Not Through the Looking Glass: Best Window Childproofing Products

Top 10 Best Window Childproofing Products 2023

1. Best Overall Window Childproofing Device: Sliding Door Lock for Child Safety by Ashtonbee

Quick Facts:

• Style: Safety Stop
• Installation: Adhesive

This keyless safety device is easy to install with a 3M adhesive strip attached to the back. It adheres to nearly any surface, making it perfect for sliding glass doors, windows, and even wooden doors or cupboards.

The stopper flips up and blocks the door or window from opening. When you need to open the window or sliding door, you can push the latch down and go about your business.

Though it’s designed for sliding windows and doors, it can be used on double-hung windows and other areas around the house as well.

Downsides

Because of the adhesive this device uses to attach it to your door or window, it can leave behind residue and won’t stick securely to another surface unless you replace the adhesive strip with a fresh one.

It’s easy locking and unlocking feature can also pose a risk when it comes to older children. If an older, somewhat stronger child rattles the door or window continuously, they could possibly force it to unlock. For very young children, it’s very effective.

If the white plastic look puts you off, there are similar devices available in clear plastic to be a little more visually discreet.

What Stands Out

If you’re having trouble deciding where to start when it comes to childproofing your home, these Ashtonbeen stoppers are a good option. They provide added security to nearly any window or door that slides to open, so it will suit a number of different window styles.

Installation is quick and easy. You won’t have to worry about keeping a key on hand to disengage the lock when you want.

Sold in a pack of two, this is a moderately priced option that’s still effective.

2. Best Premium Window Childproofing Device: Segal S 4752 Fixed Adjustable Child Safety Window Guard

Quick Facts

• Style: Window Guards
• Installation: Tamper-proof Screws

For double-hung or casement windows, these window guards are a great option. If you like to open your windows for ventilation, these will allow you to enjoy fresh air and some peace of mind.

Available in six sizes with telescoping adjustment, this guard fits across the window. Its carbon steel tube design is lightweight but strong. To install, you fit it directly into the window frame. The guard comes with tamper-proof screws that will keep it secure even if your child tugs on it.

The window can be partially opened behind it to allow air to flow into the house, but the bars will block your child from climbing or falling out. These are especially great to use on casement windows that may not work with other childproofing devices.

Downsides

Since this guard must be screwed in, it’s not easy to remove and will leave holes in the windowsill. It’s not advisable to use this guard on a window that you need as an emergency fire exit because it cannot be quickly removed.

There are also limits to how much weight the guards can handle. The hollow tubes make this light for shipping and home installation but are not as strong as solid metal. If your child is a little older and pulls on it or puts their entire weight on it, there may be some bending or warping to the bars.

What Stands Out

This guard and its included screws are a great extra security measure. Since the screws have an unusual shape on their head, only the included driver can install or remove them. This makes them a great deterrent for break-ins as well. Tamperproof screws also prevent children from getting out.

This window guard is a great option if you don’t want to compromise on enjoying natural ventilation while keeping your family safe.

3. Best Budget Window Childproofing Device: Sliding Window Locks Set

Quick Facts:

• Style: Window Lock
• Installation: Clamp on to Window Frame

If you have a ton of windows and need to better secure them quickly, this set is a great start. Clamping onto the frame, these metal locks block single or double-hung windows from opening.

Simply tighten the screw and the metal piece will block the window from opening. These could work on sliding windows and doors as well when attached to the bottom rail. Installation requires no additional tools and isn’t permanent.

Downsides

While these are easy to install and remove, they don’t meet with fire-safety codes in some areas and may reduce accessible emergency exits in your home.

They also are quite small. Some window frames may be too wide for the clamp to fit around. Other windows may have too large of a gap between the frame and the edge of the window which may make it less effective. Measuring in advance will help ensure whether or not it will be a good fit.

If you want the added security of a clamp lock that can only open with a key, check out these sliding window locks on our list.

What Stands Out

For such small, inexpensive locks, these are quite effective when fitted properly. Just one lock per window gives significant protection. If your child is old enough to open a basic window latch, this will still stop them from being able to get the window open.

These locks add additional home security as a protection measure against break-ins as well.

4. Best Window Childproofing Product for Sliding Doors: OKEFAN Sliding Glass Door Child Lock

Quick Facts:

• Style: Safety Stopper
• Installation: Adhesive

Made with a combination of durable plastic and a stainless steel spring, these stoppers are tough. They attach to your window or sliding door with a 3M adhesive strip, no tools required. It will adhere to most surfaces, so it can do double duty on doors and cabinets as well.

Unlike other safety stoppers on our list, this one is better suited for sliding windows because of its horizontal design. However, it can still be used on classic double-hung windows.

