Childproofing your home is one of your most profound responsibilities as a parent. This is the sort of project that can take up an entire afternoon, or even your whole day. Part of the problem is that when it comes to the safety of our children, our minds race with the various possibilities that we must take seriously. We want to make sure everything has been properly covered. Unfortunately, even after we have taken care of everything, we still feel like there is something missing.
Child-Proofing Both Your Windows and Doors
At NorthShield Windows and Doors, we know how important your child’s safety is to you, and we know that securing windows and doors is a very important part of it. When your windows and doors are not properly secured, they can regrettably pose a very serious threat to your kids. This is something that can be particularly true with your younger children.
The upshot is that securing your windows is not that difficult. You will begin with some basic steps to make sure your windows are properly safeguarded from your children. From there, it really just comes down to making certain the windows continue to be properly protected at all times. Keeping that in mind, it’s important to know how exactly you should secure your doors.
How to Childproof Your Windows and Doors
When it comes to making sure your home is childproofed in the best way possible, your windows and doors are the first thing you should think of. Different windows are going to have different considerations. Even when you keep that in mind, there are a few straightforward tasks that you can keep in mind.
These things are going to apply to almost everyone:
- Childproofing your windows with locks: This is one of the first things you are going to want to do. This step is going to involve taking stock of the type of window that you have, and then purchasing the appropriate lock.
- Window guards: Grille-type protectors are available for just about any type of window on the market. It is highly recommended that you have these installed, if you have children or toddlers in the home. These guards can be tough for kids to open. Adults, on the other hand, should not have any problems in opening them during an emergency.
- Window screens: These can be included in your overall protection package. At the same time, remember that a window screen is not going to handle everything on its own. You want to make sure you also have things like window guards.
- Window blinds: Cordless shades are going to be your best bet, if you have children. If you have traditional blind cords, you are going to find yourself dealing with a potential strangulation hazard. This a problem with babies, but a slightly older child might be able to understand what you are trying to convey to them.
- Window stops: This is a great tool that allows you to control the degree to which your window is open. These are also really easy to set up and utilize. Best of all is the fact that they can work with just about any window currently on the market.
- You will also want to check the areas surrounding your window for furniture pieces. If there are any pieces that your child can climb, we are talking about a potential hazard. Babies and toddlers are often better climbers than we give them credit for being. It doesn’t take much to create a dangerous route to one of the windows in your living room, bedroom, or kitchen. It should also go without saying that you do not want to leave your children unattended.
Talking to your child about window safety is obviously a good idea, as well. The problem is that your child may be too young to properly understand the value of what you are trying to say. If you find yourself with a younger child, then all of the steps mentioned above will keep your child safe, until such time as you can explain things to them.