We just moved into a new house, and I have a second-story window that really worries me. It's pretty much at floor level, just 2 inches off the ground, measuring about 8 feet wide and 6 feet tall, without any sections or partitions. I'm concerned my toddler might run into it since the room will be his bedroom. A contractor suggested installing a 2x4 across the window about 18 inches up to stop him from going through, but I worry he might use it to climb. The glass is single-pane and doesn't feel very sturdy; it could likely be knocked out easily. We plan to replace the windows eventually, but that's not in the budget right now, and I'd prefer not to replace just this one since it wouldn't match the others. Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? What affordable safety measures can I take for this window?
4 Answers
From what you've described, it sounds like you might actually have tempered glass in that window, which is much safer than regular glass. If your house was built in the last few decades, it’s likely you’re covered by safety codes. You can always add some fun window stickers to make it more visible for your toddler, too! They love those, and it gives a visual cue that helps them recognize there’s something there.
Yeah, that's a great tip! Just make sure the stickers are easy to remove when you want to take them off.
You could consider baby gating the window to create a barrier. It’s a pretty cost-effective solution and could help prevent your toddler from getting too close. Just make sure it's securely attached!
Another option is to cover the window with a sheet of plywood for now. It’s a simple quick fix that would definitely add a layer of protection until you're ready to replace it. Don't forget to make it look nice if you can!
If you enjoy woodworking, you could make a baby gate using some scrap wood. Just attach horizontal pieces at the top and bottom around the window frame, and fill it in with vertical slats. Make sure to space them out correctly to keep your little one safe. It’s a bit of a DIY project, but it can be done affordably!
Good idea! Stickers can distract them and add a bit of color to the room without harming the glass.