Childproofing your balcony: The most important measures to protect your children
At a Glance
- A balcony railing that complies with standards is the foundation of safety; height, bar spacing, and vertical struts are decisive. High-quality metal railings from ELEO meet these criteria.
- Sources of danger, such as climbing aids created by furniture or planters, as well as toxic plants, must be consistently removed or secured.
- Supplementary measures like safety nets or cladding can increase protection, but they do not replace a stable and professionally installed railing.
Without adequate safety measures, a balcony poses significant risks for children. Parents therefore face the important task of methodically analysing the balcony and designing it as a safe zone. This guide provides a comprehensive manual on how to childproof a balcony. It covers all essential aspects: from the requirements for a safe balcony railing to clever furnishing and the choice of non-toxic plants, as well as effective additional solutions.
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Why Balcony Safety for Children is So Important
Children discover the world with natural curiosity and an irrepressible urge to explore. However, they cannot yet reliably judge heights, distances, or the stability of objects. What is a harmless parapet for adults can be an insurmountable challenge or a tempting climbing opportunity for a toddler. The responsibility for a childproof balcony therefore lies with adults. Proactive planning and the consistent implementation of protective measures are not over-caution, but a fundamental building block for a safe home.
Lucca railing in powder-coated anthracite in a detailed shot with its playful accents. © ELEO
Typical Sources of Danger – What Parents Often Overlook
Many risks on the balcony are not apparent at first glance. Beside the most obvious danger – a fall from height – there are numerous subtle sources of danger that are easily overlooked in everyday life. A systematic check helps to identify and eliminate these:
- Unintentional Climbing Aids: Chairs, small tables, stools, but also stacked cushions, drinks crates, or large planters placed too close to the railing are instinctively used by children as climbing aids.
- Railing Construction: A gap that is too wide between the vertical bars carries the risk of a child slipping through or getting their head stuck. Horizontal struts or decorative elements act like a ladder and literally invite climbing.
- Toxic Plants: Many popular ornamental plants such as oleander, angel’s trumpet, or ivy are highly toxic. Toddlers often explore their environment orally and could put leaves, flowers, or berries in their mouths.
- Dangerous Gaps and Crevices: Small openings between the railing and the house wall or at floor level can become a trap if children try to look through them or get limbs caught.
- Material Fatigue and Instability: A loose railing, rusted screws, or rotting wood offers no reliable protection. The stability of the entire construction must be checked regularly.
- Water and Slip Hazards: Standing water after a downpour, spilt liquids, or wet tiles can lead to dangerous falls on the balcony itself.
If you want to make your balcony childproof, you must take a child's perspective and critically examine every corner. Often it is the combination of several factors – such as a chair placed too close to a low railing – that represents a serious danger.
Making Railings Safe – Height, Bar Spacing & Material Choice
The balcony railing is the central safety component. Its condition determines significantly whether a balcony can be considered childproof. In doing so, not only must regional building regulations be observed, but also tried-and-tested safety aspects.
| Criterion | Recommendation for a Childproof Balcony | Safety Aspect |
|---|---|---|
| Railing Height | At least 90 cm, for drop heights over 12 m usually 110 cm (regulations vary by region) | Prevents easy climbing and leaning over. Greater height offers more safety. |
| Bar Spacing | Maximum 12 cm clear width between the vertical bars | Prevents the head from being poked through and the body from slipping through. |
| Strut Orientation | Use vertical struts exclusively | Avoids the dangerous "ladder effect" caused by horizontal elements that encourage climbing. |
| Material & Stability | Solid, weatherproof material like hot-dip galvanised or powder-coated steel | Guaranteed longevity, corrosion resistance, and high stability against loads. |
When choosing materials, metal proves to be particularly advantageous. Unlike wood, which requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and splintering, professionally treated steel railings are extremely low-maintenance and weather-resistant. Materials such as glass must meet strict safety standards (laminated safety glass) to ensure they do not shatter if broken, and they require significant cleaning effort. Sturdy metal railings from ELEO offer an optimal mix of safety, durability, and high aesthetics. Thanks to their robust design and precise manufacturing, they not only meet all technical requirements but also create a permanently safe environment for the whole family.
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Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Increasing Railing Height – When it Makes Sense and the Available Options
Especially in older buildings or houses from previous decades, existing balcony railings often do not meet today's safety standards. A railing height of 80 cm or less was not uncommon in the past. As soon as children live in the household, such a parapet is insufficient, and increasing the height of the balcony railing becomes an absolute necessity. Before any measures are taken, the building structure should be checked by a specialist.
Options for Increasing Balcony Railing Height
- Professional Attachment Elements: Custom-made metal extensions can be securely and permanently mounted onto the existing railing. They represent the most stable and visually appealing solution to achieve the required protective height.
- Complete Replacement: If the old railing is already dilapidated, unstable, or does not meet safety requirements in any way (e.g. due to horizontal struts), a complete replacement is the only safe option. A new, standard-compliant metal railing offers the best long-term solution.
Retrofitting with stable, precisely fitted metal extensions creates uncompromising safety. High-quality metal railings, such as those offered by ELEO, blend harmoniously into the overall architectural picture.
Avoiding Furniture & Climbing Aids – Safe Furnishing Ideas
A cosily furnished balcony is lovely, but the choice and placement of furnishings must be secondary to safety considerations. Every piece of furniture can potentially become a climbing aid. It is recommended to define a "safety distance" of at least 50 cm from the railing, in which no climbable objects are placed.
Safe Furnishing Tips
- Do not place chairs, tables, benches, or stools within reach of the railing.
