As parents, it can be challenging to determine which safety concerns are worth our full attention. Among the multitude of potential hazards, blind cords stand out as a serious issue deserving of our concern.
If you’re a parent of young children, you may already be aware of the risks associated with dangling cords. These cords can pose a strangulation threat to small kids—so much so that some retailers are opting to sell only cordless window treatments. In January, for instance, IKEA eliminated corded blinds from their inventory. Additionally, SelectBlinds.com, a leading online retailer for custom window coverings, has entirely switched to cordless options this year and launched a #GoCordless campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of corded blinds.
A spokesperson from SelectBlinds.com shared, “It was truly a matter of safety. We repeatedly saw reports of children tragically losing their lives due to window covering accidents. Many of us are parents ourselves, and it hit too close to home. We initiated a free cord cleat program to help families secure their blind cords, but realized that even tied cords could still be dangerous.”
The problem with blind cords is that even when secured, they can become loose, continuing to present a strangulation risk. If the cords are excessively short, they can still become a danger if the blinds are pulled up. The only foolproof method to ensure the safety of corded blinds is to cut the cords at the headrail, rendering them ineffective for raising the blinds. Instead, you can use a wand to tilt the slats to control light and privacy—much safer than worrying about the hazards posed by cords.
On average, over 20 children in the U.S. are strangled by window covering cords each year. In just 15 seconds, a child can lose consciousness, and within a minute, the situation can become fatal. Between 1986 and 2012, there were 184 reported deaths of children due to cord blind accidents, alongside 101 non-fatal incidents. To put this in perspective, from 1985 to 2012, crib bumpers were linked to 48 infant deaths, and many parents now avoid them altogether. This comparison emphasizes the need for us to take the dangers of corded blinds seriously.
Earlier this year, following another tragic incident, SelectBlinds.com’s founder, Jake Morris, and CEO, Sarah Thompson, decided to prioritize safety over profit. They could no longer wait for industry regulations to improve or for costs to decrease.
But what if you’re on a tight budget and can’t replace all your blinds? There are still effective steps you can take. You can request free cord cleats online to help keep cords out of your child’s reach. If replacing all window coverings isn’t viable, consider updating only certain rooms. Another affordable option is to buy inexpensive paper blinds that can enhance your child’s room or nursery. These come in packs of six, making them easy to replace if they become dirty. Additionally, keeping cribs and furniture away from windows can further reduce risks.
Replacing blinds doesn’t need to be overwhelming or expensive. Installation is simple; all you need is a drill and a measuring tape. I personally reached out to SelectBlinds.com to test this theory, and I found it to be incredibly easy—just two screws and I had successfully installed the blinds myself. While there are high-end options out there, many affordable ones exist as well.
In summary, if replacing corded blinds isn’t an option, consider removing the cords entirely. If you’re renting and can’t make modifications, utilize the free cord cleats. Parenting is filled with warnings that can feel overwhelming, but some concerns, like blind cords, merit our genuine attention.
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