Blind Cord - Child Safety

When choosing new window coverings, aesthetics and budget are often at the forefront of your mind. However, for families with young children, child safety should be a top priority. Blind cords pose a significant risk to safety, as curious toddlers can become entangled, leading to tragic consequences.

Here you can explore the various child-safe blind options we offer, including innovative features and the key information on child safety regulations in the UK.

Child-safe features for your blinds

At Angel Blinds & Shutters, we stock a huge variety of child safe blinds that use different methods to keep your little ones away from harm. Here are some popular choices:

Cordless blinds

Cordless blinds offer a significant safety advantage as they eliminate the main risk of entanglement altogether. These blinds are typically raised and lowered by hand or using a wand, making them simple and user-friendly.

Cord lock-away systems

These systems incorporate the cord into a plastic wand or rod. The wand is twisted to adjust the slats and then pulled or pushed to raise and lower the blind. This keeps the cord out of reach and minimises the risk of entanglement.

Gear box systems

Gear box systems provide a nifty alternative solution, using a handle instead of a cord. The handle is rotated manually to operate the blinds, offering a safe and intuitive mechanism.

Tensioned cord systems

Tensioned cord systems feature a device mounted on the wall that keeps the cord taut, significantly reducing any slack that a child could grab. This minimises the risk of entanglement while still allowing for easy operation of the blinds.

Chain-break connectors

Chain-break connectors offer an innovative safety feature. These devices connect both ends of the chain. If excessive pressure is applied to the cord, the chain will break, preventing any tension that could pose a risk. This provides an added layer of safety, especially in situations where a child might inadvertently put significant pressure on the cord.

Motorised blinds

Motorised blinds offer a cord-free solution. They can be operated using a remote control, wall switch, or even voice control. This eliminates the risk of entanglement and provides a convenient and child-safe option for all homes.

Child-safe blinds are available in a wide range of styles

Child-safe features can be incorporated into a wide variety of blind styles, ensuring you can find options that suit your decor and preferences while prioritising child safety:

Venetian blinds: These classic blinds feature horizontal slats that can be adjusted to control light and privacy. Child-safe options often include cordless mechanisms or cord lock-away systems.

Roman blinds: These elegant blinds fold neatly into pleats when raised. Cordless options and those with internal mechanisms are readily available, offering both style and safety.

Roller blinds: Simple and sleek, roller blinds offer a clean and modern look. Cordless options, spring-loaded mechanisms, and child-safe cords are commonly available for roller blinds.

Vertical blinds: These blinds feature vertical slats that can be adjusted to control light and privacy. Child-safe options often include cordless mechanisms or side-winder controls.

Pleated blinds: These blinds feature pleated fabric that folds neatly when raised. Cordless options and those with internal mechanisms are widely available, providing both style and safety.

Regulations and safety

The safety of children is paramount. In the UK, regulations are in place to minimise the risks associated with blind cords. The Office for Product Safety and Standards ruled that new blinds with looped cords must be equipped with child safety devices at the point of manufacture or sold with these devices included.

Tidy, tensioner, or cleat: These devices are crucial for cord management. Tidies and tensioners should be firmly fixed to an adjoining surface to ensure the cord or chain is kept taut.

Cleats should be positioned out of children’s reach, at least 1.5 metres above the floor. After using the blinds, cords should be fastened up in a figure-of-eight loop and secured to the cleat to eliminate any hanging loops.

Furniture placement: Children are naturally curious and love to climb. To minimise the risk of entanglement, it’s essential to keep furniture away from windows. This includes cots, beds, highchairs, and playpens.

By adhering to these regulations and implementing these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer environment for your children.

If you would like to know more about our wide range of child safe blinds for customers in Gateshead and Newcastle, get in touch with us today and we will be happy to help.