Safe Childrens Window Treatments for Kids Room

Safe Childrens Window Treatments

Childrens window treatments not properly chosen can be dangerous to the childs wellbeing.

Read this guide for what to look for when choosing childrens window coverings or what to do with your existing window treatments for kids room.

With kids window treatments the number one thing to beware of is the cords.

When you open or close a traditional window covering a cord is used to pull it open and close. When it is pulled down the cord is relatively high up and could be kept out of reach of the kids.

However when the blind or shade is open the cord needs to be pulled down and you can end up with a long cord dangling down dangerously low. This makes it extremely accessable to young children who can get entangled in them and risk strangulation.

Another problem with cords that became apparent more recently is the exposed inner cord on the back side of Roman or fabric shades. The fact that the cord is exposed creates a danger of a child getting entangled in it, too.

This pamphlet will illustrate the hazards of cords and provide you with more detailed information.

Which children window coverings are safe?

Cordless Window Shades and Blinds

The best childrens window treatment is of course cordless window shades. Another option is motorized this can work with either a switch or a remote.

The obvious benefit of using these two options is that with them you can avoid the cords completely. Most window coverings are now available like wood blinds and cellular shades are available in cordless or motorized versions.

It might cost a little more but it always pays to invest a little in safety to avoid heartache later.

Tip: If you want want to get good quality cordless shades at the price of corded shades wait until October, the National Window Covering Safety Month. It is then that many window treatment companies offer the cordless upgrade at no charge.

Shutters

Another often overlooked safe alternative for childrens window treatments is shutters! Shutters never have cords, they open via hinges like a door or with tracks like a sliding door, making them ultra safe for children.

Existing kids window treatments

Many window treatments manufactured more recently are pronounced as safe since new laws have required that they be made safely. They feature safety features like:

Cords that have a spring system that keeps the cord at the same length all the time

The amount of cords to pull are sometimes minimized to one cord at the places where the cord is visible.

Continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall

Older window treatments and even new Roman shades and roll-up blinds are generally not safe and should be replaced. However, if you prefer to keep your window treatments, you will need to retrofit them.

Here is a list of the window treatments that have to be replaced or retrofitted. You can find instructions how to retrofit here.