Child Safety Blinds: A Guide to Keeping Your Children Safe
As a parent, your child’s safety is always a top priority. When it comes to your home, one potential safety hazard that you might not have considered is your window treatments. Traditional blinds with cords can pose a serious risk of strangulation or injury to young children. But there are steps you can take to reduce this risk and keep your children safe
The Risks of Traditional Blinds
Traditional blinds with cords can pose a serious safety hazard to young children. The cords can become entangled around a child’s neck, leading to accidental strangulation. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, between 2012 and 2017, there were an estimated 50 deaths and nearly 400 injuries due to corded window coverings.
Child Safety Blinds
To address this issue, child safety blinds have been developed that eliminate or reduce the need for cords. Here are three options to consider:
1. Cordless Blinds
Cordless blinds operate without any cords, instead using a spring-loaded mechanism or a motor to open and close the slats. These are a great option for families with young children as they eliminate the risk of entanglement.
2. Wand-Operated Blinds
Wand-operated blinds use a wand or a rod to adjust the slats, eliminating the need for cords. These are a great alternative to traditional corded blinds and can be easily operated by children and adults alike.
3. Motorized Blinds
Motorized blinds are operated by remote control or a smartphone app, allowing you to adjust the slats without any cords. These can be a convenient option for families with young children as they eliminate the need for cords altogether.
Other Steps to Reduce the Risk of Injuries
In addition to using child safety blinds, there are other steps you can take to reduce the risk of injury to children around windows. Here are a few:
1. Keep Furniture Away from Windows
To prevent children from climbing up and potentially falling out of windows, keep furniture away from windows.
2. Install Window Guards or Window Stops
Window guards or window stops can prevent windows from opening more than a few inches, reducing the risk of falls.
3. Teach Your Children About Window Safety
Teach your children about the dangers of playing near windows and the importance of staying away from cords or other window treatments.