Childproofing Your Home with Shutters

Homes with small children require some unique safety considerations. Curious little ones can get into danger spots and accidents quickly. Implementing strategic childproofing measures provides peace of mind that your home environment is secure. Shutters offer many built-in childproofing features when properly installed and utilized. This article covers how both interior and exterior shutters can help childproof a home through safety, security, and peace of mind.

Safety Benefits of Childproof Shutters

Child safety is a priority for any home with young children. Properly installed shutters offer inherent protections:

• Shutters prevent direct access to windows where falls could occur. Securely closed shutters provide a barrier keeping children away from open windows.
• Cordless designs eliminate dangling cords that pose strangulation hazards to toddlers. Eliminating cords removes a major blind and curtain risk.
• Shutters can’t be scaled or climbed like drapes. Their solid panels prevent using window coverings as climbing aids.
• Optional finger-pinch shields prevent ouch injuries from little fingers in the hinge-side gap.
• Shutters are fixed directly to walls or window frames. This prevents tipping safety issues present with freestanding window furnishings.

Taking advantage of these built-in safety attributes is the first step toward childproofing with shutters.

Managing Access with Locks and Latches

Managing child access to certain rooms and areas is an important childproofing strategy. Shutters allow tailored control over access:

• Lockable shutters provide security, preventing access to rooms or dangerous areas. Even without locks, latched shutters create a barrier.
• Upper floor shutters can be locked closed for child safety near balcony doors or anywhere elevated falls pose risks.
• Operable interior shutters give the option to close off areas while maintaining an open feel. Dividing a space can be safer than relying just on baby gates for restrictive room access.
• Hardware can be installed out of children’s reach, allowing adults to control openings.

Installed properly, lockable shutters grant parents peace of mind that off-limits areas stay secured.

Protection from Impact Dangers

Shutters cushion and protect windows from vigorous indoor play and impacts:

• Solid shutter panels prevent damage from thrown toys – no glass breakage worries.
• Shutters absorb the shock from exuberant children bumping or crashing into windows and doors during play.
• Installation of polycarbonate panels behind exterior shutters accommodates active kids while preventing window damage.
• Shutters shield window glass from sports balls, reducing risks of shattered or broken windows.

Shutters’ resilient panels stand up to child play that would damage blinds or curtains lacking impact resistance.

Privacy and UV Ray Blocking

Shutters support child health and development through privacy and sun protection:

• Light-blocking shutters allow creation of dark, quiet spaces for napping children. Sensory control aids healthy sleep.
• Shutters provide privacy in kids’ rooms as they grow older and desire more independence.
• Closed shutters block over 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting young developing skin when playing near windows.
• Shutters reduce glare that can negatively impact learning and stimulate sensory disorders.

Managing lighting and privacy helps nurture healthy young children day and night.

Noise Reduction for Sensory Regulation

For children with sensory sensitivities, shutters reduce external auditory stimuli:

• Insulated shutter panels dampen outside noises from traffic, construction and noisy neighbors.
• Sound-absorbing materials placed behind shutters further mute unwanted sounds.
• Shutters create quiet zones free of external distractions, aiding concentration.
• At nap time, shutters provide darkened, insulated spaces, blocking noise and light.

Shutters grant control over the auditory environment’s impact on kids.

Added Childproofing Tips

Beyond inherent benefits, a few shutter adjustments make homes extra child-friendly:

• Install finger-safe hinge guards to prevent pinched fingers in panel gaps.
• Use hold-open retainers when shutters must stay open for safety.
• Position hardware latches and controls safely out of children’s reach.
• Anchor cords from motorized or specialty shutters to eliminate pull risks.
• Select quiet hardware that won’t startle young children when operated.
• Keep remote controls and wands safely out of reach from curious kids.

smart adjustments optimize shutters’ built-in childproofing advantages.

Maintaining a Childproof Environment

Proper shutter maintenance preserves a home’s childproof environment:

• Inspect latches and locks periodically to ensure properly working condition.
• Check that any safety devices remain securely installed over time.
• Test that panels align flush with no finger gaps when closed. Adjust if needed.
• Have damaged hollow slats or wood repaired to maintain shutter integrity over active kids.
• Re-tighten any loose hardware like sagging hinges that could jeopardize safety.
• Lubricate hardware regularly for easy opening by adults but not curious children.

Well-maintained shutters continue providing uninterrupted protection as kids grow up.

Hiring Child Safety-Focused Pros

When installing or upgrading shutters with childproofing in mind, hiring professionals attentive to child safety is key. They will:

• Recommend optimal shutter types, accessories, materials and hardware for homes with children.
• Properly install components out of children’s reach.
• Ensure flush panel alignment with no hazardous fingertip gaps.
• Anchor all cords and mobile components securely.
• Provide advice on open vs. closed installations depending on child age.
• Offer professional recommendations tailored specifically for child safety.

Experienced pros install shutters focused on optimizing family childproofing.

Peace of Mind With Childsafe Shutters

Home improvements like installing shutters present new risks for children if not handled conscientiously. But done properly, shutters can provide built-in childproofing families can rely on. Their safety attributes, access control, impact resistance, and stimulant blocking capabilities help shield children from hazards. Contact our team to learn more about how we safely install shutters to provide protection, healthy spaces, and peace of mind for the whole family.