National Survey Finds Parents Aware of At-Home Dangers—But Few Taking Action to Prevent Risk

NEW YORK, NY (June 18, 2026) — A new national survey reveals that while parents are actively babyproofing their homes, many are missing a critical safety step that could help prevent serious accidents.

According to the survey, nearly 3 in 4 parents have not taken one essential babyproofing measure – replacing corded window coverings with cordless alternatives. Corded window coverings are among the top hidden hazards in our homes, posing a strangulation risk to young children, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Awareness is high but action is low. The survey found 84% of households with children recognize that pull cords on window coverings can pose a strangulation hazard, yet only 27% have replaced corded blinds with cordless alternatives.

“Parents are doing a lot right when it comes to child safety, but some of the most critical safety steps are still being missed,” said Ralph Vasami, executive director, Window Covering Safety Council. “Exposed window covering cords remain a potential hazard, and replacing outdated corded products with today’s safer cordless options is a simple step that can help prevent tragedy.”

Two historic safety standards which took effect in 2018 and 2024 ensure that the vast majority of custom window coverings and stock products sold in the U.S. are cordless. These safety standards significantly reduce the strangulation risk posed by corded window coverings to young children, but action must be taken to replace older corded products still lurking in homes.

Consumers shopping for new window covering products can look for the Best for Kids™ label at all major US retailers to identify products suited for homes with young children. Products with the Best for Kids™ label have been tested by a third-party laboratory and have either no cords or no accessible cords.

For more information on window covering cord safety, ‎visit www.windowcoverings.org.

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