Graham FisherBy Graham Fisher

Windows let in light and fresh air, but for a toddler they can also be a serious hazard. Falls from windows and strangulation in window covering cords injure thousands of young children every year. The good news is that a few simple, low-cost changes can dramatically reduce those risks. This guide walks you through the key steps: choosing and installing window guards or stops, managing cords, positioning furniture, and keeping cribs and beds away from windows.

Short version: Install window guards or stops that limit openings to 4 inches, never rely on screens, open windows from the top when possible, keep furniture away from windows, use only cordless window coverings, and place cribs and beds on a different wall. Check guards and cord anchors frequently.

Window Guards and Stops: The First Line of Defense

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s window falls prevention sheet says to safeguard windows with window guards or window stops. Window guards are barriers that cover the lower part of the opening, while window stops prevent the sash from opening more than a set distance. The CPSC recommends installing window stops so that windows open no more than 4 inches. For windows on the 6th floor and below, the CPSC advises using guards that adults and older children can open easily in case of fire.

The CPSC’s childproofing guide adds that window guards and safety netting help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks, and landings. It stresses that the space between guard bars should also be limited to 4 inches or less. If you have window guards, the guide says to be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. Safe Kids Worldwide’s home safety tips similarly recommend properly installing window guards and stops, and note that windows above the first floor should have an emergency release device in case of fire.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) home safety page tells parents to open windows from the top if possible. If you must open them from the bottom, the AAP says to install operable window guards that only an adult or older child can open from the inside. The AAP’s safety guidance for children ages 2 to 4 years also recommends installing operable window guards above the first floor.

No safety device is completely childproof. The CPSC’s childproofing guide reminds caregivers that determined toddlers have been known to overcome or disable safety devices. Regular checks are essential. The CPSC recommends checking window guards and safety netting frequently to make sure they are secure, properly installed and maintained. For help with installation, see our installation guide and the childproofing products overview.

Why Screens Are Not Enough

Many parents assume a window screen will catch a child who leans against it. Both the CPSC and the AAP are clear: a screen is not strong enough to prevent a fall. The CPSC’s window falls sheet says never depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows. The AAP’s home safety page states the same warning. Screens are designed to keep insects out, not to hold a child’s weight. Always use a guard or stop, even when a screen is in place.

Keep Furniture Away From Windows

Toddlers are natural climbers. A chair, sofa, low table, or even a toy box placed near a window gives a child a step up. The CPSC’s window falls sheet says to keep furniture away from windows to discourage children from climbing near them. The AAP’s home safety page echoes this: never put chairs, sofas, low tables or anything else a child might climb on in front of a window. This simple step removes the invitation to climb and reduces the chance a child will reach the window opening or the window covering cords.

Cordless Window Coverings: The Safest Choice

Window covering cords are a hidden strangulation hazard. The CPSC’s 2022 news release on cordless window coverings states that the safest option when young children are present is to go cordless. Pull cords, continuous loop cords, inner cords, or any other accessible cords on blinds, shades, draperies and other window coverings are dangerous. Strangulation can occur in less than a minute and is often silent, so a parent or caregiver nearby may not realize what is happening.

According to the CPSC, on average about nine children age 5 and younger die every year from strangulation in window blinds, shades, draperies and other window coverings with cords. From January 2009 through December 2020, there were nearly 200 incidents involving children up to 8 years old due to strangulation hazards on window covering cords. Injuries ranged from a scar around the neck to quadriplegia and permanent brain damage.

The CPSC advises consumers to buy and install cordless window coverings (labeled as cordless) in all rooms where a child may be present. Cordless products are available at most major retailers and online, including inexpensive options. The CPSC’s childproofing guide also recommends using cordless window coverings in homes with young children to help prevent strangulation.

Steps for Existing Corded Window Coverings

If you cannot replace corded window coverings right away, several organizations offer steps to reduce the risk. The CPSC’s news release recommends these actions:

  • Eliminate any dangling cords by making the 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.
  • Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window covering cords, preferably to another wall.

The CPSC’s childproofing guide adds that if you are unable to replace corded window coverings, you can call the Window Covering Safety Council at 800-506-4636 or visit WindowCoverings.org for a free repair kit. It also says to use tension devices to anchor continuous loops and bead chains to the floor or wall, and to eliminate any dangling cords by making pull cords as short as possible.

The AAP’s home safety page suggests similar measures: attach cords to floor mounts that hold them taut, or wrap cords around wall brackets to keep them out of reach. Use safety stop devices on the cords. Cords with loops should be cut and equipped with safety tassels.

These steps reduce the hazard but do not eliminate it. The CPSC’s childproofing guide notes that the Window Covering Safety Council’s retrofit kits do not address the dangling pull cord hazard associated with many common window blinds. Whenever possible, switching to cordless coverings is the stronger safety measure. For more on choosing and maintaining safety equipment, see our inspection and maintenance guide.

Cribs and Beds: Keep Them Away From Windows

Where you place your child’s sleep space matters. The AAP’s parent checklist for making a baby’s room safe says not to place a crib—or any other child’s bed—near a window. This prevents falls and keeps children from getting caught in cords from hanging window blinds or draperies. The CPSC’s cordless window coverings news release also recommends moving all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window covering cords, preferably to another wall. For a broader look at bedroom safety, visit our toddler bedroom safety article.

Putting It All Together: A Window Safety Checklist

Use this summary to check each room where your toddler spends time:

  • Install window guards or window stops that limit openings to 4 inches or less.
  • Make sure at least one window per room can be used as an emergency exit.
  • Open windows from the top whenever possible.
  • Never rely on a screen to prevent a fall.
  • Keep all furniture, including chairs, sofas, and low tables, away from windows.
  • Use cordless window coverings in every room a child may enter.
  • If corded coverings remain, shorten pull cords, anchor continuous loops, install cord stops, and move cribs, beds, and furniture away from the cords.
  • Place cribs and children’s beds on a wall without a window.
  • Check window guards, stops, and cord anchors frequently to be sure they are secure and working.

Remember that no product replaces active supervision. The CPSC’s childproofing guide states that no device is completely childproof. Combining the right equipment with watchful care is the most reliable way to lower these risks. For more everyday hazard prevention strategies, explore our hazard prevention section and the preventing common toddler injuries guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do window screens prevent falls?

No. The CPSC and the AAP both state that a screen is not strong enough to keep a child from falling out of a window. Always use a window guard or stop, even when a screen is present.

Are cordless window coverings expensive?

According to the CPSC, cordless window coverings are available at most major retailers and online, including inexpensive options. The cost varies, but there are affordable choices that eliminate cord hazards.

Can I use window stops instead of guards?

Yes. The CPSC’s window falls sheet recommends installing window stops so that windows open no more than 4 inches. Stops can be an effective alternative to guards, as long as they are properly installed and maintained.

For more detailed guidance on window safety and related topics, visit our Window Safety page.

Sources

Graham Fisher

About Graham Fisher

Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our childproofing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.