ParentlistWindow Stops & Guards
Limiters and guards that keep windows from opening wide.
- Priority
- Essential
- Ages
- 6 months-5 years
- Category
- Safety & Babyproofing
When you need it
Window stops and guards become important from around 6 months, as babies start pulling up and climbing onto low furniture. They stay important well past age 5, because preschoolers are quick, curious climbers and a window that opens wide is a real fall risk at any age.
What to look for
Window stops limit how far a window can open, while guards cover the opening with bars; many homes use stops on lower floors and guards higher up. Choose products that adults can release quickly in an emergency, and check any local fire-safety rules for bedroom windows. Remember that insect screens are not strong enough to keep a child in. Keep beds, chairs and toy boxes away from windows, and pick cordless blinds or tie cords well out of reach.
Window Stops & Guards: common questions
- Do I need a window stops & guards?
- Yes, for any window a child could reach or climb to, especially on upper floors. If your windows already have built-in opening limiters that you actually use, you may not need extra stops, but check how far they let the window open. Opening windows from the top instead of the bottom is a helpful habit too.
- When does a baby need a window stops & guards?
- A baby needs window stops or guards from around 6 months, once they start pulling up, and they stay important for many years.
Ages
- 6 Month Old essentials (6-9 months)
- 9 Month Old essentials (9-12 months)
- 1 Year Old essentials (12-18 months)
- 18 Month Old essentials (18-24 months)
- 2 Year Old essentials (2-3 years)
- 3-5 Year Old essentials (3-5 years)
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