Childproofing Windows, Balustrades and Stairways

Ever felt that CHILL down your spine when you see your baby approaching an open window, stairs or unprotected balustrades?

Installing banister and balustrade safeguards, window restictors and baby safety gates for stairways and other no entry zones should be the 1st priority when you work out your babyproofing budget.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Please note that under no circumstances does any environmental modification or safety barrier installed act as a substitution for an informed caregiver.

Adult supervision is ALWAYS a prerequisite when infants & children are present – with or without baby proofing. Child safety products installed must only be seen as a deterrent.

Remove furniture that can easily be moved away from balustrades, windows and stairways, children are likely to use them as a step to climb and lift themselves over these areas.

• Mark sliding doors and other expanses of glass with Sliding Door Transfer Stickers.
• Place transfer stickers on windows, at child’s eye-level, to make them more “obvious” to a child.
• Keep children away from low, unprotected windows & balconies.
• Remove furniture that can easily be moved away from these areas, children are likely to use them as a step to climb and lift themselves over these areas.
• Safeguard reachable windows with Childproof Window Restrictors.  Store the key on a self adhesive hook thats out of reach but close enough in the event of a fire.
• If there are no burglar bars installed, DON’T INSTALL THEM. rather install window restrictors that allow windows to be opened easily in the event of a fire.
• Never place a crib close to an unprotected window.
• You should be able to lock all windows & keep them locked if no safety devices are in place. Store the key on a self adhesive hook thats out of reach but close enough in the event of a fire.
• Cut looped window-blind cords that are too long, alternatively use blind cord cleats OR self adhesive stick on hooks are the easiest option.

1. Avoid horizontal balustrades at the top of the landing, these can give a child a “leg up” over the railing and cause a fall.
2. Safeguard balustrades by installing Polycarbonate panels or PVC Sheeting to avoid the “ladder” potential.  WE PROVIDE THIS SERVICE.

1. Keep stairs adequately lit.  Invest in good quality motion sensored night lights that light up when you approach the stairs.
2. Block stairs at the top and bottom with a sufficiently high (75cm), and well manufactured baby safety gates.
3. If possible install pressure mounted safety gates in areas that will block off the stairway but that are not right on top of the stairs. In other words, in the passage or before the landing.
4. Use glow-in-the-dark tape for the bottom bar of pressure mounted gates. This provides a quick and easy solution to give you that ‘heads up’ to step over the bar.
5. Handrails should be provided on at least one side of the stairway, low enough for a toddler to hold onto.
6. Handrails should not exceed 65mm in cross section, so they may be easily grasped by children.
7. Avoid horizontal balustrades at the top of the landing, these can give a child a “leg up” over the railing and cause a fall.
8. Safeguard balustrades by installing Polycarbonate panels or PVC Sheeting to avoid the “ladder” potential.  WE CAN PROVIDE THIS SERVICE.
9. Runner carpets should be removed if possible, otherwise well secured and checked regularly for signs of loosening.
10. It’s also a good idea to cover slippery or tiled stairs in a non-slip spray to avoid falls.
11. Use Baby Proof Clear Edge Guard 6m for sharp tiled edges on steps.
12. Never use Baby Walkers near stairs.
13. The time to teach your child to use the stairs is when he or she is walking well.
14. Teach your child to negotiate stairs properly.
15. Children should be taught from an early age to approach stairways cautiously and not to run up and down stairs. This should not be considered a play area.
16. Even once you have taught your little one to negotiate the stairs, it is still not a safe environment for them, their confidence could possibly get the better of them.
17. If banister railings going down the stairway have openings wider than 8,5cm safeguard with PVC clear film.
18. Remove loose rugs, or tape them down with double sided carpet tape.
19. While carrying a baby, take extra care not to fall. Wear comfortable, low, non-slip shoes.
20. DO NOT WEAR HIGH HEALS OR FLIP FLOPS.

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