As a parent, keeping your child safe is of paramount importance. From complying to car seat regulations in order to prevent any injuries during accidents and making sure that you’re teaching them about the dangers of roads to ensuring that any sharp objects within the home are kept out of harms way; there are a number of different things that you need to consider when little ones are around. However, one area that is often overlooked is in the bedroom, where blinds are one of the most popular choices for window decoration.
Blinds have become increasingly popular and, in renovated or recently converted loft spaces, are one of the only methods of covering windows. While covering a skylight window with a blind is recommended for a number of reasons, from keeping light out at night to maintaining the warmth of the room, there are some factors that you need to consider if you’re thinking about installing one in a place where young children sleep.
The number of blind-related accidents and deaths has seen a significant increase in the growing popularity of blinds. Since 1999, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has found that there have been at least 30 looped cord-related deaths since 1999, with 14 of these happening since the start of 2010.The highest number of accidental deaths as a result of poorly installed window dressings is between the ages of 16 and 36 months, with the highest number of fatalities seen in children who are just 23 months old, due to young toddlers becoming both mobile and curious about their surroundings. With a lack of muscle control and their heads weighing significantly more than their bodies, this can sometimes lead to an imbalance and the inability to remove themselves from situations when stuck.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has worked in collaboration with The British Blind and Shutter Association to strive to prevent the number of deaths and injuries as a result of poorly fitted or unsafe blinds. Since 2014, all blinds that have been sold must comply with the latest safety regulations. Drawing from the basic principles outlined in the previous European standard published in 2009, the amendments mean that all blinds, from Venetian and roller to vertical pleated and roll-up blinds, amongst many others, must be considered safe by design. What this means is that where there is a loop, whether that means one present upon installation or the chance of one being made, a safety device must be installed on the blind.
The safety device, which can be found on all blinds including roller blinds for skylight windows, means that the blind will break under pressure or tension, preventing children from getting caught or tangled in the window dressing. Additionally, where there is a lack of loop present, there needs to be the option to store the chain or cord out of the way of young ones. However, if you’re planning on keeping yourself as child-proof as possible, there are a few other things that you should consider in order to ensure that the room is as safe as can be.
Moving furniture away from windows is one step that can help toddlers from grabbing onto any blind cords. Preventing the means of reaching cords is one of the easiest ways to stop accidents from happening. Cots, chairs and beds should be out of reach of windows, with the child safety features being installed to prevent chains or blind loops from dangling down. Additionally, removing anything that could draw attention from the blind is another efficient way of making this work. Toys or objects that your child may be tempted to grab should be moved to a place that they are easily accessible, such as the floor or a toy box. Lastly, it is also essential to ensure that you do not cut the cord of any blinds in your home, especially if it is to make them shorter. Not only can this lead to the blind becoming inoperable, but can lead to tangles, meaning safety features are redundant.
Here at Skylight Blinds Direct all of our blinds fully comply with the latest European child safety directives. Our Skylight Blinds comes with no cords or chains and are spring operated so they are inherently child safe. You can rest easy in the knowledge that you have a safe blind up at your window.