Child safety windows

Windows are a source of light and air, and they are also the most dangerous area in the home for small children. Children aged 2 to 6 are especially vulnerable—they are already agile enough to climb onto the windowsill, but they don’t understand the consequences. A moment of parental inattention can lead to tragedy. According to statistics from Spanish pediatricians, falls from windows are one of the leading causes of childhood injuries at home. Most cases can be prevented with simple and inexpensive safety measures.

Main Window Dangers for Children

Falling from a Window

The main and most terrifying danger. Even a second-story height (3-4 meters) can cause death or serious injury.

How ​​it happens:

• The child climbs onto the windowsill to look out the window
• Leans on the mosquito net or glass
• Loses balance, or the mosquito net gives way
• Falls outside

Critical Age: 2-6 years. Babies can’t reach the windowsill, and schoolchildren understand the danger. Preschoolers are at the highest risk.

Parental misconception: “A mosquito net will protect you.” IT WON’T. Mosquito nets are held in place with plastic clips and can hold a maximum of 2-3 kg. A one-year-old weighs 10-12 kg—the net will rip out instantly.

Second misconception: “I’m right there, I’ll keep an eye on you.” Tragedies happen in seconds, while a mother turns to the stove, goes to the bathroom, or answers the phone. It’s impossible to supervise a child 24/7.

Trapped fingers

A common injury is when a child gets their fingers caught in the gap between the window sash and the frame, causing the sash to slam shut.

Consequences:

• Bruises and hematomas of fingers
• Fractured phalanges
• Torn nails
• In severe cases, amputation of a phalanx

Where it occurs: The gap between the sash and the frame near the hinges. When the sash closes, this gap decreases, trapping fingers.

Critical age: 1-4 years old, when children explore the world with their hands and do not yet understand the relationship between cause and effect.

Impacts on open sashes

A sash open at head level is a common cause of injuries to the forehead, nose, and eyes.

How ​​it occurs:

• The sash is open inward
• The child is running, playing, not looking
• Hitting their head on the edge of the sash or corner

Consequences: Bruises, cuts, eye injuries, concussions.

Particularly dangerous: Windows open 90 degrees in hallways and play areas.

Broken glass

Children throw toys and balls and may fall on the glass. Ordinary glass shatters into large, sharp shards.

Consequences: Cuts, sometimes very deep, with damage to tendons and arteries.

Particularly dangerous: Glass doors, French balconies, and large panoramic windows—children don’t always see the glass and can run into it.

Getting stuck in a tilted position

A child can get caught in the gap between the tilted window and the frame, getting their head or body stuck.

Consequences:

• Panic, stress
• Injuries when trying to free themselves
• In rare cases, suffocation when the head gets stuck

Critical age: 2-5 years old, when children squeeze into tight spaces.

Fall protection devices

Opening blockers

The most effective and inexpensive solution.

How ​​it works: The device locks the handle in the closed position. The child cannot turn the handle and open the window.

Types of Door Locks:

Key Lock (Mounted):

• Built into the base of the handle
• Locked with a key
• The handle will not turn without a key
• Cost: €35-€70 per handle
• Installation: Replaces a standard handle (10 minutes)

Surface-Mounted Door Lock with Key:

• Installs under the handle on the frame
• A mechanical bar prevents the handle from turning
• Does not require replacing the handle
• Cost: €15-€30
• Installation: 2 screws, 5 minutes

Push-button Door Lock:

• Press the button and simultaneously turn the handle
• Not suitable for children under 5-6 years old
• Cost: €25-€45
• More convenient than a lock — no key required

Removable Handle:

• The handle is completely removable, leaving only the square pin
• Store out of reach of children
• Cost: €20-€40 Euro
• It’s inconvenient to take it off and put it back on every time

Advantages:

• 100% protection against children opening the window independently
• Inexpensive
• Easy installation
• Doesn’t spoil the window’s appearance

Disadvantages:

• Inconvenient for adults - a key is required for each opening
• The key must be accessible to adults, but inaccessible to children
• Risk of losing the key

Recommendation: Mandatory for all windows in an apartment/house with children under 7 years old. Even on upper floors - children can fall out while you’re in another room.

Opening Limiters (Cables, Chains)

Operating Principle: The device limits the opening angle of the sash by 10-15 cm. This is sufficient for ventilation, but not enough to prevent a child from falling out.

