Decorating and designing a nursery is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a new baby. However, amidst all the fun colors, patterns, and accessories, it’s crucial not to overlook nursery safety. As parents ready their children’s rooms in Boston, one major area of focus should be selecting window treatments that minimize strangulation, entanglement, and fall risks for infants and toddlers. This comprehensive guide will provide tips, recommendations, and factors to consider ensuring your window coverings are safe, functional, and stylish
Guidelines for Child-Safe Window Treatments
Recent years have brought increased awareness around window covering safety for children. In the US, an average of eight infants and toddlers die every year from accidents involving window blind cords. Additionally, nearly 60,000 children in this age group are taken to ERs yearly for injuries associated with blinds and shades.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has established voluntary safety standards for the window coverings industry to address this issue. While public awareness is improving, it’s still vital for parents to understand these guidelines. The main goal is to eliminate any hazardous cords that could strangle or entangle kids.
Key Child-Safe Features to Look For
- Cordless lift operation
- Inaccessible inner cords
- Tension devices to prevent cord loops
- Cord cleats for capturing loose cords
- Warning labels about strangulation hazards
- Sturdy anti-slip brackets
Top Window Treatment Options for Nurseries
Here are some of the best choices for safe, effective, and stylish window treatments for nurseries in Boston.
Cordless Blinds
Many top manufacturers now offer cordless blinds operated by lifts instead of pulls. These provide total cord safety and convenient use. Cordless blinds include faux wood, aluminum, solar shades, cellulars, and more.
Cordless Cellular Shades
Cellular shades lend great insulation and light filtering. Cordless versions provide safety and options like blackout fabrics, rainbow colors, nursery patterns, remote control, and motorization.
Cordless Roller Shades
These unfussy roller shades simply roll up and down along a loop system. Cordless operation paired with blackout or sheer fabrics make them ideal for nurseries. Add decorative edging or inlaid patterns for style.
Tab Top Curtains
Curtains require extra caution to keep cords fully out of reach. Tab top curtains provide an easy, secure option with button or Velcro tabs instead of pulls. Use solo or layer over shades.
Pro Tips for Installation and Use
Once you’ve selected safe window coverings, proper installation is equally important. Follow manufacturer instructions exactly, using any included hardware designed to contain cords and prevent access. Mount cleats and wraps to keep cords tight against the wall and completely out of reach.
For existing blinds and shades, affordable retrofit kits can eliminate dangling cords. Seek professional help if needed. Ongoing use also matters – monitoring, adjusting, and reinforcing products to maintain safety. Check cords after cleaning or if blinds are disturbed by kids or pets.
Stay Vigilant With Ongoing Precautions
While safer product designs reduce risks substantially, parents must stay alert even with child-safe window treatments. Maintain diligence with these added precautions:
- Keep cribs, beds, and furniture away from windows and cords
- Frequently check for any loose cords, broken parts, or instabilities
- Use cord ties, cleats, and wraps properly on all blinds and curtains
- Replace window covering hardware that’s damaged or unsafe
- Monitor children closely and teach them not to play with cords
- Avoid tying cords together or near cribs as makeshift restraints
- Consider anchor straps or other anti-fall devices for added window safety
Parents can effectively childproof nursery windows by combining cordless products, proper installation, and ongoing vigilance. Stay informed on the latest safety advancements, regulations, and recalls. Prioritize safety above all when designing your baby’s room
Frequently Asked Questions about Child-Safe Window Treatments
The greatest risks to infants and toddlers are strangulation or entanglement from loose cords. Children can wrap cords around their necks or get caught in a loop. Broken or loosely fitted window treatment hardware can also cause kids to fall from windows.
Replacing window blinds, shades, and curtains manufactured more than five years ago is recommended. Affordable kits can sometimes retrofit existing coverings to remove cords.
Darkening shades help babies sleep, but cordless options are strongly preferable. Pass on blackout shades with cords or ensure cords are completely secured and inaccessible through installation modifications, custom hardware, and ongoing diligent use
Create a Worry-Free Nursery with IUS
As you start planning your new baby’s room, partner with the child safety experts at International Upright Services in MA. Our team of experienced professionals can provide a full safety assessment of your nursery during a home visit, reviewing all window treatments. We recommend specific cordless products, proper installation methods, and ongoing precautions tailored to your unique windows and needs. Contact IUS today to schedule a free in-home consultation. We will collaborate with you to ensure your nursery décor delights the eye while also effectively protecting your little one.
