Keeping children safe around windows and balconies

If you look after children in your home, it's important to think about window and balcony safety.

Young children are naturally curious and can quickly climb onto furniture or explore their surroundings. A few simple steps can help prevent accidents and keep them safe.

Window and balcony safety

Whether you own your home, rent privately or are a council tenant, there are simple things you can do to help keep children safe:

  • keep beds, sofas, chairs and other furniture away from windows so children cannot climb up
  • use window restrictors or safety catches where they are fitted, and do not remove or disable them
  • never let children play with or rely on window restrictors
  • if young children are not being supervised, keep windows closed and locked
  • keep balcony doors closed when they are not being used and always supervise young children on balconies
  • look around your home from a child's point of view. Could they climb onto anything near an open window? If so, move it away

Window restrictors

Window restrictors stop windows from opening too wide. They help reduce the risk of children falling from a window. If your home has window restrictors, check they are in good working order. If they're damaged or missing, have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

  • If you rent your home privately, contact your landlord if you have any concerns about a window restrictor or window safety.
  • If you own your home, make sure your window restrictors are in good working order and replace them if needed
  •  If you're a Croydon Council tenant, window restrictors are fitted in council homes above ground floor level. If you think a window restrictor is damaged, missing or not working properly, Report a repair as soon as possible so we can arrange a repair. 

Further advice

The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) provides practical advice on preventing falls from open windows, including tips for parents and carers and information about window safety.