Types of Window Stops:

Cable Window Stop:

• Steel cable connects the frame and sash
• Cable length limits opening by 10-15 cm
• An adult can unclip the cable for full opening
• Cost: €8-20
• Installation: 4 screws, 10 minutes

Chain Window Stop:

• Works like a door chain
• Metal chain limits opening
• Cost: €10-25
• More secure than a cable

Comb Window Stop:

• Plastic or metal comb on the frame
• A projection on the sash fits into the comb’s grooves
• Opening widths can be selected—5, 10, or 15 cm
• Cost: €5-15
• The least expensive option

Recessed Window Stop:

• Built into the window hardware
• Activated Turn a key or button
• Cost: €30-60
• Requires installation by a professional during window manufacturing or hardware upgrades

Advantages:

• Allows for safe ventilation
• Less expensive than keyed locks
• More convenient for adults – no key required for ventilation

Disadvantages:

• Doesn’t provide 100% protection – a child can stick their head or body through a 10-15 cm gap
• The cable may break free from its mounting under strong pressure
• Some children aged 5-7 may be able to unfasten the cable

Recommendation: A good addition to handle locks, but NOT a replacement. Use for safe ventilation, but close the windows completely and lock the handle when leaving the room.

Window Bars

Traditional and most reliable protection against falling out.

Types of Grilles:

Fixed Internal Grilles:

• Installed on the inside of the window
• Attached to the wall around the window with anchors
• Distance between bars: 10-12 cm (child-proof)
• Minimum height from the windowsill: 90-100 cm
• Cost: €60-150 per m² for simple grilles, €150-400 per m² for decorative wrought iron grilles

Removable Grilles:

• Attached with bolts that can be unscrewed from the inside
• For evacuation in case of fire
• 20-30% more expensive than fixed grilles

Sliding Grilles:

• Open like an accordion door
• Can be opened for window cleaning
• Most expensive: €200-500 per m²

Advantages:

• 100% protection from Fallout
• No adult supervision required – windows can be left open
• Durability: 30-50 years
• Additional burglar protection

Disadvantages:

• Spoil the view from the window and the street
• Reduce light by 10-15%
• Create a caged feel
• Expensive
• Fixed ones block evacuation in the event of a fire

Recommendation: Ideal for ground floors, where both child safety and burglar protection are needed. More aesthetically pleasing solutions are available for upper floors. If you install bars, use only removable ones to allow evacuation.

Protective net (not mosquito net!)

Special reinforced net for child safety.

Specifications:

• Durable nylon or steel mesh
• Withstands a load of 50-200 kg (depending on the class)
• Attaches to the frame with anchor bolts
• Mesh size 2-5 cm
• Doesn’t obstruct the view as much as a grille

Strength Classes:

• Light class: 50-80 kg load, for upper-floor windows
• Medium class: 80-120 kg, for windows on floors 1-3
• Heavy class: 120-200 kg, for large windows and patio doors

Cost: €40-120 per m² depending on the strength class.

Advantages:

• Protection against falling out
• Less obstructing visibility than bars
• Windows can be left open
• Lighter and more aesthetically pleasing than bars

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than simple bars
• Over time, the mesh stretches and sags (5-10 years of service)
• More difficult to clean windows
• Does not provide burglar protection

Recommendation: A good compromise between safety and aesthetics for families with children living on upper floors.

Finger Pinch Protection

Hinge Protectors

Soft protectors cover the hazardous area around the hinges.

Material: Foamed polymer, rubber, silicone.

Installation: Adheres to the frame around the hinges or slides onto the sash.

Cost: €5-15 per set (per window).

Advantages:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to install yourself
• Doesn’t spoil the appearance

Disadvantages:

• Doesn’t provide 100% protection—fingers can still get caught in the gap
• Can peel off and become dirty over time
• Prevents the window from closing completely (the sash rests against the protector)

Sash Closers

Soft closing device for the sash.

Operating principle: A hydraulic or spring mechanism slows the closing of the door leaf during the last 10-15 cm of travel. Even if a child lets go of the door leaf, it will close slowly and smoothly.

Cost: 25-60 euros per door closer + installation.

Advantages:

• Prevents door leaves from slamming
• Protects fingers – slow closing gives time to remove your hand
• Extends the life of the hardware
• Comfortable for adults

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than door closers
• Requires professional installation
• Requires maintenance over time

Safety glass

Tempered glass

Strength 5-7 times greater than regular glass.

When broken, it shatters into small, blunt cubes 5-10 mm in size. No serious cuts.

Cost: +40-60 euros per m² over the price of standard glass.

Use: Required for large windows (over 2 m²), French balconies, and glass doors in children’s rooms.

Advantages:

• Safety when broken
• Strength - harder to break

Disadvantages:

• When broken, the glass shatters completely - large hole, cold, requires immediate replacement.

Laminated Glass (Triplex)

Two layers of glass are bonded with a polymer film.

When broken, the shards are held in place by the film, preventing them from falling out or scattering.

Cost: 80-150 euros per m² (44.2 triplex glass - two 4 mm panes of glass + film).

Use: Windows in children’s rooms, play areas, and large glass doors.

