Ensuring Child and Pet Safety: A Guide to Safe Window Coverings!

Dual sheer/ blackout Honeycomb Shades

When it comes to making your home a safe place for your family, we often focus on common hazards like sharp objects, electrical outlets, or stairs. However, there's an overlooked safety concern that many parents and pet owners miss—window coverings.

You may not realize it, but cords in window blinds or shades can pose significant risks to young children and pets. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), window blind cords are one of the top causes of child strangulations, leading to dozens of tragic deaths every year. In fact, more than 200 children have died in the U.S. due to window blind cord strangulations since 1990. This statistic highlights the importance of choosing safe window treatments for homes with young children or pets.

Why Are Window Cords Dangerous?

Cords from blinds and shades can pose an entanglement hazard to both kids and animals. Children, especially toddlers and infants, may not understand the dangers of cords, and pets might chew on them out of curiosity or boredom. In both cases, cords can lead to suffocation, strangulation, or injury.

Here are some key facts about the risks:

• Strangulation Risk: A child can become entangled in a window blind cord in as little as a few seconds. The CPSC reports that children under 3 years old are most at risk.

• Choking Hazard for Pets: Pets, especially cats and dogs, may chew on cords, which can result in injury or digestive issues if swallowed.

Safe Window Coverings: The Best Choices for Families with Kids and Pets

So, what are the safest options when it comes to window coverings? Fortunately, there are several alternatives that eliminate the risks associated with cords.

1. Cordless Blinds and Shades

   • Why They're Safe: These are the safest option for homes with children and pets. As the name suggests, cordless blinds and shades don't have any hanging cords to become a hazard. They use spring-loaded mechanisms or easy-to-pull handles to adjust the blinds.

   • Popular Options:

     • Graber offers a variety of cordless window treatments, including cellular shades and roller shades.

     • Levolor has a range of cordless mini-blinds and cellular shades, offering both style and safety.

2. Motorized Window Coverings

   • Why They're Safe: Motorized window coverings are remote-controlled or app-enabled, allowing you to open or close your blinds without touching any cords. These are ideal for high or hard-to-reach windows, and they can be especially convenient for controlling light while maintaining safety.

   • Popular Options:

     • Somfy and Lutron offer motorized shades that can be controlled by smartphone apps or a remote, providing convenience and security in one package.

3. Top-Down/Bottom-Up Shades

   • Why They're Safe: These shades allow you to adjust both the top and the bottom of the shade without the use of cords. This feature not only ensures safety but also offers flexibility in controlling light and privacy.

   • Popular Options:

     • Hunter Douglas offers a variety of top-down/bottom-up shades, including honeycomb and roman shades, that are both stylish and safe.

4. Shutters

   • Why They're Safe: Window shutters are a fantastic option for child- and pet-proofing your home. These do not require cords for adjustments and are a sturdy, long-term investment. While they may be more expensive initially, they are incredibly durable and offer a timeless, clean aesthetic.

   • Popular Options:

     • Norman Shutters provides custom, cord-free plantation shutters that are a great solution for safety-conscious homeowners.

How to Make Existing Window Treatments Safer

If you already have window blinds or shades with cords, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risks:

• Cordless Retrofit Kits: Some manufacturers offer kits that allow you to convert existing corded blinds into cordless ones. This can be a budget-friendly solution.

• Cord Cleats: If you must use corded window treatments, install a cord cleat on the wall to keep cords securely out of reach. Make sure cords are tied up tightly when not in use.

• Safety Devices: There are also cord tensioners and safety devices available to help keep cords taut and prevent them from becoming a choking hazard.

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety in Every Room

When designing a home with children and pets in mind, it's essential to consider every potential danger—especially window coverings. Whether you're in the process of choosing new window treatments or looking to make your current ones safer, there are plenty of cord-free options available. With a little attention and the right products, you can ensure that your home remains both stylish and safe for everyone in your family.

Investing in safe window coverings doesn't just protect your children and pets from the dangers of cords; it also gives you peace of mind. After all, the safety of your loved ones is worth every effort.