space. These blinds work like an accordion: They’re able to be easily scrunched up and pulled back down without the help of a string or cord.
4. Install Window Guards
If you want to keep your window open but don’t want to create a safety hazard, getting a window guard for first and second-floor windows in your home can help create a safer, sunnier environment. These guards work like small fences for your window. They can be easily installed and adjusted to create a barrier that a toddler won’t be able to get through. Window guards are especially great for rooms that need a lot of extra ventilation, such as kitchens or bathrooms. Even if they’re located on the first floor, installing a guard is a good way to make sure you’re keeping your home’s communal areas safe at all times.
5. Double Up
While your average screen isn’t exactly child-proof or child-friendly, there are window screens that, when combined with window guards and locks, do the job of keeping out mosquitoes, pests, and allergens while protecting your child from a fall. Since window guards are created as a sturdier alternative to classic screen windows, which are easily bent or punctured, you’ll be able to keep your screen up and install a guard for maximum protection. That way, you can set up your screen windows and guards before summer hits and never have to worry about your windows for the rest of the season.