Home Baby Safety

You may be thinking “My windows have screens, they’re ok.” Screens cannot prevent a fall. They’re meant to keep bugs out, not kids in. Think about how little force it would take to push out a screen. They’re designed to be pushed out easily in the event of a fire. Perhaps you’re thinking, “My windows open from the top.” Unfortunately that’s also a hazard. Opening windows from the top is certainly a better alternative than opening from the bottom, however most children are strong enough to simply push the window up from the bottom themselves.

So what’s a fresh air lover to do? We recommend two different solutions, depending on the frequency with which you open second floor windows. If you only open them occasionally, or just open them slightly, then a Window Stopper will do. It allows you to open your window 4” – enough for some fresh air but not enough to allow a fall. We recommend a clear plastic adhesive stopper called the BurglaBar or a hardware mounted Wedge-type Window Lock. Both varieties can be overridden if you insist on opening your window more than 4”. (Please be advised this is not our recommendation.)Window Stoppers are an inexpensive solution for parents who don’t open their windows much. They generally cost between $5-$7 per window.

Our preferred alternative is to install window guards. I know, I’m losing you here. You’re conjuring up images of your child living out his days in a prison cell. No worries, window guards are not bad at all. In fact, they’re a wonderful product because they allow you to safely open your windows as wide as you please! We use Guardian Angel Window Guards exclusively because parents can remove them easily in the event of a fire and they’re attractive and clean looking. Window Guards are around $65 each depending on the width of your windows.

We usually recommend a combination of products. Perhaps go with Window Guards in the bedrooms and Window Stoppers in the bathroom. As children get older they may figure out how to override the Window Stoppers. At that point Guardian Angel Window Guards are the way to go. They generally can’t be unlocked by a child under the age of 5. We also advise keeping climbable items such as toy boxes and chairs away from windows.

Please take these important steps to keep your child safe from a window fall in your home.

Mike Tyson’s 4 yr old daughter passed away tragically yesterday when she was strangled by a cord while playing on a treadmill (link below). According to the CPSC each year more than 25,000 children are injured by home exercise equipment. We recommend to clients/parents that any type of exercise equipment be completely off-limits to children. We’ve installed “surround” style gates around home gyms or just around one piece of equipment. Even if the machine isn’t on children can suffer burns, lacerations, finger pinching, and sadly suffocation (or possibly electrocution) from the cords. If you have exercise equipment in your home please be sure to take appropriate safety measures to insure your child doesn’t have access to it.