Advantages:

• Maximum security – no glass fragments fall out
• Additional sound insulation
• 99% UV protection
• Burglary protection

Disadvantages:

• 2-3 times more expensive than tempered glass
• Heavier – requires reinforced hardware

Protective Glass Film

An alternative to laminated glass for existing windows.

Principle: A thick polymer film (200-400 microns) is applied to the inside of regular glass.

If broken, the glass fragments are held in place by the film and do not fall out.

Cost: 20-40 euros per m² including installation.

Advantages:

• 3-4 times cheaper than laminated glass
• Can be installed on existing windows
• Additional UV protection

Disadvantages:

• Less durable than laminated glass
• Peels off over time (5-7 years of service)
• Does not provide an official safety rating

Organizing the space around windows

Rule: No furniture under windows

The main rule of child safety: The window sill should be kept out of reach of children.

What to keep away from windows:

• Beds, sofas, armchairs
• Tables, chairs
• Dressers, nightstands
• Toy boxes
• Any furniture that can be climbed on

Safe Distance: At least 50-70 cm from the window to the nearest furniture.

If removing furniture is not possible (small children’s rooms):

• Install bars or reinforced mesh on the windows
• Handle locks are required
• Do not leave the child unattended

Window Sill Height

The optimal height of a window sill in a child’s room is 90-100 cm from the floor. A child under 5-6 years old cannot reach it on their own.

The standard height in Spanish homes is 70-90 cm. A child aged 3-4 years can climb up.

Solution for low window sills:

• Bars or mesh are required
• Handle locks
• Or, more radically, do not place the child’s room in a room with low windows.

Remove dangerous objects from the window sill.

Children use objects as stepping stones to climb higher.

Remove:

• Flower pots
• Books, stacks
• Boxes
• Toys

The windowsill should be clear and smooth—nothing to climb on.

Secure heavy furniture to the wall

Children climb on cabinets and dressers, using them as a ladder to the window.

Furniture taller than 60 cm must be secured to the wall with anchors or ties.

This prevents the furniture from tipping over and being used as a means of access to the window.

Window Safety Rules

Don’t leave windows open unattended

Even 5 minutes is enough for a tragedy. Children are incredibly quick and resourceful.

Rule: When leaving a room, even for a short time, close and lock the windows.

Use the tilt position for ventilation

The tilt position is safer than a fully open sash:

• A gap at the top—a child can’t fit through
• The sash doesn’t interfere with room movement
• Good ventilation

BUT: Even in the tilt position, lock the handle—children can move the window from tilt to turn.

Explain the danger

From 3-4 years old, children understand explanations.

What to say:

• “A window is dangerous. You can fall and hurt yourself.”
• Show the height of a floor outside
• Explain that a mosquito net doesn’t protect—it’s for mosquitoes, not for people.
• Teach: “Only Mom or Dad opens the window.”

Don’t overly scare—a child should understand the danger, but not be terrified of windows.

Lead by example

Children imitate adults’ behavior.

If you:

• Always close windows when leaving
• Use window locks
• Don’t lean out of windows
• Don’t sit on windowsills

Then your child will also learn safety rules.

Safety on balconies and terraces

Balconies are a particular risk area for children.

Railing height

The minimum safe height of balcony railings according to Spanish building codes is 110 cm.

In older houses, railings may be 90-100 cm—not sufficient for the safety of children over 5-6 years old.

Solution:

• Install additional railing sections on top (extend to 120-130 cm)
• Protective net on the railing
• Do not leave children unattended on the balcony

Distance between bars

The maximum safe distance between vertical bars is 10-11 cm. A child’s head will not fit through.

In Spanish homes, 12-15 cm is often enough for a 2-3-year-old child’s head to fit through, but not their body. Risk of getting stuck.

Solution:

• Install additional bars between the existing ones
• Protective netting on the railing
• Clear polycarbonate panels

Balcony Furniture

Remove from railings:

• Chairs, tables
• Storage boxes
• Pots with tall plants

Minimum distance from furniture to railings: 50-70 cm.

Balcony Glazing

Glazed balcony with windows – the same safety rules as for regular windows:

• Handle locks
• Opening limiters
• Tempered or laminated glass

Age Sensitivities

0-12 months

Risk: Minimal. The baby cannot reach the windows.

Precautions:

• Avoid placing the crib too close to the window
• Tempered glass is recommended (the child may throw the rattle)
• Start installing safety locks early

1-2 years

Risk: Low, but growing. The child is learning to walk and climb.

Precautions:

• Handle locks are mandatory
• Move all furniture away from windows
• Empty windowsills
• Start explaining the danger

2-4 years

Risk: MAXIMUM. Peak incidence of childhood injuries.

