As parents, it can be challenging to determine which safety concerns warrant our full attention. However, certain issues require serious consideration, and one of these is the danger posed by blind cords.
If you have young children, you may have already heard about the potential hazards associated with dangling cords. These cords present a significant strangulation risk for small children, leading some retailers to shift toward selling only cordless blinds. For instance, in January, Home Style stopped offering corded blinds, and another major retailer, CustomBlinds.com, has entirely eliminated corded options from its inventory. They even launched a #GoCordless campaign to raise awareness about the risks linked to corded window coverings.
According to a representative from CustomBlinds.com, the issue of safety was paramount: “We consistently saw tragic incidents where children suffered fatal accidents due to window coverings. Many of us, including the founder, are parents, and this motivated us to take action. A few years back, we initiated a free cord cleat program to help secure blind cords, but we soon realized this measure alone was insufficient since accidents still occurred.”
The reality is that even when cords are tied up, they can potentially loosen, maintaining the risk of strangulation. If the cords are cut too short but the blinds are raised, they can still pose a danger. The safest option is to eliminate the cord completely, which entails cutting it at the headrail so it cannot be used to lift the blinds. Instead, the blinds can be operated with a wand to adjust light and privacy, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
Statistics reveal the grim reality: over 20 children in the U.S. die each year due to window covering cord strangulation. Just 15 seconds can lead to a child losing consciousness, and within one minute, a life can be lost. Between 1986 and 2012, there were 184 recorded fatalities of children caused by cord blind incidents, alongside 101 non-fatal injuries. In comparison, 48 infant deaths from crib bumpers were documented in the same timeframe, highlighting the importance of addressing this danger head-on.
Earlier this year, following the tragic death of another child, the company founder, Alex Monroe, and CEO, Sam Frost, made a decisive choice to prioritize safety over profits. They recognized that they could not wait for industry regulations to evolve or for costs to decrease.
For families on a budget who cannot afford to replace their window treatments entirely, there are still viable options. Free cord cleats can be obtained online to help secure cords out of children’s reach. Consider replacing window coverings in critical areas of the home instead of the entire house. Affordable paper blinds are available that can be a stylish and safe option for a child’s room or nursery. Additionally, ensure that furniture, such as cribs, are positioned away from windows and cords.
Replacing blinds does not have to be an overwhelming or costly task. Basic installation requires minimal tools, and many find it straightforward. I reached out to CustomBlinds.com to confirm this and found that installing their products was indeed simple, requiring just two screws.
In conclusion, if replacing corded blinds is not feasible, consider removing the cords altogether. If you’re renting and unable to make alterations, securing cords with free cleats is an effective alternative. Parenthood brings many challenges, and while it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by safety concerns, some issues, like the dangers of corded blinds, should be taken seriously.
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Summary
Blind cords are a significant safety hazard for small children, posing serious risks of strangulation. Many retailers have begun to phase out corded blinds in favor of cordless options to prioritize child safety. If replacing blinds is not an option, parents can take preventative measures by securing cords or using alternative window coverings.
Keyphrase: blind cord dangers for children
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