As Child Safety Awareness Week reminds us, creating a secure home environment for children is a responsibility we all share. Blinds, especially those with cords, can pose serious risks to young children if not properly designed or installed. The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) continues to lead efforts in reducing these risks through its Make it Safe Campaign. The campaign raises awareness and provides guidance on making homes safer with responsible window dressing choices.

Recognising the risks: Window blind cords or chains can become a hidden hazard in homes with young children. When left within reach, they may form loops that could lead to accidents. That’s why it’s important to consider window coverings that prioritise safety and we’re here to go through how to create a secure and comfortable space.

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Safety solutions

How can I make my existing blinds more child safe? Don’t worry we are here to advice how you can change your existing blinds to be more safe for your children.

Upgrades for Existing Blinds

If your home already has blinds installed, there are safety devices available:

  • Cord/Chain tidy or Tensioners: These help keep cords taut, preventing the formation of loops.
  • Cleats: By wrapping cords securely around a cleat, you keep them well out of children’s reach.

 

Built in Safety Design

The safest option, especially for families with young children, is to choose blinds that are inherently child-safe by design. Some of the most popular safe designs include:

  • Spring Operated Blinds: Allowing smooth and controlled adjustment with minimal effort. No need for cords as you can open them by hand
  • Motorised Blinds: Offering remote or smart-home operation, these systems are not only modern and convenient but completely eliminate manual contact with cords.
  • Wand Operated Blinds: These allow you to operate blinds without cords, offering a safer alternative for traditional designs.
  • Plantation Shutters: Your child’s safety is our top priority, and with plantation shutters, you can combine style, functionality, and peace of mind.

 

-> Check here for more details on how you can make your venetian blinds, roman blinds, pleated blinds and roller blinds safer

 

How Plantation Shutters Support a Safer Home

At Plantation Shutters, we’re deeply committed to child safety. Our selection of shutters and modern blind systems includes options designed to eliminate or reduce risk from the outset:

  • Cord-Free Operation: Our shutters require no cords, making them a naturally safe choice for households with children.
  • Spring assisted Control: Many of our blinds are available with easy-to-use, child-safe operation systems that are simple and intuitive.
  • Motorised Solutions: Integrate blinds with your smart home to enjoy touch-free convenience and the highest level of safety – keeping children safe from potential hazards.

 

A Safer Home Starts with Awareness

Child Safety Awareness Week is the perfect time to take a closer look at areas in your home that might be hazardous, especially for curious little hands. By choosing the right window coverings and retrofitting older blinds with safety devices, you can make a big difference in preventing accidents. For peace of mind and a safer environment, consider upgrading to modern, child-safe shutters and blinds. Not only are they safer—they’re also stylish, durable, and easy to use.

Get in touch if you have any questions and we’re always happy to help! For more information on child-safe window covering, or to learn more about making your existing blinds safe, visit www.makeitsafe.org.uk