As parents and caregivers, child safety is always our top priority. While window blinds are a practical and beautiful addition to any home, they can pose serious risks to young children if not properly selected and installed. Understanding these risks and taking appropriate precautions can prevent tragic accidents.
This guide covers everything Australian parents need to know about keeping children safe around venetian blinds and other window coverings.
Understanding the Risks
The primary danger with window blinds comes from cords, chains, and loops that can pose strangulation hazards to young children. Tragically, cord-related accidents have caused fatalities and serious injuries in Australia and worldwide.
Children are naturally curious and may play with dangling cords, wrap them around their necks while playing, or become entangled while climbing on furniture near windows. These accidents can happen quickly and silently, often when a caregiver's attention is momentarily diverted.
According to safety organisations, children aged 0-6 years are at highest risk. Most accidents occur in bedrooms, often in or near cots positioned close to windows with accessible cords.
Australian Standards and Regulations
Australia has implemented mandatory safety standards for internal window coverings. The Competition and Consumer (Safety Standard for Internal Window Coverings) Regulations require that:
- All cords must be designed to release under pressure or be too short to form a hazardous loop
- Products must include warning labels and safety devices
- Suppliers must provide safety information to consumers
Since December 2022, stricter requirements have been in place, and products that don't comply cannot be legally sold in Australia. However, if you have older blinds installed before these regulations, they may not meet current safety standards.
Safest Blind Options for Family Homes
When selecting window treatments for a home with young children, prioritise safety features:
Cordless Venetian Blinds
The safest option is cordless blinds that operate without any exposed cords. These can be raised and lowered by gently pushing up on the bottom rail or using a spring-assist mechanism.
Advantages:
- No cords means no strangulation risk
- Clean, modern appearance
- Easy to operate
Considerations:
- May be more expensive than corded options
- Not suitable for very large or heavy blinds
Motorised Venetian Blinds
Remote-controlled or smart blinds eliminate cord hazards while adding convenience.
Advantages:
- Complete cord elimination
- Easy operation for all family members
- Can be automated with timers or smart home systems
Considerations:
- Higher initial cost
- Requires electrical connection or battery maintenance
- May need professional installation
Wand-Control Blinds
These use a rigid wand rather than cords to tilt slats and raise/lower blinds.
Advantages:
- No looped cords
- Wand cannot wrap around neck
- More affordable than motorised options
Considerations:
- Wand may be within child's reach
- Less convenient than cordless for frequent adjustment
When buying blinds, look for products displaying the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) compliance label, and ask the retailer specifically about child safety features.
Making Existing Blinds Safer
If you already have corded blinds and cannot immediately replace them, take these steps to reduce risks:
Install Cord Cleats
Cord cleats are small hooks that allow you to wrap and secure cords out of children's reach. Install them at least 1.6 metres from the floor. While not a complete solution, they significantly reduce the risk when used consistently.
Use Cord Tensioners
For blinds with continuous cord loops (common in vertical blinds and some venetians), install cord tensioners that anchor the loop to the wall or floor, preventing it from forming a dangerous loose loop.
Retrofit with Safety Devices
Many blind manufacturers offer retrofit kits that can make older blinds safer. These may include:
- Cord stops that limit how far cords can be pulled
- Breakaway tassels that separate under pressure
- Cord shorteners that reduce cord length
Position Furniture Wisely
Never place cots, beds, highchairs, or climbable furniture near windows with corded blinds. Children can climb onto furniture and reach cords that would otherwise be out of grasp.
Room-by-Room Safety Checklist
Children's Bedrooms
Essential precautions:
- Use only cordless or motorised blinds
- Position cots and beds away from windows
- Secure all furniture to walls to prevent climbing
Living Areas
Recommended precautions:
- Install cord cleats on all corded blinds
- Ensure cords are wrapped and secured after each use
- Consider upgrading to cordless blinds on frequently used windows
Other Rooms
Even rooms where children don't sleep need attention:
- Bathrooms: Ensure all blind cords are secured
- Guest rooms: Apply same standards as children's rooms
- Home offices: Don't assume children won't access these spaces
- Replace corded blinds in children's bedrooms immediately
- Install cord cleats on all remaining corded blinds
- Move cots and beds away from windows
- Check that all blinds meet current Australian standards
- Educate all caregivers about cord safety
Educating Your Household
Safety isn't just about products; it's about awareness:
Teach children that blind cords are not toys. While this won't eliminate risk for very young children, older children can learn to avoid playing with cords.
Brief all caregivers including grandparents, babysitters, and older siblings about cord hazards and the importance of keeping cords secured.
Regular safety audits: Check monthly that all cord safety devices are properly installed and that cords haven't come loose from cleats.
When Visiting Other Homes
Child safety doesn't stop at your front door. When visiting friends, family, or holiday accommodations:
- Check for cord hazards in rooms where your child will spend time
- Move furniture away from windows if necessary
- Ask hosts about securing cords or keeping certain rooms off-limits
- Carry a small cord cleat in your bag for temporary installation
Resources for Australian Families
If you're concerned about window covering safety, these resources can help:
- Product Safety Australia: Official government information on blind safety standards
- Kidsafe Australia: Non-profit organisation focused on child injury prevention
- Your state's fair trading office: For reporting non-compliant products
Taking Action Today
Don't wait for an accident to prioritise window covering safety. Start today by:
- Walking through your home and identifying all corded window coverings
- Checking that cords are secured out of children's reach
- Planning to upgrade the most high-risk blinds (children's bedrooms first)
- Sharing this information with other parents and caregivers
By taking these steps, you're creating a safer environment for the children in your care while still enjoying the benefits of beautiful window treatments in your Australian home.