Best Blinds for Child Safety

Most blinds, shades and similar window treatments sold in the United States and Canada are cordless or have short or inaccessible cords. Window blinds and shades installed in older homes or hotels may not meet revised 2018 industry standards on cords that could pose a danger to children. Check window shades, blinds and treatments in the rooms for cords and follow the steps for keeping cords out or reach.

Tip: Every window treatment product features a “Child Safety” section on its product page. Always check this section to determine if a product is the safer choice for kids. 

The safest option for homes with children under 10 and pets is cordless products such as shutters, cellular shades or roller shades. If possible, replace any window treatments that were manufactured before 2001. This includes draperies with cords.

Motorized shades avoid the risk to children and pets of exposed cords and give you the added convenience of smart technology. You can raise, lower and close motorized shades using an app on your smartphone or laptop connected to your home’s internet hub. Motorized shades are ideal for family rooms and other spaces with windows that are difficult to reach.

Roller shades are among the safest options for window shades in rooms where children are around. Light filtering roller shades are designed to diffuse light entering a room and can be raised and lowered by tugging on the end of the shade. Signature light filtering roller shades are customized cord-free shade options that perform the same function in a room.

Cellular shades are also known as honeycomb blinds because of its beehive appearance from the side. They are effective at filtering light to provide optimal room darkening and privacy. Room darkening cell shades block virtually all light into a room. These window blinds and shades are suitable can be used in a bedroom or nursery that requires minimal light but not complete darkness. Budget cordless light filtering cellular shades are a better choice for rooms that don’t require much darkness, such as a kitchen area.

Custom grommet drapery uses rings embedded in the top of the fabric that serve as guides for the curtain pole. The rigidity of the grommets creates well-defined, evenly pleated drapes that can be drawn back without a cord or wand.

Composite shutters are safe around children because they can be opened and closed without cords. Composite shutters and signature composite shutters are made of medium-density fiberboard wrapped in a vinyl coating, making them a versatile and cost-effective alternative to wood shutters. A simple push of the attached rod widens or closes the blinds.

If you cannot install newer products or children are simply visiting your home, make sure all existing window cords are out of sight, beyond reach and inaccessible. 

• Order a free window cord retrofit kit at the Window Covering Safety Council’s website.

• Check window coverings like draperies for exposed cords.

• Keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of children and pets.

• Make sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit the movement of inner lift cords.

• Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are lowered, including when they come to rest at a windowsill.

• Make sure tasseled pull cords on draperies are secured with cord cleats. Continuous-loop cords should be permanently anchored to the floor or wall. Remember that while cord cleats help, they are not sufficient alone to fully protect small children. Cords above the cleats can still pose a danger.

Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from window treatments, preferably to another wall. These items could act as unintentional step stools that allow a child to reach a window or cord.  

Replace any corded window treatments in a young child's bedroom, play area or nursey with a cordless or motorized lift system.