Child-safe Window Coverings
Admin 20 Feb 2023
As a responsible parent or caregiver, ensuring the safety of children should always be a top priority. When it comes to home safety, one area that is often overlooked is window coverings. Window coverings, such as blinds and shades, can pose serious safety hazards to young children. In fact, according to Australia\'s Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), window coverings are among the top five hidden hazards in Australian homes. Read on to know how to keep your child safe with window coverings.
Why Child-Safe Window Coverings Are Important
The primary danger associated with traditional window coverings is strangulation. young children can become entangled in the cords, chains, or loops used to operate blinds and shades, resulting in severe injury or even death. According to the CPSC, an average of one child per month expires from window cord strangulation worldwide. These tragic accidents can happen in a matter of seconds and can happen to any child.
Some traditional window coverings can also pose other hazards to children. For example, children may be tempted to climb on furniture or other objects to reach the cords, leading to falls and other injuries. Children may also be able to pull down the entire window covering, causing it to fall on them and potentially causing injury.
Tips for Selecting Child-Safe Window Coverings
1. Look for cordless options
The simplest way to eliminate the risk of cord strangulation is to choose cordless window coverings. With cordless blinds, you simply lift or lower the blinds with your hand rather than using a cord. You can use a wand or a remote control to adjust the shade with cordless shades.
2. Choose products with short or inaccessible cords
If you prefer window coverings with cords, look for products with cords that are short (less than 7 inches) or that are designed to be out of reach of children. For example, some products have cords located on the back of the shade, which are less accessible to children. Other products may have cords that are enclosed in a track or a wand, making them more difficult for children to reach.
3. Consider motorized options
Motorized window coverings are another option that can be safer for children. With motorized blinds or shades, you can adjust the covering with a remote control or a smartphone app. This eliminates the need for cords altogether, making it impossible for children to become entangled.
4. Look for products with safety certifications
When shopping for window coverings, look for products that have been certified by independent safety organizations. For example, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) offers a "Best for Kids" certification program that identifies products that are safe for young children. Look for products that have this certification or a similar one.
Types of Child-safe Window Coverings
- Awnings
Awnings can be operated manually with a crank or automatically with a motor. Motorized awnings are a safe option as they eliminate the need for cords or chains, which can pose a strangulation hazard for young children. With motorized options, you can easily open and close your awnings with a remote control or a smartphone app without letting your child touch them. Moreover, awnings can withstand strong winds and heavy rain to keep your child safe from any natural haphazard. Search from a wide variety of awnings in Thomastown at Whittlesea store.
- Cordless Roman blinds
Cordless Roman blinds are child-safe options for parents. Cordless blinds are an excellent option for parents who want to eliminate the risk of cord strangulation. Instead of cords, cordless blinds use a spring-loaded mechanism or a wand to raise and lower the blinds. This eliminates the need for cords, making them safe for children of all ages. Cordless blinds are available in a variety of styles, including wood, faux wood, vinyl, and fabric. Whittlesea offers a great collection of cordless roman blinds in Thomastown.
- Venetian Blinds
If you do choose Venetian blinds with cords, it is important to install cord cleats to keep the cords out of reach of children. Cord cleats are small plastic devices that attach to the wall and allow you to wrap the cords around them. This keeps the cords out of reach of children and helps prevent them from becoming tangled or creating a strangulation hazard. Whittlesea offers a variety of Venetian blinds in Thomastown.
- Outdoor Blinds
Outdoor blinds come with cords or chains. It is important to keep the cords or chains as short as possible. This helps a child from becoming tangled or creating a strangulation hazard. You can use cord stops or tassels to keep the cords or chains from becoming too long. Whittlesea offers a fabulous collection of outdoor blinds in Thomastown that will make your outdoors look aesthetically appealing and keep children safe.
Child-safe coverings are an essential component of a safe home environment for families with young children. Child-safe coverings can help prevent falls, burns, deaths, injuries, and other common hazards. By taking proactive steps, parents can help protect their children and provide peace of mind for the entire family. Whittlesea can help you buy the safest curtains in Craigieburn.