Child Safe Blinds UK | Blind Cord Safety, Safe by Design Blinds

What are Child Safe Blinds?

For more information about child safety in relation to window blinds, please watch this short video below by the British Blinds and Shutters Association.

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

Are blinds safe for children?

Some blinds can pose a risk to children, especially those with cords that can form loops that pose a strangulation hazard. However, by choosing child safety blinds with features such as breakaway cords, tension devices, and chain stops, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Blinds without cords or chains, for example wand operated or motorised blinds are considered ‘safe by design’.

What are the best blinds to have with toddlers?

The best blinds to have with toddlers are those with child safety features. Cordless blinds or motorised blinds are considered ‘safe by design’ and are a great option for parents with young children as they eliminate the need for cords.

Are roller blinds safe for children?

Roller blinds can be safe for children if they have child safety features such as breakaway cords, tension devices, and chain stops. It is important to ensure that cords are kept out of reach of children and that they are not able to form loops that can be a strangulation hazard. Roller blinds can be motorised or spring operated, eliminating the need for looped chains altogether, making them inherently child safe.

How do you make blinds safe for kids?

To make blinds safe for kids, look for blinds with child safety features such as breakaway cords, tension devices, and chain stops. Additionally, ensure that cords are kept out of reach of children. You could also consider blinds without cords such as motorised blinds or spring operated blinds.

How do I protect my child from blind cords?

To protect your child from blind cords, use cord cleats or tie-downs to secure cords out of reach of children. You can also choose blinds with child safety features such as breakaway cords, tension devices, and chain stops. Better still, consider blinds without cords, such as wand operated, spring loaded or motorised blinds!

Why child saftey blind regulations are important?

The regulations governing child safety blinds are important for protecting children from serious injury or even death. Children are naturally curious and may try to play with cords and chains on blinds, which can lead to entanglement and strangulation. By introducing strict safety regulations, manufacturers and installers of blinds are required to produce and install products that are inherently safer for children. This can help reduce the number of accidents and deaths caused by unsafe blinds and increase the overall safety of homes, schools, and other public spaces.

What makes New Blinds' range of child safe blinds desirable for a family home?

Our assortment of child safe blinds take into account not just the aesthetic and functional elements of your home, they also prioritise the safety of your children and pets. These blinds are designed with the elimination of accessible cords, chains or other hazards that might cause accidental strangulation or entanglement. Furthermore, they are adaptable to different contexts—you can comfortably install them on many window types, such as blinds for French doors. Properly install these blinds to ensure maximum safety without compromising on style and control of light in your interior spaces.

What are some of your safest options for child-safe blinds?

All of our blinds are child-safe blinds and comply with the current laws to ensure the utmost safety of our customers' little ones. Our collection includes options that are free from cords or chains which are typically a hazard for children. One of the safest and most popular choices is electric pleated blinds. These blinds can be controlled using a convenient, safe and easy-to-use remote control, which completely eliminates the need for cords or chains. This makes electric pleat blinds a stylish and exceptionally child-friendly solution for any space.

Are all your blinds child safe?

Yes, the safety of your child is our top priority. All our blinds are carefully designed and tested to be child-safe and comply with EN13120 child safety requirements. This also applies to our Velux roof window blinds which come with built-in safety features and are easy to operate. We also provide safety devices with our blinds and are happy to guide you on the correct use of these devices to ensure maximum safety for infants and young children.

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