Child-Safe Window Coverings
Homeowners with children must take additional precautions to ensure their space is child-safe. Most parents invest in items like child-proof cabinet locks, baby gates and corner protectors for sharp edges, but one aspect of the home that is often overlooked is the windows.
It’s important to be aware of the safety hazards some window treatments can pose and protect your young loved ones with child-safe blinds, shades, and other available window treatments.
Understanding Child-Safe Window Coverings
Child-safe window coverings are designed to reduce the risks associated with traditional blinds and shades. These dangers are primarily posed by cords and chains, which can easily become hazardous for small and curious children. Some common safety hazards from window treatments include:
- Choking Hazards: Small parts, such as beads or tassels (often colorful and fun to play with), can detach from window treatments and pose a choking risk if swallowed by young children.
- Strangulation Risks: Cords and chains can form loops, which children can accidentally wrap around their necks, leading to serious injuries or suffocation from strangulation.
Child-safe treatments are engineered to reduce these risks or make them inaccessible to small children. With various child-safe window treatment options, parents can enjoy window coverings that match their aesthetic, provide sufficient coverage, and prevent hazards in their homes.
Key Features of Child-Safe Window Coverings
There are plenty of child-safe window treatment options available. Whether you choose child-safe blinds, shutters, or shades, they all have features that can keep your children safe:
- Cordless Operation: Cordless window coverings eliminate the risk of entanglement by removing cords altogether. Instead, blinds and shades are operated by a spring mechanism or a wand.
- Motorization: Motorized window treatments can be controlled via a remote or smartphone app, allowing you to adjust them without physical interaction. This feature enhances safety and adds convenience and a modern touch to your home.
- Tension Pulley Systems: These keep cords taut and out of reach, reducing the risk of strangulation. These systems secure cords within a track, ensuring they don’t become a hazard for children.
- Retractable Cords: When unused, these can be pulled back into the treatment’s housing unit. This feature prevents cords from dangling and accidental entanglement.
- Wand Controls: Wands replace cords with a rigid, child-friendly option. These are easy to use and eliminate the risk associated with dangling cords.
- Child-Safe Chains: Some window treatments use chain mechanisms designed to break under a certain amount of pressure.
Types of Child-Safe Window Treatments
Here are some examples you can add to your home to maintain kid-friendly spaces:
Motorized Blinds and Shades
Motorized window treatments offer the ultimate in convenience and safety. With no cords or chains, these coverings can be adjusted with a remote control or via a smartphone app. Motorized options are available in various styles.
Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are a stylish and safe option for homes with children. These shutters are typically free of cords and can be easily adjusted by tilting the louvers. Their sturdy construction and classic design make them popular for child-safe window treatments.
Roller Shades with Retractable Cords
For those who prefer a corded option, roller shades with retractable cords offer a safer alternative. These shades feature cords that retract into the housing unit when not in use, reducing the risk of entanglement.
Honeycomb Shades
Honeycomb or cellular shades are another excellent choice for child-safe window coverings. They are available in cordless and motorized options, providing superior insulation and light control while ensuring safety.
Vertical Blinds with Wand Controls
Vertical blinds with wand controls replace the traditional cord system with a child-friendly wand. These blinds are ideal for larger windows and sliding glass doors.
Sheer Shades
Sheer shades combine the softness of fabric with the functionality of blinds. These shades are available in cordless and motorized options.
Roman Shades with Safety Shrouds
Adding safety shrouds to the lift cords can make Roman shades safer. These shrouds prevent children from accessing the cords, reducing the risk of entanglement and strangulation.
Cordless Blinds and Shades
Cordless blinds and shades are among the safest options for homes with young children. They are available in various styles, allowing you to choose design and child safety. These window coverings are operated by pushing or pulling the bottom rail.
Find Child-Safe Blinds, Shades, and Shutters at Paradise Window Coverings
Creating a kid-friendly space requires careful consideration of every detail, including window coverings. By choosing child-safe window treatments, you can ensure your home is stylish and secure. At Paradise Window Coverings, we deliver tailored window treatments to homes in Oahu. Let us help you find the perfect coverings for your property that can keep your spaces safe for children.
Schedule a free consultation for custom window coverings that add beauty and functional protection to your home.