How Can I Keep Windows from Opening Too Far?

Updated on February 08, 2011
A.S. asks from Mesquite, TX
9 answers

We have our house windows open when it is good weather outside. However, I am rather worried about them this year because our nearly 3 year old son knows how to unlock windows and open them WIDE. The downstairs windows are fine because they are only 4-6 inches from the ground. In the past, he has decided to sit or stand on the window sill when I was not watching and lean too far into the screen and popped it out and landed on the ground outside. I am really concerned about the upstairs windows this year. Even if I don't open them... I am afraid he will since he knows how. Does anyone know of something that I can place on the upstairs windows to keep them from sliding open too far? I know I can place child proof locks on the windows but I would LIKE to have them open a little too (without being able to slide any further) since I shut off all air conditioning and it gets really hot upstairs if the windows are all closed. Thanks...

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D.B.

answers from Detroit on

Simple and cheap way to fix it.......hammer a nail in at the point you only want them to open to. Don't hammer all the way in. He won't be able to open it past that point, but will be easy to remove the nail if needed. Good luck momma! Aren't boys SO MUCH FUN?!? LOL

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More Answers

G.T.

answers from Modesto on

They have special little window locks you can get that you can loosen and put the window where you want it and then tighten down the lock. Just ask at the hardware store or maybe even walmart in that section.

2 moms found this helpful
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L.W.

answers from Portland on

They make all sorts of window locks that you can attach to make them only open so far. Good job mama for thinking about these things and planning ahead. I will be investing in these this year as well, although my daughter is showing no interest yet she's tall enough and we live on the 3rd floor. Scary!!

Just an example- http://www.ecrater.com/p/8582268/kidco-window-stop-safety...

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J.S.

answers from Boston on

Instead of things that will only allow you to open a window a few inches, which would trap you in your home in the case of a fire, please consider window guards for your upstairs windows. These are a set of bars that go across the window, screwing into the sides, and you can get them at Home Depot, Lowe's or even Wal-Mart. They look like a ladder, only short and wide. They are able to be opened quickly in the case of a fire but otherwise are very secure. You'll be able to open your windows as wide as you like, but your child will be safe and secure behind the window guards and you won't have to worry about the windows. We had these when we had a house with more than one floor and it was such a relief to not worry about a window fall.

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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

Instead of doing a homemade fix that he could eventually overcome (how long until that nail gets bent upward, or pushed out, if he forces the window hard enough?), I'd get a professional solution.

Try the catalog company One Step Ahead, which sells a lot of safety equipment aimed at families with young children. I believe the web site is just onestepahead dot com. It's also possible your local Home Depot or Lowe's or other home improvement store sells a device to prevent windows from opening beyond a certain level. If you really want to be secure for years to come, you can get new window frames with built-in "tabs" that pull out and allow you to open a window about two inches but no more (and you can push them in for a fully open window). You're right to deal with this ASAP; screens will not keep a person, even a child, inside if he should open a window and lean against the screen. As for the downstairs windows being "fine" -- he may not get injured falling out them but he could walk right out of the house without your knowing it, which could end up being just as dangerous, so I'd get those fixed too. Good luck. By the way -- if he's good at opening windows, doors are next. Put a chain near the top of all your doors that lead outside. My friend's three-year-old could open any door in the house, until she put the high chains on them.

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D.S.

answers from Houston on

a dow rod.fairly thick so it wont break.if you are going to keep it closed. if you want them open our apartment has a lock that slides to where you want it. and it has a screw to screw it into place. I love it because it keeps people from breaking in and I can contain my 2 yr old without fear of him falling out of the window on the second story. another option is a baby gate across the front of your window.

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R.K.

answers from Boston on

They make window guards like Jennifer s mentioned. Our windows have a tab on each side that pull out and prevent the windows from opening more then a few inches.

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T.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Walmart sells a safety guard for windows. It slides into the top or side depending whether your window opens up or slides to the side. It wedges between the panes and prevents the window from moving any further. Make sure you secure the window open only an inch or two, toddlers can slip through a gap as small as 3 or 4 inches. Kudos to you for thinking ahead.

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R.D.

answers from Kansas City on

Danielle B. took the words right out of my mouth! That is EXACTLY what I was thinking!! Be sure to get a long nail that you can hammer in at least an inch or two, and leave no more than 1/3 of the nail 'hanging out' so it will stay in. Then yank on it to be sure it is TIGHT!

I also like KiwiMama1's idea. My grandparents had something like that when I was a little one.

Watch this video. http://bit.ly/eXfLGl I didn't know about the four inch thing!!

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