When choosing blinds for your home, colour, style and practicality are often at the top of the list. But if you have young children, there’s another important consideration: safety.
Window blinds can pose a serious risk to babies and young children, particularly those with loose or accessible cords and chains. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make your windows safer without compromising on style.
At C & C, we believe understanding the risks and knowing what to look for can help you make informed choices for your home.
Why Can Window Blinds Be Dangerous for Children?
The biggest safety concern with window blinds is the risk of strangulation from operating cords and chains.
Young children are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings. Unfortunately, a dangling blind cord can quickly become a hazard, particularly if a child becomes entangled in it.
It’s also important to remember that accidents can happen very quickly and quietly, even when an adult is nearby.
That’s why child safety should always be considered when choosing, installing or updating blinds, regardless of whether you have children living at home or visiting occasionally.
Are All Window Blinds Child-Safe?
Not all blinds present the same level of risk. Some designs are cord- or chain-free, making them particularly suitable for homes with young children.
If you’re choosing new blinds, it’s worth exploring the different operating systems available.
Cordless Blinds
Cordless blinds eliminate the need for traditional hanging operating cords. Many can be raised or lowered by hand, making them a practical choice for family homes.
Motorised Blinds
Motorised blinds can be operated using a remote control, a wall switch, or a compatible smart home system. In addition to offering convenience, they can eliminate the need for accessible operating cords and chains.
Blinds with Child Safety Devices
Some blinds use operating chains or cords but incorporate safety features such as tensioning devices or breakaway connectors. These are designed to reduce the risk of dangerous loops forming or remaining accessible.
These devices must be correctly fitted and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to Make Your Existing Blinds Safer
If you already have blinds fitted, there are several practical steps you can take to help reduce potential risks.
Keep furniture away from windows. Avoid placing cots, beds, sofas or chairs near blinds where children could climb up and reach a cord or chain.
Check cords and chains. Make sure operating cords and chains are secured using the appropriate safety devices and are kept out of children’s reach.
Never tie cords together. Tying blind cords into knots or loops can create additional hazards.
Be mindful of older blinds. Older installations may not have the safety features expected of modern blinds, so it’s worth having them assessed.
Remember, simply winding a cord around the blind or placing it on a high hook is not a substitute for a properly fitted child safety device.
What Are the UK Child Safety Regulations for Blinds?
In the UK, internal window blinds are subject to product safety requirements, with BS EN 13120 setting out important safety provisions for blinds, including protection against hazards caused by cords and chains.
New blinds must meet applicable safety requirements, and products with accessible operating cords or chains may require specific safety devices, warnings and installation arrangements.
These requirements are intended to reduce the risk of accidents, particularly involving young children.
However, it’s important to remember that safety doesn’t stop once a blind has been installed. Correct operation, regular checks and keeping furniture away from windows all play a part in maintaining a safer home.
Can You Have Stylish Blinds That Are Child-Safe?
Absolutely! Choosing safer blinds doesn’t mean sacrificing the look you want.
From contemporary roller blinds to elegant Roman blinds and practical pleated designs, there are plenty of options to complement your interiors.
The key is to consider the operating mechanism alongside the fabric, colour and finish. For example, a motorised roller blind can provide a clean, uncluttered appearance, while a suitable cordless design can be ideal for a child’s bedroom.
Not every operating system is available with every blind style, so it’s worth discussing your requirements before making a decision.
Beautiful Blinds, With Safety in Mind
At C & C, we know that choosing window blinds involves more than finding the perfect colour or fabric. It’s about making sure they work for your home and its residents.
If you’re planning new blinds or looking to replace older window coverings, get in touch with C & C to discuss the available options and find a solution that combines style, practicality, and child safety.