Window Covering Cord Safety

What To Look For

Children and window covering cords don’t mix. When cords are accessible to small children, these seemingly harmless products may become strangulation hazards. This is especially important with older window coverings that may not meet the latest national standard for window covering cord safety.

If at all possible, use only cordless window coverings in homes where infants and young children are present. If you have corded window coverings and can’t replace them with today’s safer products, check them for the following hazards and order our free retrofit kits as needed.

Check For The Following Hazards

Learn how to retrofit older window coverings by clicking here.

Better Yet… replace older corded window blinds, shades and draperies with today’s safer products.  And use only cordless window coverings in homes with infants and young children.

Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window covering cords, preferably to another wall.

Make sure that tasseled pull cords are as short as possible.

Continuous-loop cords on draperies and vertical blinds should be permanently anchored to the floor or wall.

Keep all window covering cords well out of the reach of children. Eliminate any dangling cords.

Check that cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit the movement of inner lift cords.

Are Your Window Coverings Safe for Your Child?

Every parent needs to be aware of child safety, and this begins at home. Use only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords in homes with young children. Replace older corded window coverings with today’s safer products, especially those that are certified “Best for Kids.”

Download the WCSC / Scholastic hidden window covering cord hazards materials.