Window Safety for Kids: Guards, Stops and Cordless Coverings

By Owen Palmer

Window falls and window covering cords are two of the most serious, yet often overlooked, hazards in homes with young children. According to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Injury Research and Policy, over 3,300 children younger than 18 are treated in U.S. emergency departments each year for injuries from window falls, and falls from windows cause more severe injuries and deaths than any other type of fall. Meanwhile, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that from 2014 to 2019, 46 deaths related to window covering cord strangulation were reported, an average of about eight children per year. Understanding the right safety devices and how to use them can make your home significantly safer without sacrificing fresh air or natural light.

Why Window Screens Are Not Enough

Many parents assume a standard window screen will keep a child from falling, but the Nationwide Children’s Hospital explicitly warns that window screens are not designed to stop a child from falling. A normal window screen is not enough to keep children safe. The hospital notes that most window falls do not cause death, but those that do usually occur from great heights or onto hard surfaces. The hospital’s injury research center advises that parents take active steps to prevent access to open windows rather than relying on screens.

Window Guards and Stops: What to Look For

Window guards are physical barriers installed inside the window frame that prevent a child from climbing or falling out. The Nationwide Children’s Hospital recommends installing window guards on all second-story or higher windows in homes with children. The CPSC’s childproofing guide similarly advises using window guards and safety netting to help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks, and landings. Both sources stress that any window guard should allow an adult to open it quickly in an emergency. Nationwide Children’s Hospital says it is best to purchase window guards with a quick release mechanism, which lets an adult open the window easily in case of fire. The CPSC adds that if you have window guards, at least one window in each room should be easily used for escape in a fire.

Window stops are another option. These devices limit how far a window can open. Nationwide Children’s Hospital advises using window stops to prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches. The CPSC childproofing guide also says to limit window openings to four inches or less, including the space between window guard bars. For sliding windows, the hospital suggests installing locks to prevent children from opening them on their own.

When choosing guards or stops, look for models that are secure, properly installed, and maintained. The CPSC recommends checking these safety devices frequently to make sure they remain secure. If you are unsure about installation, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or a professional. For more on general childproofing, see our baby safety category.

Cordless Window Coverings: The Safer Choice

Window covering cords pose a strangulation risk that can be fatal in under a minute. The CPSC’s 2021 safety alert urges families to buy and install cordless window coverings, describing them as the only safe option for homes, childcare centers, or any place where young children are present. Cordless products, including inexpensive options, are available at most major retailers and online. The CPSC specifically says to make sure the product is described as cordless.

If you cannot immediately replace existing corded coverings, the CPSC recommends several temporary measures. Eliminate any dangling cords by making pull cords as short as possible. Keep all window covering cords out of the reach of children. Ensure that cord stops are installed properly and adjusted to limit the movement of inner lift cords. Anchor continuous-loop cords for draperies and blinds to the floor or wall. The CPSC’s childproofing guide adds that you can call the Window Covering Safety Council at 800-506-4636 or visit WindowCoverings.org for a free repair kit, and use tension devices to anchor continuous loops and bead chains. However, it notes that the retrofit kits do not address the dangling pull cord hazard associated with many common blinds.

HealthyChildren.org, from the American Academy of Pediatrics, reinforces that the CPSC recommends using cordless window coverings if possible. It also advises not to place a crib or any child’s bed near a window, both to prevent falls and to keep children from getting caught in cords. For more on safe sleep spaces, read our crib safety standards guide.

Other Safety Steps: Furniture, Supervision and Fire Escape

Children can climb on furniture to reach windows that would otherwise be out of reach. Nationwide Children’s Hospital says to move all furniture away from windows. The CPSC’s window covering safety guidance also recommends moving all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window covering cords, preferably to another wall. This simple step reduces both fall and strangulation risks. For additional tip-over prevention, see our article on furniture anchors and tip-over prevention.

Supervision is critical. Nationwide Children’s Hospital states that young children should never be left at home unsupervised, and older children should understand the dangers of climbing out of or jumping from windows. The hospital also advises against allowing children to play on fire escapes, roofs, or balconies.

While safety devices are essential, they must not block emergency escape. Both Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the CPSC emphasize that window guards should have a quick release mechanism so adults can open the window in a fire. The CPSC childproofing guide says to be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape.

Creating a softer landing surface under windows can also help reduce injury severity if a fall does occur. Nationwide Children’s Hospital suggests planting bushes or plant beds under windows to help prevent serious injuries. This is a supplementary measure, not a substitute for guards or stops.

Comparison of Window Safety Devices

The table below summarizes the main hazards and the safety devices that Nationwide Children’s and the CPSC recommend, along with key notes for each.

Frequently asked questions

Can I rely on window screens to keep my child safe?

No. Nationwide Children’s Hospital states that window screens are not designed to stop a child from falling. A normal window screen is not enough to keep children safe. Always use window guards or stops on upper-floor windows.

What if I rent and cannot install permanent window guards?

Rental rules vary, so talk with your landlord before drilling or replacing fixtures. The safety goals stay the same: window stops that keep openings to 4 inches or less, guards with a quick release where needed, cordless coverings or the CPSC’s temporary cord measures, and furniture moved away from windows. The CPSC childproofing guide recommends checking safety devices frequently to make sure they stay secure.

Are cordless window coverings expensive or hard to find?

The CPSC says cordless window coverings, including inexpensive options, are available at most major retailers and online. Look for products specifically described as cordless. If you cannot replace existing coverings right away, use the temporary measures outlined by the CPSC, such as shortening pull cords and anchoring continuous loops.

For more guidance on keeping your baby safe at home, visit our baby safety category.

Sources

• Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Injury Research and Policy: Window Falls
• CPSC: Go Cordless with Window Coverings to Avoid Risk of Strangulation to Infants and Children
• CPSC: Childproofing Your Home, Several Safety Devices to Help Protect Your Children
• HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Make Baby’s Room Safe, Parent Checklist

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our baby gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.