Safety may not be the first feature that comes to mind when you look for window coverings, but they can pose unique dangers to children. If you’re looking to redecorate a nursery or a child’s playroom, you might want to consider certain options.

The Risk Of Window Coverings

In 2017, the journal Pediatrics published a study conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It determined that dangling cords contribute to injury and even fatalities in small children. Specifically:

• Inner cords in horizontal blinds
• Continuous loop cords used in roll-up shades

Those cords can become knotted or tangled among themselves, or even dangling when tied off, and small, curious children can quickly become entangled in them. As such, the Window Covering Safety Council issued a recommendation for cordless options in children’s rooms in 2018 and against traditional blinds.

Other Options: Roller Shades

In place of blinds, roller shades are an excellent child-safe choice for window coverings. Since they are a solid sheet of material, they have a very clean look that makes them adapt to just about any room aesthetic easily. They also do an excellent job of blocking out too-bright sunlight, since they don’t have slats, which is extra helpful at naptime. And their unique roller function works like spooling and unspooling a paper towel roll, so they’re easy to use.

Other Options: Curtains

Curtains or drapes also make for a child-friendly window treatment. Like roller shades, they are also simply long sheets of fabric. Instead of traditional ties, hardware built-in to walls can act as tie-backs to keep them open when not in use. Curtains are a great option that looks elegant, gets the job done and keeps your children safe.

Explore all your child-friendly options for window coverings by making an appointment today!