A recent survey shows that over 90 percent of people know that cords on window coverings present a significant risk of strangulation to small children. In fact lift cords are the major cause of fatalities in the home for children under seven years of age. Remarkably only about 70 percent of those surveyed understood that ladder cords on blinds and the support cords at the rear of shades also present a hazard.
Shades produced prior to 2001 should be replaced if possible or at least retrofitted to minimize the risk of entanglement. Free retrofitting kits are available online from The Window Covering Safety Council at windowcoverings.org or by phone at 800-506-4636.
The shade and blind of choice would be first; a cordless lift system, second; a continuous cord loop and clutch system that is either wall or floor tension mounted, or third; a spring loaded retractable cord lift which is short and sits high up on the window.
New regulation requires minimum standards for ladder length on blinds much in the same way that standards for crib railing spacing has been regulated. In addition, the support cords running at the rear of cloth shades are now sheathed to prevent access. It is my hope that all parents will purchase cordless blinds and shades. There is a premium for these options and often young parents strapped for cash have a hard time justifying the extra expense. Your child's safety knows no price and I strongly urge all my clients to opt for the cordless versions. If this is not possible then ask whether these new standards for safety have been incorporated into the design by the manufacturer. Many of my clients say that their child is "good" and won't touch the cords...don't believe it! Children are a constant source of surprise and creativity. Their actions are swift and deliberate.
An extra and necessary bit of safety insurance is to restrict access to windows by moving cribs and furnishings away from openings to eliminate climbing. The ultimate child safe window covering is a shutter. Not only are there no cords but the shutters themselves provide a physical barrier to the opening, they insulate against sound intrusion, provide total light control and help to regulate temperature in the room. A comfortable child who sleeps well is a happy child. Our goal always as parents is to provide a nurturing environment in which our children can thrive.
Beverly Ferguson, ASID Allied Member is the owner of Stow Decorating Center, Stow, Massachusetts, a full-service interior design studio. She also shares her expertise with Continuing Education Students at The Rhode Island School of Design. Beverly has successfully raised two high-spirited children and lived to tell.