Downsides

Because of the security mechanism, this device is a little thicker than many safety stoppers. For tightly fitted sliding glass doors, there may not be enough clearance for it to pass over the stopper when it’s not engaged. It could potentially cause your door to become unsealed if you force it to open over the device.

The strength of the adhesive helps keep the device secure during use, but it can cause a problem for removal. Instead of peeling cleanly off, it can leave behind adhesive residue. You may have to use acetone to remove all of it.

What Stands Out

This stopper has a more sophisticated locking system than most of this style. Rather than just folding it down to unlock it, you have to press two buttons on either side of the stopper simultaneously to disengage the lock. Simply tugging or pressing on the device won’t unlock it.

This makes it a great option for families with kids who may be big enough to reach the stopper or who are just especially determined to get out and explore the world.

5. Best Clear Stopper: Safety Innovations Window and Door Babyproof Safety Lock

Quick Facts:

• Style: Safety Stopper
• Installation: Adhesive

If you don’t want everything in your home to scream: “a small child lives here,” these subtle, clear stoppers fit the bill. Attachable by adhesive strip, these can be placed wherever you need them on sliding or double-hung windows. If you want the window to be able to open a little bit, or not at all, you can adjust their placement accordingly.

They come in a pack of 4, with 2 per window recommended for maximum security. The simple folding latch doesn’t require a key to be locked or unlocked.

Downsides

For true escape-artist kids, the latch design may be too simple. If they can easily reach the latch, they may be able to figure out how to open it. Putting it high enough to be out of reach is the best way to ensure they won’t figure out how to open it by fiddling with it. You can maximize security by keeping furniture away from windows.

If you’re unable to keep the lock out of reach and your child actively tries to get out, you might want to consider our option from Okefan.

It also has the expected downsides of any adhesive product. Removing it may leave some residue and you’ll have to purchase more adhesive strips if you want to reinstall it elsewhere.

What Stands Out

These stoppers are very easy to use. Transitioning them from locked to unlocked is simple and allows you access to your windows when you need it, making them safer if you need to use your window as an emergency exit.

If you’re looking for a discreet deterrent, these are a great option. Just do your best to place them out of reach of your kids.

6. Best Double Hung Window Childproofing Product: Window Wedge Window Stopper

Quick Facts:

• Style: Wedge
• Installation: Adhesive

The wedge-shaped design of this stopper keeps a window from fully opening without taking up a lot of space. For double-hung windows, it discreetly sits on the upper frame, out of reach for most young children. It prevents the window from opening from the bottom or the top in that position.

The included adhesive strip for installation has Velcro loop material on one side. The separate strip adheres to the window frame. The wedge itself has durable slip-resistant hooks that slot into the strip for a snug fit.

In case of emergency, the wedge can be removed quickly from the strip, allowing the window to open normally.

Downsides

If you apply this stopper to the bottom frame of slider windows, it becomes less effective. Once a child starts becoming stronger and more dexterous, they could be able to fiddle with these enough to pull the wedge off the Velcro strip. The safety advantage of removability can become a disadvantage in that case.

If you’re looking for a childproofing device that will also beef up your overall home security, these won’t add much. They won’t stand up against a determined adult. For more security-conscious users, it might be better to invest in a window guard system.

What Stands Out

If, like many people, your house has double-hung windows, this device is one of the best options. Unlike many devices that require a lot of clearance for you to open the window when they’re disengaged, this one lets you remove the device completely. It’s ideal if you like being able to open the windows from time to time.

The heavy-duty Velcro attachment, combined with the wedge shape makes it strong enough to stop most young children from being able to push up a window.

You can also double up and put two on each window if you’ve got a particularly determined toddler.

7. Best Screw-in Window Childproofing Product: Cardinal Gates Safe Window Warden

Quick Facts:

• Style: Block
• Installation: Screw-In Plate

These guards come in two parts: a metal backplate and the guard itself. Once you screw the metal plate into your window frame, the guard slots in easily. If you need to open the window, you simply press the device down and it will slide off.

Having a metal plate attached to the window frame makes these sturdier than adhesive options. Their small size (about 2 x 1 inches) makes them discreet, as well. They won’t interrupt your view or clash with your decor.

Downsides

Since these have to be screwed into the window frame to work, they may not be ideal for renters. For fiberglass windows, they can also be a problem. You simply may not want to drill into the frames and damage them.

Like most keyless designs, they do have a greater risk of failure. As your child gets a little older, they are more likely to figure out how to bypass the lock and remove it from the window. It may be better to choose a keyed window lock options for such cases.

What Stands Out

This guard is an inexpensive solution that allows you to add extra security to your windows without compromising your ability to open them in an emergency. The metal backplate helps the device withstand more pressure when installed than adhesive.

