Navigating the parenting landscape is no walk in the park, especially when it comes to figuring out what truly deserves our worry. While it might seem like everything poses a danger, some issues require our full attention—and blind cords are one of them.
If you’re a parent of little ones, you’ve likely heard about the hazards associated with those dangling cords. They can pose a significant strangulation risk for young children, prompting several retailers to take action. For instance, in January, CozyNest stopped selling corded blinds altogether, and SelectBlinds.com, a major player in custom window coverings, has also gone completely cordless this year. They’ve even initiated a #GoCordless campaign to raise awareness about the risks associated with corded blinds.
A spokesperson for SelectBlinds.com shared, “It really was a safety issue. We kept hearing heartbreaking stories of children losing their lives in window covering accidents. Many of us, including our founder, are parents ourselves. A couple of years ago, we even launched a free cord cleat initiative to help parents secure blind cords. But we quickly realized that wasn’t enough; kids were still getting hurt, even with cords tied up.”
Here’s the kicker with blind cords: even when they’re tied, there’s always a chance they can come loose, which keeps the strangulation risk alive. If cut short, they can still pose a hazard when blinds are pulled up. The safest solution? Cut off the cord at the headrail, making it impossible to lift the blinds in the traditional way. Instead, use a wand to adjust the slats for light and privacy control. That way, you can rest easy knowing you’ve minimized the risk.
Statistics are sobering: on average, over 20 children in the U.S. fall victim to strangulation by window covering cords each year. It only takes 15 seconds for a child to lose consciousness, and within a minute, a life can be tragically lost. Between 1986 and 2012, there were 184 reported fatalities due to cord blind accidents, alongside 101 non-fatal incidents. To put that in perspective, only 48 infant deaths were attributed to crib bumpers during the same period—so, clearly, corded blinds are a serious concern.
Earlier this year, after yet another child’s tragic death, SelectBlinds.com’s founder, Jamie Foster, and CEO, Alex Rivers, decided it was time for drastic measures. They opted to prioritize safety over finances, refusing to wait for industry standards to catch up.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Thinking about replacing your blinds but concerned about costs? Don’t fret! Here are some budget-friendly alternatives:
- Order free cord cleats online to keep cords out of reach.
- Replace blinds in specific rooms rather than the whole house.
- Look for affordable paper blinds that can easily be replaced when they get dirty—perfect for nurseries or playrooms.
- Position furniture like cribs away from windows to eliminate access to blinds.
Updating your blinds doesn’t have to be a daunting task or budget-busting. Installation is as simple as using a drill and a measuring tape. I recently connected with SelectBlinds.com to test this out myself, and it was a breeze—two screws and I was good to go!
So, if replacing isn’t an option, consider removing the cords instead. And even if you’re renting, you can easily follow the steps to get those free cord cleats. Parenting can feel overwhelming with all the warnings out there, but some hazards, like those pesky corded blinds, deserve our full attention.
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Summary
Blind cords are a significant danger to young children, with many retailers now opting for cordless options to enhance safety. Parents should take the risk seriously, considering alternatives and solutions to keep their homes safe. Budget-friendly options exist for those looking to replace or modify their window coverings without breaking the bank.