There's a reason the Consumer Product Safety Commission has been fighting to ban corded window blinds for years. Since 1990, more than 600 children have died from blind cord strangulation in the United States. Hundreds more have been seriously injured.
And most parents don't think about it until it's too late.
Why Blind Cords Are So Dangerous
Young children are curious and uncoordinated. They grab onto dangling cords, get them wrapped around their necks, and can't free themselves. It happens in seconds, often during nap time or when a parent is in another room.
The cords don't need to be long. Even a short loop of cord can strangle a child. And inner cords (the ones that run through the blind slats) can be just as dangerous as the main pull cord.
What the Data Says
Most victims are between 1 and 4 years old. Cribs, beds, and play areas near windows are the most common locations. The accidents happen fast and quietly. Parents in the next room don't hear anything.
This isn't a theoretical risk. It's one of the top five causes of nursery-related deaths.
The Best Solution: Go Cordless
The safest option is replacing corded blinds with cordless alternatives. Cordless blinds and shades are widely available now and not much more expensive than corded versions.
- Options include:
- Cordless cellular shades
- Cordless roller shades
- Motorized blinds (operated by remote)
- Shutters
- Curtains on rods (no cords at all)
If you're setting up a nursery, go cordless from the start. It's one less thing to worry about.
If You Can't Replace Your Blinds
Sometimes you're renting, or the budget is tight, or you've got 20 windows to deal with. In that case:
Cut the cords. If you have loop cords, cut them so each side hangs separately. A loop is far more dangerous than two loose ends.
Use cord cleats. These are small hooks that mount high on the wall. Wrap excess cord around them so nothing dangles within reach. They cost a dollar each and take 30 seconds to install.
Move furniture away from windows. Kids climb onto beds, chairs, and cribs to reach cords. If there's no furniture near the window, the cord is less accessible.
Use cord shorteners or wind-ups. These devices wrap the cord into a tight coil high on the wall.
Check the Inner Cords Too
Even if you secure the main pull cord, the inner cords running through horizontal blinds can form loops when the blinds are raised. Test this by lifting your blinds halfway and checking if any inner cord loops are accessible.
Act Now
This is one of those fixes that takes 15 minutes and costs very little. And unlike a lot of parenting worries, this one has a clear, simple solution. Remove the cords, remove the risk. Don't wait.