So your home is loaded up with latches, outlet covers, and baby gates, but there's still another safety concern to consider: the window treatments. Knowing how to child-proof your blinds may seem like an afterthought, but there's a good reason to seriously consider it. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 293 children were seriously injured or killed by window cords from 1996 to 2012. Because these cords are still standard in many homes, taking care of them is an important step in your childproofing process.
First, the simplest step is to keep the cords away from children. As noted by Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC), moving the cords well out of your children's reach, and pulling them as short as possible, is a good habit for all parents. You can also anchor continuous loop cords to the floor, and make sure your child's crib and furniture is away from windows, as further noted by the WCSC. This is the easiest method of childproofing your blinds, but it also requires constant vigilance: you'll have to make sure the cords stay out of your kid's reach at all times.
Next, you may want to check out simple ways to childproof your window cords. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, you can cut the loop on blind cords and put a safety tassel on each strand to reduce strangulation hazard. In addition, there are many blind cord wraps available that can help keep the cords well contained and out of reach. Most of these are relatively inexpensive, and the WCSC even offers free retrofit kits to childproof your blinds. Whether you have Roman shades or mini-blinds, there's a kit for your home.
Lastly, if a renovation is in the budget, then check out cordless window treatments. According to The Finishing Touch, the best cordless blinds for childproofing your home include cellular shades, roller shades, and plantation shutters. There may be additional benefits to investing in new blinds as well. For instance, cordless lift cellular shades are easy-to use for adults, safe for kids, and energy efficient, as noted by Home Depot. And, if you're struggling with sleep deprivation like many new parents, wouldn't some light-proof blackout shades make a great addition to your bedroom? Plus, by investing in some cordless between glass window treatments, you can protect all blinds from dust and curious toddlers alike. Basically, the options for beautiful and child-proof cordless window fashions are almost endless.
Whether you simply tuck the cords out of the way or opt for a full-house window replacement, keeping your little ones safe from blinds is crucial. Because kids can get into trouble in the blink of an eye, having these childproof designs in place can help you breathe easier. After all, windows should only be a source of light and outdoor scenery, never a cause of danger.
