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Window guards and window stops: how to prevent child window falls

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-17.

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Window guards vs window stops

From CPSC's Preventing Window Falls publication and its window safety releases.

Why window falls matter

The CPSC says thousands of young children fall from windows every year. According to its data, an estimated 5,600 children aged 12 and under were treated in emergency departments in 2024 after falling out of a window, and about one in three of those cases required hospitalization. The agency knows of at least 25 deaths among children 12 and under from window falls between 2021 and 2023, and 80 percent of those happened between May and October, the warmest months. In 2000, CPSC estimated that about 12 children 10 years old and younger died each year and more than 4,000 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for window fall injuries, with most deaths and injuries among children under the age of 5.

Choosing window guards

• Bar spacing. The CPSC says to look for guards with bars no more than 4 inches apart.
• Fit. Guards screw into the side of the window frame, come in different sizes and adjust for width.
• Standards. When CPSC announced industry standards for window guards in 2000, it said guards must meet requirements for spacing and strength.
• Compare features. Guards come in different configurations, so CPSC suggests comparing features to see which suit your windows.
• Fire escape. On the 6th floor and below, use guards that adults and older children can open easily in a fire; guards that allow escape must be hard for very young children to open.
• One way out. If you have window guards, make sure at least one window in each room can easily be used for escape in a fire.
• Where. CPSC suggests guards in children's bedrooms, the parents' bedroom and other rooms where young children spend time.
• Renting? Talk with your landlord about installing window guards.

The 4-inch rule and window stops

The CPSC's childproofing guide says to limit window openings to four inches or less, including the space between window guard bars. Window stops can be added to the window frame to keep the window from opening more than 4 inches, and CPSC noted that some new windows come with window stops already installed.

Whatever device you choose, the CPSC says safety devices must be properly installed and reengaged after use to be effective, and to follow the installation instructions carefully. Window guards, too, should be checked often to make sure they are secure, properly installed and maintained.

Everyday habits that help

1. Open from the top. Whenever possible, open windows from the top instead of the bottom.
2. Move furniture. Keep beds, couches, toy chests and other furniture away from windows so children are not tempted to climb near them.
3. Do not trust screens. The CPSC says window screens are not effective for preventing children from falling out of windows.
4. Check devices often. The CPSC says window guards and safety netting should be checked frequently to make sure they are secure and properly installed.
5. Supervise. No device is completely childproof, the CPSC says.

Pair with other childproofing

Window guards are one part of the CPSC's childproofing checklist, along with cordless window coverings to help prevent strangulation, furniture anchors, safety gates and outlet covers. See our baby gate guide and outlet covers guide, and keep working smoke alarms so you know when to use your escape window.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Do window screens stop children from falling?

No. The CPSC says never depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows.

How far should a window open with children around?

No more than 4 inches, the CPSC says, including the space between guard bars.

Are window guards safe in a fire?

On the 6th floor and below, use guards adults and older children can open easily, and keep one escape window per room.

What is the difference between a window guard and a window stop?

A guard puts bars across the opening; a stop keeps the window from opening more than 4 inches.

Where should window guards go?

Children's bedrooms, the parents' bedroom and other rooms where young children spend time.

Sources

• Preventing Window Falls (Publication 5124) (cpsc.gov), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• CPSC Urges Families to Protect Children During National Window Safety Week (cpsc.gov), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• New Standards for Window Guards To Help Protect Children From Falls (cpsc.gov), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Childproofing Your Home (cpsc.gov), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Sources checked 2026-10-17.