Cords from blinds and curtains can be dangerous to babies and young children.
Home safety charities believe that blind cords alone kill over 2 children in the UK each year, and injure many more, such is the danger that a ban on looped blind cords was subsequently introduced in America after 359 children were strangled between 1981 and 1995.
Cords from blinds and curtains present two main strangulation hazards, either through cords forming a loop in which a child can get caught, or long cords being wrapped around a child's neck.
Whether blinds or curtains are new or old, never leave cords hanging.
Tie them out of reach, or cut cords short when blinds are fully down or when curtains are fully closed. You can use a clip, clothes peg, safety pin, or a twist tie to keep the cord high and out of the reach of children. Or install tie-down devices like the cord-tidy available from us or other versions readily available at DIY or department stores, and make sure the tie-down device is securely attached to the wall beside the window.
Never put a cot, bed, high chair or playpen near a window or a patio door where a child can reach the blind or curtain cord and strangle.
Do not put sofas, chairs, tables, shelves or bookcases near windows this will prevent children from climbing up to reach the blind or curtain cord.
Remember to Always Keep Blind Cords Out of Reach of children!
