If you have a child in your home, you know they like to get into everything, causing you endless worry. There are unsafe crevices to crawl in, corners to run into–not to mention the furniture on which they jump and tumble…just for fun. With all of these known safety concerns, the last thing you want is injury from unknown dangers. Child safe window coverings are an important safety feature in homes where children live and visit. Skyline Window Coverings wants to bring attention to this, not just during October safety month, but every month of the year. Take a look at the guide we prepared to help you prioritize safety.
Current Regulations for Child Safe Window Coverings
As of December 2018, the United States government Consumer Product Safety Commission put regulations in place with new standards for the window covering industry. For years, warnings have been issued, due to statistics in relation to the dangers of exposed blind cords. As of 2022, the commission “determined that custom window coverings with accessible operating cords longer than 8 inches pose an unreasonable risk of strangulation to children 8 years old and younger.”
Homeowners with Dangling Cords
Blind cords have been produced for decades with dangling cords, so there are many homes that still feature cords hanging below that 8 inch safety recommendation. Many homeowners choose to purchase new child safe window treatments. Parents who still have these in their homes? Oftentimes, the cords are looped into a knot to make them as short as possible. That tangled knot is tossed to the top of the window, out of reach of children…but also adults.
- Blind cords are out-of-reach, making them inoperable
- Cords can fall down, and children can still get tangled
If replacing dangling cords is not an option for your family right now, the Window Covering Safety Council offers advice, videos and a free retrofit kit to reduce the chance of injury and make your home safer.
Cordless Blinds: The Way to Go
The good news is that Hunter Douglas started focusing on child safety YEARS ago, making this a top priority for all of their products. Cordless blinds are readily available today, and we have a number of options to fit your home, lifestyle and budget.
The LiteRise Cordless Operating System
Cordless LiteRise is a fantastic option for a child’s room. Simple movement that stays in place for ease, convenience and safety. With a simple push, the window treatments adjust up or down, allowing your child to adjust his or her child safe window coverings without a hassle or any danger.
Automated Window Coverings with PowerView
This operating system offers amazing benefits of safety and convenience for your home’s highest functioning window coverings. Cords are no longer in the way, and the ‘touch of a button’ technology offers the ease and convenience for everyday operation. The best part? Your child can teach you how to operate your automated shades on your favorite device.
Soft Touch Wand Motorization
The Soft Touch motorized wand system allows you individual control for each window. A slim, lightweight wand hangs down, with a gentle tap up or down to operate. Even if your child could reach, as soon as they pull too hard, the wand removes itself–held in place by a strong magnet.
Cordless Shutters
Of course, shutters are cordless. That makes them an amazing option for child safety. But, Hunter Douglas took child safety to an extra level of precaution for children. Not that we want them swinging from the shutters, but in the event that they fall against the window, the shutters won’t hyper-extend to open through the window. Durability and strength are combined for a top-notch result.
What If You NEED Blind Cords?
Okay, so cordless blinds sound great and all, but what if they just aren’t an option? Perhaps you need a cord because the bottom of the blind falls behind a couch, or the window is in an inconvenient spot. Not every home has the ideal layout, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck in regards to child safety. As we said, the cord is a huge danger to kids. We’ve got child-safe choices for you with blind cords that meet safety standards.
UltraGlide
This system offers a retractable cord, meaning that it never extends itself after your adjustment. You pull on the short, retractable cord at the top of your window treatments, and it automatically goes back into place. This cord stays out of the way, resistant to danger.
Cord Tensioner
The continuous cord loop option for operating window treatments has been popular for years. Today’s cord loops must be installed with a cord tensioner that is attached inside the window frame, making the cord tight and unable to dangle, but still allowing the loop to properly adjust the window coverings.
What Do Parents Have to Say?
“The day we had child safe window coverings installed in our new home, we knew we had made the right decision. Only moments after the window treatments had been put in place, our two-year-old grabbed the bottom rail, launched it upward (where it stayed!), and energetically yelled, “Rainbow!” We had known all along how important it was to choose wisely, so we concentrated on operating features that would combine safety with durability and long-lasting quality to last for years to come.”
Reduce Worry with Child Safe Blinds
Your window coverings should never be a concern when it comes to your child’s playtime. They deserve a safe place to grow and explore, just as you deserve to feel confident that they will stay safe while doing so. There are plenty of options for child safe blinds and shades. Skyline Window Coverings cares about safety in your home, and we want to help you find the right fit. If you have questions or concerns, we’re here to help guide you to the best choice. Contact Skyline Window Coverings today to schedule a free, in-home consultation.
