Window falls are a serious — and preventable — cause of injury for young children. Whether you live in a single-family home or a high-rise apartment, all families are at risk.
Each year, 3,500 to 5,000 children in the U.S. are hospitalized after falling from windows. Most of these injuries happen in the child’s own home, often during warmer months when windows are open for ventilation.
At Harborview Medical Center, Washington’s only Level I pediatric and adult trauma center, we treat 40 to 50 young children annually for window fall injuries. In 2024 alone (January through August), 29 children were already treated for these injuries. These can include:
Unfortunately, 1 in 3 children need intensive care, and 1 in 4 leave the hospital with long-term disabilities.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; BMJ Journals: Injury Prevention; Harborview Medical Center
Four Inches is the Key to Prevention
The safest way to allow airflow without risking a fall is to open windows no more than four inches. Children — especially those ages 2 to 5 — are most at risk because they’re naturally curious, quick, and unaware of danger.
Why Screens Aren’t Enough
Window screens do not prevent falls. They’re designed to pop out easily in case of fire, which means even a toddler can push through them with minimal force.
Safety Tips to Prevent Window Falls:
Courtesy: UW Medicine, Harborview Medical Center
Nationwide Children’s Hospital –
• Window Falls and Prevention Tips
National Safety Council –
• Prevent child strangulations! Keep window cords away from kids!
• Go Cordless on Your Window Coverings
• Windows are Vital to Survival, but Keep Safety in Mind
Prevent Child Injury –
Public Health—Seattle & King County –
• Preventing Window Falls
• Stop the Summer Epidemic – Window Safety for Kids (in multiple languages)
Safe Kids Worldwide –
Seattle Children’s –
United States Consumer Product Safety Commission –
Window Covering Safety Council –
• Window Covering Cord Safety
• Revised ANSI/WCMA Window Covering Safety Standard (Effective June 1, 2024)
Visit our Digital Resource Center to learn more about the dangers of Window Falls — plus, more injury and violence prevention topics year-round!