Child:

• Agile, climbs quickly
• Curious, explores everything
• Doesn’t understand the consequences and dangers of heights
• Can open a standard window in 2-3 seconds

Measures:

• ALL safety devices simultaneously: locks + safety glass + safety glass
• Constant supervision
• Regular reminders of danger
• Do not leave the child alone in a room with an open window, even for a minute

4-7 years

Risk: High. The child is becoming more inventive.

• Can find ways to bypass simple locks
• Uses chairs and boxes to climb
• But is beginning to understand the danger

Measures:

• Continue using locks
• Explanations work better
• Teach the rules: do not open windows without an adult
• Parental example is crucial

7-10 years old

Risk: Moderate and decreasing.

Child:

• Understands the danger
• More responsible
• But can get lost in play

Measures:

• Window locks can only be left on the children’s room
• In other rooms, place safety bars or simple rules
• Trust, but verify

10+ years old

Risk: Low. The teenager understands the danger.

Measures:

• Window locks are no longer necessary (unless there are younger children in the family)
• Reminders of safety rules

Common Parental Mistakes

Mistake 1: “I have a mosquito net, my child is protected”

A mosquito net does NOT protect against falling out. It is held in place by plastic clips designed to support the weight of insects, not a child. The net can be torn out instantly.

Mistake 2: “I’m right there, I’ll keep an eye on you.”

Tragedies happen in the 5-10 seconds while you’re not looking. It’s impossible to supervise a child every second. Physical protection is needed—locks and bars.

Mistake 3: “My child is obedient; they know what they shouldn’t do.”

Children under 5-6 years old lack impulse control. They see a bird or a cat outside—forget all the rules and go look. This is normal brain development, not disobedience.

Mistake 4: “We live on the ground floor, it’s not scary.”

The ground floor is 2.5-3 meters high—enough to cause serious injuries. Fractures, concussions, and spinal injuries can occur from falls even from 1.5 meters.

Mistake 5: “We installed a window lock on one window in the nursery and left the others alone.”

Children don’t just sit in the nursery. They roam all over the apartment. Protection is needed on ALL windows within reach.

Mistake 6: “It’s expensive.”

A handle lock costs 15-70 euros. A window limiter costs 8-20 euros. That’s the price of two movie theaters or a pizza for the family. Child safety is more important.

Mistake 7: “We’ll install it when they’re older.”

Install it BEFORE your child learns to climb. This is usually between 10-14 months. After that, it may be too late.

Additional Safety Measures

Window Sensors

A sensor on the frame signals (a sound or a smartphone notification) when a window is opened.

Application:

• Alerts parents when a child opens a window
• Smart home integration
• Part of an alarm system

Cost: 15-40 euros per sensor.

Cons:

• Doesn’t physically stop the child, only notifies
• Relies on batteries/electricity
• May not work

Verdict: A good addition, but NOT a replacement for physical locks.

Video surveillance in the nursery

A baby monitor or camera allows you to monitor your child from another room.

Advantages:

• See what your child is doing without entering the room
• Records for situational analysis

Cons:

• Doesn’t prevent falls, only allows you to see
• If your child is fast, you won’t have time to reach them

Verdict: A useful technology, but not a replacement for physical window protection.

Educational Programs and Cartoons

For children aged 3-7, there are educational videos about home safety.

They explain in an understandable manner:

• Why windows are dangerous
• What can fall
• That you shouldn’t open windows without an adult

Examples: “The Fixies” (a series about safety), “Arkady Parovozov” (Russian cartoons about safety).

Effectiveness: Average. Children understand the concept, but can forget it in the heat of the moment. Combine education with physical protection.

Spanish Legislation

In Spain, there are no mandatory requirements for child safety on windows in private homes and apartments. This is the responsibility of parents.

Children’s institutions (kindergartens, schools) have the following requirements:

• First-floor windows must have protective bars or reinforced nets
• Handle locks on windows in groups of children under 6 years old
• The distance between bars must be a maximum of 11 cm

Parental Responsibility: If a child falls from a window, parents may be held liable for negligence (negligencia) if basic safety measures were not taken.

Window Protection Cost

Minimum Protection (handle blockers only):

• 4 windows per apartment: €60-280 (surface-mounted blockers: €15-70 each)
• DIY Installation: €0
• Total: €60-280

Medium Protection (blockers + door stoppers):

• 4 windows: blockers €60-280 + door stoppers €32-80
• Total: €92-360

Maximum Protection (bars/nets):

• Bars for 4 windows (8 m²): €480-1200
• Or reinforced nets: €320-960
• Plus blockers: €60-280
• Total: €540-1480

Payback: A child’s health and life are priceless. This isn’t an expense worth skimping on.

Window protection isn’t paranoia, but a necessary safety measure in every home with small children. Children are curious, quick, and unaware of the dangers of heights. Your job is to create physical barriers that will protect them even if you’re not paying attention. Investing €60-€500 in window locks and barriers could save your child’s life. This isn’t an area to skimp on or put off.