How Do Window Treatments Put Kids At Risk?

Window treatments like corded blinds and curtains can pose significant risks to young children, as loose hanging cords can be easily accessible to curious little ones, leading to possible entanglement and injury. In the last 50 years, hundreds of children in the United States have gotten the cords looped around their necks, strangling themselves to death. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly emphasizes the elimination of cords, but in Canada, non-commercial window treatments are often overlooked.

To keep your child safe, consider choosing cordless options, cord safety devices, and breakaway features. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the elimination of cords, but in Canada, non-commercial window treatments are not mandatory. Statistics reveal concerning incidents where children have encountered accidents related to unsafe window treatments, including entanglement or strangulation.

Children can quickly and silently become strangled on pull cords, continuous loop cords, inner cords, or any other accessible cords on window blinds, curtains, and shades. The dangers of blind cords peak between 1 to 4 inches long. About nine children 8 years old and younger die every year from window coverings with long, hazardous cords.

To prevent children from becoming entangled in window coverings, keep the window area clear and keep them away from sleeping or playing near them. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that nearly one child per month dies due to strangulation from window covering cords.

In conclusion, child safety is crucial in window treatments, and choosing cordless options, cord safety devices, and breakaway features can help create a safe environment for children.

Are window blinds safe?

It is a well-documented fact that window blinds, shades, and draperies can strangle children in seconds, even when an adult is in the vicinity. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends the use of cordless window coverings for safety reasons. These are widely available from most retailers. In the event of purchasing products online, it is advisable to select those that are cordless. The tragedy of window cord strangulation is often silent, as parents or caregivers may not realize the danger.

What are the safety things for blinds?

To ensure safety for your child, check the cords and chains of blinds in every room they spend time in, using tidies, tensioners, or cleats. Secure cords around cleats in a figure of eight and install them at least 1. 5 meters from the ground. Avoid cutting cords or chains, replace blinds made before 2014 with new ones that meet current safety standards, and consider choosing a cordless model when purchasing a new blind.

How to toddler proof window blinds?

Parents, grandparents, and caregivers should make corded blinds safer for their children by using cord covers, shortening cord length, placing cord joiners correctly, replacing cord tilt mechanisms, avoiding loops, keeping cords separate, installing a cord shroud, and tying down loops. These recommendations align with the Window Covering Manufacturers Association’s Standard for Safety of Window Covering Products.

Fix My Blinds is a helpful resource for making corded blinds safer for kids by ensuring they can’t reach blind cords, as kids are curious and explore the world around them. By following these recommendations, kids can enjoy a safer home environment and avoid strangulation hazards associated with corded blinds.

How do you keep kids safe with blinds?

To ensure the safety of your blinds, keep cords and chains out of reach of children, with cords ending at least 1. 6 meters above the ground. Install safety devices like chain tidy or tension devices if cords or chains cannot be cut. Contact your supplier for any safety concerns. This information is a guide only, and a video on hidden dangers of window blinds can be viewed for further guidance.

What are the risks of blind cords?

Window blind cords present a substantial hazard to infants, young children, and individuals with diminished resilience, as they can result in injuries or asphyxiation. It is of the utmost importance to take the necessary precautions to guarantee the safety of your child, as they could potentially lose their life in a matter of seconds due to entanglement with a window blind cord. This warning is available in a variety of languages and editions.

Are blinds safe for children?

Blind cord safety is a crucial issue for young children, and new blinds with looped cords must have child safety devices installed at the point of manufacture or be sold with the blind. These resources were published in January 2024 and replace the legacy resources produced for a product safety campaign in May and June 2021. To reduce the risks, people can install a tidy, tensioner, or cleat on the cord or chain, ensuring it is permanently held tight and out of children’s reach. After blind use, cords should be fastened in a figure of eight, ensuring all spare cords are secured on the cleat.

How do you make a window safe for kids?

Childproof window locks are essential to reduce the risk of falls and intrusions in children’s rooms. They should be kept out of reach and fitted with window restrictors to allow air-flow. Bedroom furniture should be kept away from windows to prevent children from climbing up. If beds or shelves are near windows, childproof restrictors or locks should be fitted. Explaining the importance of being careful around windows to children, such as discussing the consequences of breakable toys falling out of windows, can help prevent fear and provide peace of mind.

Are shutters safe for kids?

Window shutters are child-safe due to their secure fit and lack of dangerous cords. The British Blind and Shutter Association’s “Make it Safe” campaign aims to promote window blind safety in homes, public buildings, and other environments where babies and young children may be present. The campaign encourages parents to install shutters in their homes and public buildings to ensure safety for children.

What is the child safety mechanism for Venetian blinds?

A venetian blind cleat is a safety feature that wraps the cord around the blind when not in use, keeping it out of reach of children and maintaining a neat appearance. These are standard with all venetian blinds. Child Safe Plus blinds, which have no cords at all, are a popular choice for those looking for a safer alternative. These blinds are designed to have zero opportunities for a child to become entangled, making them a safer option for families. Overall, these blinds are designed to provide a safer and more stylish home for children.

How do you make a blind child safe?

Blind cord safety is a crucial concern for children, especially when it comes to blind cords. Installing cordless blinds is the best way to ensure safety, but if you already have blinds, you can still childproof them with simple methods like cord cleats, cord loop anchors, blind cord wraps, and breakaway tassels. These measures take just minutes to install and instantly protect babies and toddlers from potential home hazards. Before the mid-1990s, several young children in the U.

S. died of strangulation due to window blind cords. In response, blind and shade manufacturers were forced to redesign products with built-in child safety features, such as wall cleats, anchoring systems, safety stops, split cords, and cordless styles. These measures help protect children from potential hazards and ensure a safer home environment for them.

How to make blind cords child safe?

Blind cord safety is a crucial concern for children, especially when it comes to blind cords. Installing cordless blinds is the best way to ensure safety, but if you already have blinds, you can still childproof them with simple methods like cord cleats, cord loop anchors, blind cord wraps, and breakaway tassels. These measures take just minutes to install and instantly protect babies and toddlers from potential home hazards. Before the mid-1990s, several young children in the U.

S. died of strangulation due to window blind cords. In response, blind and shade manufacturers were forced to redesign products with built-in child safety features, such as wall cleats, anchoring systems, safety stops, split cords, and cordless styles. These measures help protect children from potential hazards and ensure a safer home environment for them.