Child Safe Blinds | Blind Cord Safety

Types of Child Safety Blinds and Their Benefits

There are different types of child safety blinds available in the market, each designed to eliminate or minimize the risk of injury to children. Here are some of the most common types of child safety blinds:

Cordless Blinds: Cordless blinds are an excellent option for parents with young children as they do not have any cords or chains. These blinds are operated by pulling or pushing the bottom rail of the blind to raise or lower them. Often the bottom rail is fitted with a small tab handle. This type of blind is easy to use, and it eliminates the risk of young children getting entangled in cords.

Motorized Blinds: Motorized blinds are another popular option for child safety as they can be operated with a remote control, smartphone, or tablet. This type of blind eliminates the need for operating cords or chains, making them safer for children. Motorized blinds are also convenient to use, and can often be programmed to open or close at specific times of the day via handsets, switches or apps with in-built timer functions.

Wand-Operated Blinds: Wand-operated blinds have a wand attached to the side of the blind that is used to operate them. The wand is typically made of a rigid material such as plastic or metal. This type of blind is easy to operate, and it eliminates the risk of children getting entangled in cords.

Tensioned Shades: Tensioned shades are another type of child safety blind that does not have operating cords or chains. These shades are spring-loaded and are held in place by tension. They are operated by pulling down on the bottom rail of the shade to lower it and gently releasing it to raise it. Tensioned shades are easy to operate and are safe for children.

Child Safety Blinds Regulation

In the UK, there are safety regulations that govern the manufacturing and installation of child safety blinds. These regulations were introduced to help reduce the risk of accidents involving children and to promote the use of safe and secure window coverings in homes, schools, and other public spaces.

The key regulation governing child safety blinds in the UK is the European Standard for internal blinds (BS EN 13120:2009+A1:2014). This standard sets out requirements for the design, testing, and labeling of blinds to ensure they are safe for use in homes with young children. It also specifies a range of safety features that must be included in all blinds, such as breakaway cords, tension devices, and chain stops.

Make It Safe Campaign

The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) established the "Make It Safe" campaign in 2009 aimed at raising awareness of safer blinds amongst the blinds trade and both commercial and residential consumers. Upon introduction of the child safely legislation in the UK, the BBSA worked with manufacturers to ensure adoption of child safety standards. They have continued to raise awareness of child safety in window blinds amongst consumers using the “Make It Safe” campaign.

Tips for Choosing Child Safety Blind

Choosing the right child safety blinds for your home is an important decision that can impact the safety of your children. Here are some tips to consider when selecting child safety blinds for your home:

Determine the location of the window: The location of the window will determine the amount of light that enters the room and the level of privacy you require. For instance, if the window is in a bedroom or a bathroom, you may need a blackout blind that provides complete privacy.

Consider the function of the room: The function of the room can also determine the type of blind you need. For example, a nursery may require a blind that allows you to control the level of light entering the room to help your baby sleep. Similarly, a playroom may require a blind that is easy to operate and that does not have cords that can pose a risk to children.

Look for child safety features: When choosing child safety blinds, look for blinds that have features such as breakaway cords, tension devices, and chain stops that prevent the cords from forming loops that can be a strangulation hazard.

Choose a style that complements your home decor: Child safety blinds come in a variety of styles and designs that can complement your home decor. Consider the color, pattern, and material of the blinds to ensure they fit your personal preferences and enhance the overall look of your home.

Consider the ease of operation: Choose a blind that is easy to operate and that does not require too much effort to open and close. Motorised blinds are a great option for parents with young children as they can be operated with a remote control or a smartphone, eliminating the need for cords altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions about Child Safe Blinds