Figuring out how to childproof your home can seem like a huge task. Everything suddenly becomes dangerous: The corners of your dining room table, the outlets, the stairs…is it possible to bubble wrap your child?! Protecting your little ones is important to our team at Timan Window Treatments, too. With October being home safety month, we want to make sure you’re aware of the danger of cords. You don’t have to feel like we’re adding another thing to your list–we’ll provide the solutions. Take a look at your options for child safe window coverings.
What Are the Current Regulations Surrounding Blind Cords?
By the end of 2018, the US government, in alignment with the Consumer Product Safety Commission published regulations with the new standards for the sale of window coverings. This comes after many years of issued warnings and scary statistics about child injury and death from corded blinds. In 2022, the CPSC “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.”
Hunter Douglas has been working for years to provide child safe operating systems. We are confident that we can help you determine the best choice in controlling the window coverings in your home.
Current Homeowner Action
We know that window coverings can be an investment in your home. They help you sleep better, keep temperatures comfortable and make everything look more beautiful. Blinds and shades can be costly, so we know there are homeowners that are stuck–not sure they’re ready to buy, maybe based on budget, or sometimes because they aren’t sure what they want yet. When homeowners keep old, outdated blinds with tangles or cords, they typically attempt to reduce the danger. Winding them up and tying with a knot–then, casually tossing them to the top of the window. Sound familiar? Problems exist with that method–children can *somehow* get their hands on them even if they’re out of reach. And, when the control is out of reach for you–how will you adjust them if you need to? This renders your window coverings inoperable. If it’s not in the budget to get new window blinds right now, please visit the Window Covering Safety Council. They can send out a free retrofit safety kit to help you make home a safer place.
Cord-Free Systems
It really is true that children can turn anything into a toy. Cords are no different. After all, they’re dangly and fun to twirl in little hands. Eliminating cords will eliminate your concerns. If you’re looking for tips on how to childproof your window treatments, consider going cordless.
Shutters: The Original Cordless Covering!
Shutters are a gorgeous, simple solution in cordless window coverings. All you have to do to let in light is open the louvers. They’re durable, so your kids can also adjust the light and privacy without damaging them. Hunter Douglas shutters feature child safety within the design, keeping the shutters from hyperextending through an open window, as well.
Go Cordless with LiteRise.
Another cordless option is LiteRise. With a gentle pull down or push up, you can adjust your window coverings–both blinds and shades. They’re easy to use, staying in place right where you leave them, offering invaluable peace of mind.
Motorized Solutions
One of our most popular, and favorite, solutions we suggest when parents ask how to childproof is motorized blinds. This cordless option allows you to adjust your shades with a remote, phone, or smart device, like Alexa or Google Home, for voice controlled adjustments.
Wand Control
We also love our motorized wand. The SoftTouch Wand offers a sleek wand which rests alongside the window. It allows for individual motorized window treatment control. To adjust, gently pull up or down on the wand. If a little one reaches it and pulls too hard, it will detach from the magnet. Then, you simply reattach it. No harm done!
Child Safe Cords
You heard that right! We know that every space is different, and cords are sometimes a necessity. Luckily, we have cord options that are considered child safe. They keep things under control, from being attached in place, to retracting to short lengths–and out of little hands.
UltraGlide
With the UltraGlide system, the cord stays out of the way. This cord is retractable, so you pull it to open or close your shade, and then it retracts to its shortened length. There’s no temptation here!
Cord Tensioner
With the continuous cord loop, a cord tensioner attaches inside the window frame. It won’t swing or dangle, so your children won’t be tempted to turn it into a toy!
How to Childproof Your Home: We Can Help!
Are you feeling overwhelmed after searching “how to childproof”? We know how daunting it may seem, but that’s why we want to help. Our designers want to guide you to solutions to create a safe, happy home. Contact our team today at Timan Window Treatments for your FREE design consultation.
