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8 of the best childproofing products for windows and glass 2024
Many children are hospitalised each year with injuries related to windows and glass. Here is what you can do to make these areas of your home safer.
WINDOW RESTRICTORS
Window restrictors, also called window safety latches, are usually used on upstairs windows to prevent a child from climbing out and falling. But could also be used on downstairs windows if you have a child that likes to escape.
The restrictor should only allow the window to open a maximum of 10cm. This is enough for ventilation but not enough for a child to pass through.
How are window restrictors installed and used?
They are either screwed on or fixed with a very strong adhesive. The latter is easier to install and suitable for rented properties as there is no lasting damage.
To open them fully some use a key and some are keyless. Keyless might be more suitable for you if you have concerns about losing it or not being able to quickly find it if you had to exit through the window because of a fire. It’s possible though that a very resourceful child could work out how to open a keyless one.
What features should you look out for?
There is a British standard for window restrictors. Look out for those that have been tested to EN 14351-1: 2006.
Some specify what force they have been designed to withstand. A strong child could push at the window until the safety latch broke. It’s recommended that it should withstand a minimum of 350N.
Most fit frames made of wood, metal and UPVC but check if it is suitable for yours.
what else could you do to childproof windows?
Take away all furniture under windows so they can’t be reached. Although a child may drag a chair to the window sill.
If you have lockable windows you could keep them locked although this means they can’t be opened for the fresh air. You’d need to keep the key out of reach but also easily accessible by the adult in case you ever needed to escape through the window.
BLIND AND CURTAIN CORD SAFETY DEVICES
Since 2014, all blinds sold in the UK must have no accessible hanging cords or come with child safety devices to keep them out of reach. This is because free-hanging cords pose a strangulation risk.
If you have older blinds without this or curtain pulls that could be dangerous, you can buy cord safety wraps or drawcord shorteners.
HOW TO CHILDPROOF GLASS
Glass awareness stickers
If you have a large area of vertical glass in your home, for example, patio doors or a glass partition, you might want to consider placing glass awareness stickers on it to prevent accidental collisions.
Anti-shatter glass protection
This is a film that is placed over breakable windows and glass furniture to make them shatterproof. This could be useful if you have a large glass table, for example.
THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR CHILDPROOFING WINDOWS AND GLASS
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 14 February 2024.
If you buy through a link, I may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Jackloc Safety Window Restrictor
Window restrictor with a key.
Suitable for any kind of window or door.
Security screws are provided for wood, steel, aluminium and UPVC.
Can withstand 3000N of force.
Made in the UK.
Meets British standard EN 14351-1: 2006 for windows and doors.
Tested and passed to BS EN 1670: 2007 Class 3.
2. BeeGo Window Restrictor
Self-adhesive window restrictors which attach with industrial standard 3M VHB (very high bonding) tape.
Leaves no damage when removed.
Works with UPVC, wood and metal window frames.
Can withstand a pulling weight of up to 30kg.
Once opened they will leave a gap of 7cm.
Available in white and grey.
3. Dreambaby Breezz-Guard Keyless Window Restrictor
A window restrictor lock which limits the opening of a window to 10cm.
Works on all kinds of windows.
Needs to be screwed onto the frame.
There is also a version available with a key.
4. Schlosser Technik Window Cable Restrictor Lock
This restrictor lock is suitable for UPVC, timber and composite doors and windows.
Complies with BS EN 14351-1:2006
Needs to be screwed to the frame. Screws are included.
Comes with a key.
Pack of two.
5. Dreambaby Blind Cord Safety Wraps
This safety wrap keeps long, dangling blinds and curtain cords out of the reach of children to avoid the risk of strangulation.
This transparent device is screwed to the wall and the cord wrapped around it.
Mounting screws are included.
Pack of four.
6. Clippasafe Drawcord Shorteners
A device to wind up blind and curtain drawcords to keep them out of reach.
Pack of two.
Does not attach to the wall, just the cord.
7. Purlfrost Glass awareness Stickers
Glass awareness stickers to prevent children colliding with patio doors or glass partitions.
5cm in diameter.
Pack of 30.
Easy to apply.
8. Active Film Store Anti Shatter Glass Protection
This film can be used on windows and glass furniture to make them shatterproof.
Completely clear.
Comes in a variety of sizes.
Blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays.
Some baby products are useful for longer than others. If you’re in two minds about whether to buy something, it can be worth considering its lifespan. The longer you use it, the better the cost per use and the more it will justify its place in your home. Here are thirteen baby products that are still in active service with my now five-year-old.