Best Window Treatments for Keeping Your Kids Safe
Today, I want to talk to you about those ferociously curious, totally frustrating, + ridiculously lovable little people in our lives… you know, the ones we call our kids. ;)
More specifically, let’s talk about keeping them safe!
I won’t lie to you, as topics go, it’s not the sexiest. But good parenting? Totally sexy. And if you have a little one running around (or on the way — congrats, you!) I’m sure you can agree that safety is SO. IMPORTANT.
In fact, I was shocked way-back-when to learn that window treatment cords are considered 1 of the top 5 hidden dangers in a home. Yikes + nooooo thank you!!
Luckily, we live in a day + age when the kind folks who make our window coverings are taking extra precautions to make them safe.
So, let’s talk about what to look for in your existing treatments + how to spot new ones that’ll have your family’s back.
In other words… let’s go on a safety hunt, my fellow sexy mama bear! ;)
What Window Treatments Are Unsafe for Kids?
First, let’s dig into which window coverings aren’t safe for kids? The most obvious answer is any window treatment with exposed cords, or beaded loops. This can include blinds, roller shades, solar shades, etc.
If you’re not sure whether your existing treatments are child-safe, run a quick inventory room-by-room through your home.
Check the front, side + back of your existing window treatments to see if any cords are exposed. Even a small area of exposure of cords is dangerous — kids have teeny-tiny fingers and wildly curious minds!
Drapery isn’t on the list of unsafe treatments, but if you ask me… it’s worth exercising some caution around those, too. You can solve this simply by keeping children’s beds away from any windows with long drapes.
How to Find Child-Safe Window Treatments
Now it’s out with the old + in with the new/shiny/dreamy/safe.
If you’re shopping for window treatments from a large retailer, in person or online, you will likely see a “Best for Kids” approval rating on several of them. This means that the product is cordless/has inaccessible cords, has been tested by a third party lab, and has been deemed child-safe. Hooray!
However, the dreamiest-window-coverings-you-ever-did-see are often handmade in custom workrooms. (Remember this post, where I talked about picking the best treatments for your home?)
In this case, you can arrange with the seamstress in the workroom (or we’ll do it for you) to create the child-safe window coverings you want.
Can you say, best of all worlds?!
ToDo Checklist For Kid Safe Window Treatments:
REPLACE
The number one way to ensure your window treatments are safe for kids? Replace any window coverings with exposed cords. If you’ve got a ton of windows that you’re suddenly aware are unsafe — tackle the rooms where kids spend the most time.
CLEAR THE FURNITURE
It goes without saying that another way to increase the safety for the little tykes running around your home is to ensure furniture is moved away from windows so they can’t climb up on them. A couple staples to consider moving: couches, chairs, console tables, beds and other furniture.
RETROFIT
Not ready to replace all the window coverings in your home? You’re not alone. In fact, the Window Covering Safety Council has Free Retrofit Kits with instructions for how to make many of your existing window treatments with cords a bit safer.
RINSE + REPEAT
Go through this process in each area of your home. Then, considering the love we share for the little one’s in our life it can’t hurt to discuss child safety with family or friends who assist with child care.
That is all there is to it!
I hope it empowers you to keep the little ones safe… and not have to skimp on quality or beeeeautiful design to do so.
As always, if you need some support in bringing your dream home to life, John + I would be delighted to help! Guiding you to fall head over heels for your home is our passion. For real!
So book a pow-wow with us here + get ready for some magic, sister!
Til next time,
Sherri