Fitting child window restrictors is an essential part of babyproofing and childproofing your home.
According, to the Royal Society for the Prevention of accidents (ROSPA), more than 4,000 children under the age of 15 are injured falling from windows each year in the UK. Due to the Covid pandemic we are all now more aware of the need for good ventilation in our homes, often meaning opening windows – and window restrictors can play an important role in preventing falls while allowing for adequate ventilation. Child window restrictors can play an important role as they are a device to stop a window opening too far.
Windows that are open just 150mm pose a danger to children and children of all ages are at risk from falling from windows with resulting injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to fatal head injuries. Younger children are not aware of the dangers of windows, and don’t understand the concept of consequences. As all parents know, it can take just a moment’s distraction for a toddler to wander off and play near an open window. Children can get attracted to windows by friends, dogs, birds and even passing cars. Older children lean on windows, sit on windowsills and even jump from windows to get to the ground floor.
Window restrictors are devices that prevent windows from opening too far, they allow windows to be opened to a maximum of 100mm and are strong enough to prevent a person falling from the window. They are an ideal way to childproof a window.
Choosing a Child Window Restrictor
When choosing a child-safe window restrictor you will want to be confident that the product you choose will do the job it’s designed for. We recommend you choose a product that is tested to British Standards and proven to hold a suitable force being applied to it. All Jackloc window restrictors exceed the British Standards for window restrictors. In fact, our range has been tested to exceed all British Standard requirements by up to 10 times to withstand a force of up to 74 stone, in order to reduce the risk of little ones (and adults!) accidentally falling against the window and breaking the restrictor.
You will also want to consider the type of window restrictor would be best for your home. You can choose from a key-operated window restrictor such as the Pro-5 or Pro-5 Duo, or our strongest restrictor the Titan. Alternatively you can choose a keyless window restrictor twist and push mechanism such as the Perma or Pro-Twist. A consideration with the Perma is whether your children will be able to over-ride the window restrictor, which they might with the Pro-Twist. In this case the key-operated window restrictors or the Perma window restrictor might be better for your home.
Fitting a Child Window Restrictor
Fitting a child window restrictor is a quick and simple DIY task and we provide full instructions. They can be fitted to any window type, including sash, aluminum, upvc and inward opening windows and just takes 10minutes and you’ll need is a drill and a pencil.
Child Window Safety Tips
Additional safety steps that can be taken include:-
- Move household items away from windows to discourage children from climbing to peer out.
- Don’t underestimate a child’s mobility; children tend to climb before they can walk.
- Be aware that screens do not prevent falls – they keep bugs out, not children in.
- Talk to your children about the dangers of opening and playing near windows, particularly on upper floors of the home.
Take a look at our full range of window restrictors for the home
Fitting Window Restrictors
Our fitting window restrictors guide shows just how quick and simple a DIY task it is, take a look to see just how simple it is.
Fore more information take a look at our guide to how to child proof a window