The push-down removal method also adds security. Since most windows will be pushed up to open, it goes against the removal mechanism, making it harder to force open.

8. Best Cord Winder: Rhoost Blind Cord Wind Up

Quick Facts:

• Style: Cord Winder
• Installation: Wrap Up

The perfect complement to any other security device on our list, a cord winder is a must if you have blinds. This super-simple device allows you to keep pull cords wound up and out of the way. It will keep babies from pulling on them or putting them in their mouths during the crawling stage. Once they reach the toddler exploring stage, this will also prevent them from getting tangled up in the strings.

The intuitive design requires no tools or adhesives. It also works with all types of blinds. Simply wind your cord around the center spindle and then loop it through the bottom cut out.

Downsides

If you have floor-to-ceiling windows, you may need to use two winders for each. The spindle is somewhat shallow, so it won’t hold all of a very long cord. You can have a second one further up the cord to help reduce the overall length.

If you frequently use your cord to bring your blinds up and down, you may find this somewhat inconvenient. An option is to wrap each cord separately, rather than having both on the same winder, so you can still operate them independently to raise or lower the blind.

Thinner cords can also slip out of the bottom cut out somewhat easily if you don’t knot off the end.

What Stands Out

You can easily shorten your blind cord and keep it out of your child’s reach without having to drill any holes in your walls. This makes it a better option for renters than cord cleats that must be screwed into place.

Since small children can easily become tangled in long cords, this is a great addition to any home childproofing kit. Even if your window is securely shut, you should use this sort of device to remove any other chance of window-related injury.

9. Best Keyed Window Childproofing Product: Maxdot 8 Sets Adjustable Sliding Window Locks

Quick Facts:

• Style: Window Lock
• Installation: Clamp Lock

This option is perfect if you have a little Houdini in your home who can easily figure out how to bypass other window latches and stoppers. This lock slips over the bottom or side of a window frame and blocks the edge of the window from lifting up.

The separate key tightens the screw to the frame. The same key will also unscrew it for removal. The metal body of the clip that attaches to the frame is tough enough to test any child’s strength if they try to pry it.

As with many window security products, you can use two per window to increase their strength. Sold in a pack of 8, you’ll have plenty to double up if necessary.

Downsides

These locks are more secure than stoppers you can simply fold down, but that does pose some problems. In case of emergency, it can eat up valuable time to get the lock off. If you lose the key (an Allen wrench with a handle attached to the end), it can be a hassle to open your windows again. Any key, especially one you don’t use every day, can be lost.

The clamp is also small, so if you have wider frames, they won’t be able to properly tighten. This can make them more susceptible to being pulled off, or slid higher up the frame with enough force.

Vinyl window frames may also show some scratching or denting once you tighten the screw to be secure. It does need to put significant pressure on the frame to be effective.

What Stands Out

This lock doesn’t require any installation and won’t cause significant damage to your window or frame. For renters, this can be a big bonus.

Its metal body and key access make it perfect for windows you don’t need to open often but are in reach of your children. Keeping the key somewhere secure may be a challenge when your children get older, but without it, this lock makes any window almost impossible to open.

10. Easiest-to-Remove Window Childproofing Product: Safety Innovations Window Widget

Quick Facts:

• Style: Wedge
• Installation: Adhesive

This wedge stopper option is more budget-friendly than many of the stoppers on our list. Like others, it features Velcro strips for easy application and removal of the wedges as needed. This makes it safe to use even on windows that need to be accessible in case of emergency.

To install, you can adhere the included Velcro strip on either the frame or the glass itself. Adhere the corresponding Velcro on the wedge to secure it in place. The wedge will then work to block the window from opening above whichever level you’ve chosen to install it.

Put it higher to allow the window to open a little for ventilation, or place it flush against the window to prevent it from opening more than a centimeter or so. The choice is yours.

Downsides

Basically, this is a budget version of the other wedges on our list. This results in them being a little less durable overall.

Rather than a hard plastic Velcro strip on the wedge and the window strip, these have the softer, fuzzy kind of Velcro more similar to what you’d find on clothing.

If your child is used to Velcro closures on their shoes, for example, then it may be possible for them to pull the wedges off if they can reach them. This limits their use in places like the bottom frame of sliding windows where children can easily access them.

What Stands Out

This childproofing wedge is simple, versatile, and easy to use. It allows you to choose the level you want your window to open to and it’s easily removable if you need to open the window all the way. Unlike some plastic stoppers, it won’t interfere with the window opening fully once the lock is disengaged.

The weaker Velcro may be a downside if your child figures out the security device and can reach it. However, if you need to make sure the window is accessible for members of the family who may not have a lot of grip strength, this is a safer option.