Childproofing Windows, Balustrades and Stairways

Securing accessible windows, unsafe balustrades, balconies and stairways should be among your highest priorities when planning your childproofing budget.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: No safety device or change to your home can replace a responsible, attentive caregiver.

Adult supervision is ALWAYS essential when babies and children are present, even in a baby-proofed home. Child safety products help reduce risks, but they cannot prevent every accident.

Never leave babies or young children unattended near open windows, balconies, balustrades or stairways. Even with childproofing measures installed, active adult supervision remains essential.

• Apply Sliding Door Transfer Stickers to large glass sliding doors and other clear glass panels to make them more visible and help prevent children from accidentally walking or running into them.
• Position glass safety stickers at your child’s eye level, where they are most likely to notice them. Remember that stickers improve visibility but do not prevent glass breakage or falls.
• Never leave young children unattended near open windows, balconies or sliding doors that lead to elevated areas. Active adult supervision remains essential, even when safety devices are installed.
• Keep furniture away from windows and balcony railings. Children may climb onto beds, couches, chairs or other objects to reach window openings or climb over protective barriers.
• Install suitable Childproof Window Restrictors on accessible windows to limit how far they can open. Choose products appropriate for the window type and ensure they are installed correctly.
• Our Childproof Sliding Window or Door Lock can help prevent young children from opening compatible sliding windows and doors. Where appropriate, it may also allow limited ventilation while restricting access. Always check that the device is suitable for your particular window or door and does not interfere with emergency escape requirements.
• For additional finger protection, consider our Childproof Foam Door Slam Stoppers on suitable doors to help prevent little fingers from being caught when doors close unexpectedly.
• Consider emergency escape when securing windows. Window locks, restrictors and burglar bars must not obstruct any emergency escape route required for your home. Where emergency-release mechanisms are needed, they should be readily operable by an adult without searching for a key.
• Never position a baby’s cot, toddler bed or other climbable furniture directly beneath or beside a window. Children can quickly learn to climb and reach window handles or openings.
• Keep accessible windows securely closed when they are not being supervised. Do not rely on insect screens to prevent falls, as they are not designed to support a child’s weight.
• Choose cordless window blinds wherever possible. Blind cords and chains can create a serious strangulation hazard. Where corded blinds are already installed, use appropriate manufacturer-approved safety devices to keep cords securely tensioned or completely out of children’s reach. Avoid leaving loose or accessible loops.

• Avoid horizontal balustrades and railings that children can climb. Horizontal bars can act like a ladder, allowing curious toddlers to climb over railings and potentially suffer a serious fall. Pay particular attention to balustrades around upstairs landings, balconies, mezzanines and elevated areas.
• Safeguard open balustrades with suitable protective barriers. Clear polycarbonate safety panels can help prevent children from squeezing through openings or using horizontal railings as footholds. Explore our Balustrade Safety Barriers for childproofing solutions.
• Check the spacing between balustrade railings and vertical posts. Openings that are too wide may allow a young child to squeeze through or become trapped. Pay particular attention to gaps at the bottom of balustrades and between panels, posts and adjoining walls.
• Keep climbable furniture and objects away from balustrades. Children may use chairs, couches, tables, toy boxes or other objects as steps to reach or climb over railings. Avoid positioning furniture close to balconies, upstairs landings and elevated areas.
• Ensure balustrades are structurally sound and securely installed. Check for loose posts, unstable railings, damaged panels, sharp edges and insecure fittings. Any structural defects should be assessed and repaired by a suitably qualified professional.
• Choose childproofing barriers that are appropriate for the location. Clear polycarbonate panels should be correctly sized, securely attached and suitable for the intended application. Protective panels must not compromise the structural integrity of the existing balustrade or create new climbing hazards.
• Inspect balustrade safety barriers regularly. Check that panels, mounting points and fixings remain secure, particularly in areas frequently used by children. Replace damaged or loose components promptly.
• Never rely on protective barriers as a substitute for adult supervision. Even with childproofing measures installed, young children should always be closely supervised around balconies, elevated landings and other areas where a fall could occur.

• Install appropriate baby safety gates at both the top and bottom of stairways to prevent unsupervised access. Choose sturdy, well-manufactured Baby Safety Gates that meet recognised safety standards and are suitable for the installation location. Always use a properly installed, hardware-mounted gate specifically approved for the top of stairs. Pressure-mounted gates must never be installed directly at the top of a staircase.
• Where possible, install a baby safety gate in a passage, doorway or area leading to the staircase rather than directly at the top of the stairs. This can prevent your child from reaching the stairway in the first place. A suitably installed pressure-mounted gate may be an option in these locations, provided it is positioned safely away from the stairs and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  
• Make the bottom bar of pressure-mounted baby safety gates more visible. Apply our Glow-in-the-Dark Tape for Stairs and Baby Gates to highlight this potential tripping hazard, particularly in low-light conditions. The tape improves visibility but does not eliminate the need to step carefully over the bar.
  
• Keep stairways adequately lit. Consider installing good-quality motion-sensor night lights that illuminate the stairs automatically when someone approaches. Ensure all steps and landings are clearly visible, particularly at night.
• Keep stairways free from clutter. Remove toys, shoes, loose rugs and other objects that could cause trips or falls. Never leave items on steps, even temporarily.
• Secure loose stair runners and carpeting. Remove loose runners where possible. If carpeting or stair runners are installed, ensure they are firmly secured and inspect them regularly for loose edges or signs of wear.
• Improve traction on slippery stairs. Consider installing Non-Slip Self-Adhesive Carpet Strips on suitable slippery or tiled steps to help reduce the risk of slipping. Ensure the strips are securely attached and replace them if they begin to lift.
• Cushion sharp stair edges where appropriate. Our Baby Proof Clear Edge Guard can help cushion sharp tiled edges and reduce injuries from accidental bumps. Remember that edge guards do not prevent falls and should not create a new tripping or slipping hazard.
• Ensure stairways have sturdy, secure handrails. Handrails should be easy to grip and positioned appropriately for the people using the stairs. Where suitable, an additional child-height handrail may help young children maintain their balance while learning to use stairs under adult supervision.
• Never use wheeled baby walkers near stairways. Baby walkers can move unexpectedly and place children at serious risk of falling down stairs. Stationary activity centres are a safer alternative.
• Teach children how to use stairs safely when they are developmentally ready. Encourage them to hold the handrail where possible and practise going up and down slowly, one step at a time, with close adult supervision.
• Teach children that stairways are not play areas. Discourage running, jumping, pushing or playing on the stairs.
• Never assume that a child who can climb stairs independently can use them safely without supervision. Young children may lose their balance, become distracted or overestimate their abilities.
• Take extra care when carrying a baby on stairs. Keep one hand available for the handrail whenever possible. Watch your footing, take your time and avoid carrying additional items that obstruct your view.
• Wear secure, comfortable footwear with non-slip soles when using stairs. Avoid high heels, loose-fitting slippers and flip-flops, particularly when carrying a baby.

I hope this information has provided some valuable insight, if there is anything you would like to add or information you have spotted is incorrect, kindly contact Michelle on 082 499 5858 or email: michelle@babyproof.co.za
We’d like to THANK-YOU for getting on board with child safety and taking this important first step in your child’s future. We welcome you into our safety net!