A friend of mine only realized the risk of blind cords when her toddler wrapped one around his neck while playing hide and seek. Luckily she was right there, but the incident scared her enough to replace every blind in the house.
Why child safe blinds matter in Canada
Health Canada has documented child fatalities related to corded window coverings over the years and now treats any accessible cord on blinds as a serious strangulation hazard.
This is why Canada introduced stringent Corded Window Coverings Regulations that restrict the length of cords and the size of loops allowed on products sold in the country, aiming to eliminate the risk.
What are child safe blinds?
Child safe blinds are:
- Fully cordless (often spring loaded or motorized)
- Or designed so that any cords are not accessible and do not create loops
They can be rollers, cellular shades, romans, or even some horizontal window blinds, as long as they comply with the regulations.
How to make your blinds child safe
- Replace old corded products
- Especially those with long pull cords or exposed loops that are easily reached by children.
- Choose cordless or motorized options for all rooms where kids live or visit
- This is the simplest and safest approach.
- For any remaining corded products
- Use tension devices and cleats correctly and follow Health Canada safety advice carefully.
- Keep furniture away from windows
- Children often climb on beds or chairs to reach cords.
Common mistakes parents make
- Assuming “it came with the house” means it is safe
- Tying cords up in knots instead of using proper safety devices
- Installing stylish new blinds without checking for compliance with Canadian safety rules
- Forgetting to fix blinds at grandparents’ or caregivers’ homes
Discussion: style vs safety
Some people worry that child safe products are less stylish or more expensive. In reality, modern cordless roller shades and cellular shades look clean, minimal, and work well with contemporary design.
Given that the risk is strangulation and the regulations are among the strictest in the world, style should never outweigh safety for families with young children.
FAQ
What should I consider first when choosing blinds for a family home?
Safety comes first. Look for cordless or motorized solutions that explicitly state compliance with Canadian regulations.
Can I just add safety devices to my existing corded blinds?
Retrofit kits can reduce risk, but Health Canada still recommends using cordless products wherever possible, especially in children’s rooms and play areas.
What are the pros and cons of cordless blinds?
Pros: no accessible cords, cleaner look, and easier cleaning. Cons: slightly higher price in some cases and the need to understand specific mechanisms for raising and lowering.
Conclusion Child safe blinds in Canada are not optional if you have young children or regular child visitors. By choosing cordless or fully compliant products and replacing older corded systems, you reduce a serious but preventable risk and still get the privacy and light control that modern homes need.