As parents, we often find ourselves navigating a landscape filled with potential hazards for our little ones. While some worries may seem exaggerated, there are genuine dangers that we must address head-on. One such risk lies in the cords of window blinds, which can pose a serious safety threat to young children.
If you have toddlers or small kids at home, you may have heard about the hazards associated with dangling cords. These cords can lead to strangulation accidents, prompting many retailers to shift towards safer, cordless options. For instance, IKEA has completely phased out corded blinds, and SelectBlinds.com has also eliminated them from their inventory. They’ve even launched a #GoCordless campaign to raise awareness about the dangers posed by corded window coverings.
A representative from SelectBlinds.com shared, “It was a pressing safety concern. We repeatedly witnessed tragic incidents involving children and window covering cords. Many of us are parents ourselves, and we felt compelled to act.” Initially, they offered free cord cleats to help secure these cords, but they realized this wasn’t enough, as the risk remained even when cords were tied up.
The reality is this: even when secured, cords can loosen, and if they are too short, they can still create a hazard if the blinds are raised. The safest approach? Cut the cords off at the headrail, making them ineffective for lifting the blinds, and rely on a wand for adjusting slats. This method significantly reduces the risk, allowing you peace of mind regarding your child’s safety.
In the U.S., statistics reveal that over 20 children annually fall victim to strangulation from window covering cords. Tragically, it only takes about 15 seconds for a child to lose consciousness, and within a minute, the situation can turn fatal. Between 1986 and 2012, there were 184 reported deaths linked to blind cord accidents, alongside 101 non-fatal incidents. To put these numbers in perspective, consider that there were only 48 infant fatalities from crib bumpers in the same time frame.
This alarming data has prompted businesses like SelectBlinds.com to prioritize safety over profit. After the tragic death of yet another child, the company’s founders made a decisive choice to eliminate corded options entirely, recognizing that the market needed to adapt more quickly to safety concerns.
But what if replacing your blinds isn’t feasible due to budget constraints? There are still steps you can take to minimize risk. You can obtain free cord cleats online to secure blinds out of your child’s reach. Alternatively, consider replacing blinds in key areas of your home instead of the entire house. You might also explore affordable paper blinds that are easy to replace, making them a practical choice for children’s rooms.
If you’re renting and can’t make significant alterations, focus on using cord cleats to keep things safe. The important thing is to not feel overwhelmed by the warnings and to take proactive measures in addressing the real dangers that exist.
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In summary, while parenting comes with a myriad of challenges, understanding the real threats, like blind cords, is crucial in keeping our children safe. By taking the right precautions, we can create a safer environment for our families.
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