How to Keep Toddlers From Climbing on Window Sills

Your toddler is an explorer, embarking on new adventures each day. Keeping up with his creativity and little legs can be exhausting -- and worrisome if he's a climber. It's a natural developmental milestone for him to attempt everything from stairs to furniture. But keeping him out of the windows, and away from a potential fall, requires creativity on your part, as well.

Things You'll Need

  • Pillows, beanbags or plastic slide
  • Baby enclosure (optional)

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove any furniture close to the windows that can be used for climbing. Couches, chairs or even bookshelves can give footholds to your toddler. Keep couches, chairs, coffee tables and bookshelves -- all of which can give your toddler a foothold -- several feet from a window.

    • 2

      Set up play areas away from the windows. Pile pillows or beanbags on the floor in the middle of the room, for example, and allow your toddler to climb here. Or place a small plastic slide in the room for him to climb. Call him back to the play area if he wanders over by the window.

    • 3

      Remove your child from the windowsill immediately, if he attempts to climb it, with a firm "No". Set him in the play area and distract him with other toys.

    • 4

      Supervise your toddler at all times. If you need to be in another room -- such as during meal preparation -- have his play area in your line of sight. Check on him every few minutes to make sure he hasn't walked away from his toys. Or place a baby enclosure -- a plastic fence in the shape of a hexagon -- around the play area to ensure he cannot walk away.

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