- Place large planters and flower boxes directly on the floor only, not on stools or benches.
- Storage chests should be very low and placed as far from the balcony railing as possible.
- Consistently remove toys such as ride-on cars or crates from the vicinity of the railing after playing.
Alternative Design Options
- Use floor cushions or flat lounge furniture instead of classic chairs.
- Utilise vertical gardens or plant shelves mounted on the house wall to integrate greenery safely.
- Non-slip flooring or outdoor rugs minimise the risk of falls on the balcony.
Regular inspection is essential. Children are creative and can move objects. A quick check at the end of the day to ensure all furniture is safely positioned should become a routine to guarantee a permanently childproof balcony.
Plants on the Balcony – Non-toxic Alternatives for Families
Toddlers' curiosity often leads them to touch everything and put it in their mouths. Therefore, only non-toxic plants should be placed within their reach. Additionally, fertilisers and pesticides that could be harmful to children should be avoided. Small garden tools such as trowels or pointed prick sticks must also be stored safely.
| Non-toxic & Child-friendly Plants | Properties | Location & Care |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender | Fragrant, calming, bee-friendly | Sunny, dry, requires little water |
| Nasturtium | Flowers and leaves are edible, grows quickly | Sunny to semi-shaded, water regularly |
| Strawberries & Wild Strawberries | Create an edible balcony, exciting for children | Semi-shaded, nutrient-rich soil, water well |
| Daisies & Horned Violets | Classics, robust, colourful, and non-toxic | Sunny to semi-shaded, low-maintenance |
| Herbs (e.g. parsley, chives) | Useful, aromatic, and harmless | Sunny to semi-shaded depending on variety |
Belluno railing in hot-dip galvanised finish, decorated with a lavender flower box. © ELEO
Important: Highly toxic plants such as angel’s trumpet, monkshood, laburnum, oleander, yew, or ivy must be strictly avoided. If in doubt, consult a toxic plant database or ask at a garden centre.
Additional Protective Measures – Nets, Privacy Screens & Cladding
Beyond a standard-compliant railing, additional elements can increase safety. Such additions are particularly useful in rented flats where structural changes like replacing a railing are not easily possible. However, these measures do not replace an unstable or too low railing. They serve merely as additional protection.
- Safety Nets: Fine-meshed, tear-resistant nets (often sold as cat or child safety nets) can be attached to the inside of the railing. They prevent toys from falling through or children from trying to squeeze through the bars. Quality is crucial here: the material should be UV-resistant and extremely robust.
- Balcony Cladding: Sheets of Plexiglas, polycarbonate, or heavy-duty fabric can close gaps and make climbing more difficult as they offer no handholds. They also serve as wind and privacy screens. During installation, ensure storm-proof fastening as they offer a large surface area for the wind.
Ancona railing on a U-shaped balcony, fitted with a fabric screen for additional protection. © ELEO
These additions complement the basic protection offered by a sturdy metal railing but cannot take over its structural function. Their installation must be carried out professionally to ensure they do not become a hazard themselves.
Childproofing Your Balcony – Practical Tips for Everyday Life
- Regular Inspection: At least twice a year, the railing, all screws, and anchorings should be checked for tight fit and corrosion.
- Furniture Management: After every use of the balcony, chairs and tables should be moved back to a safe location, far away from the railing.
- Securing Access: The balcony door should be fitted with a child safety lock or a lockable handle to prevent children from going outside unsupervised.
- Supervision: The best protective measure remains an attentive supervisor. Small children, in particular, should never be left alone on the balcony.
- Clear Rules: Even small children can be explained in an age-appropriate way that climbing on the railing and throwing things down is not allowed.
- Stability: All planters and furniture should be heavy and stable to prevent them from tipping over.
- Remove Hazards: Water butts or large water containers do not belong on a child-friendly balcony. Risk of drowning!
Implementing these recommendations makes the balcony a safe place. A professionally manufactured and installed metal railing from ELEO creates the foundation for long-lasting safety.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum height for a childproof balcony railing?
The minimum height is regulated by local building codes and depends on the potential drop height. Generally, it is at least 90 cm up to a height of 12 metres, and 110 cm beyond that. For households with children, the maximum possible height is always recommended to make climbing as difficult as possible.
Can an existing balcony railing be retrofitted to be childproof?
In many cases, retrofitting is possible. Sturdy metal attachment elements can optimise the height, while cladding can close gaps. It is crucial that the basic substance of the old railing and its anchoring are intact. Before such a measure, a specialist company or structural engineer should check whether the structure is suitable for retrofitting. Avoid provisional DIY solutions!
Are safety nets and cladding sufficient as childproofing?
No, they are merely a supplement. A safety net or cladding cannot replace a railing that is too low, unstable, or incorrectly constructed. Their main function is to prevent objects from falling through and limbs from being poked through. Structural safety must always be guaranteed by the railing itself.
Conclusion: Safety through Thoughtful Measures & Sturdy Railings from ELEO
A high railing with vertical bars, safety-conscious furnishing, the selection of non-toxic plants, and consistent everyday rules: these measures transform the balcony from a potential danger zone into a valuable extension of the living space for the whole family. The foundation for this safety is a stable, durable, and standard-compliant balcony railing. High-quality metal railings, such as those offered by ELEO, represent a long-term investment in the safety of your loved ones. They combine uncompromising safety with sophisticated aesthetics.
With a high-quality metal railing from ELEO, you create a safe environment for your family!
Recommended reading: Ensure your balcony railing meets all legal requirements: » Read our guide "Balcony Railing Regulations: A Guide to Regional Requirements" now!
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