Thinking Child-Safe When Choosing Blinds
Child-proofing your home can be a challenge as there are so many product options designed to keep them safe! When you’re choosing child safe blinds, there are a few things to consider. Here’s our guide on how you can choose the right child-friendly blinds for your home.
Why choose ABC Blinds for child-safe blinds?
When you're purchasing blinds from us, you can rest assured knowing that all ABC Blinds meet International Child Safety Standards!
With that in mind, there are still blind options which are better suited for use around children than others.
What to consider when choosing child safe blinds
Two factors which can improve the safety of your window coverings is the control mechanism for opening and closing them as well as how they are installed in the window recess.
Installing blinds as a recess fit rather than as a face fit
There are two ways you can choose to install blinds. One is called a recess fit and the second is a face fit.
A recess fit is where the blind is installed entirely within the blind recess/architrave where the window sits in the wall. This creates a snug fit around the blind, making it much harder for kids to pull at the blinds and have access to the cord or wand.
A face fit blind is where the blind sits over the recess and has excess material that can be much easier for kids to grab onto. Depending on the chain or wand length, this may also be easier to reach.
Child-friendly blind operating mechanisms
There are many ways you can choose child-friendly options for your blinds or make improvements to their safety.
The Securo Wand
The Securo Wand is a specialised operating system option for roller blinds, designed with the intent of providing a child-friendly alternative to traditional long chains, or rope operating systems.
This mechanism consists of a tight chain that's completely secured to the wall with a clip. This clip prevents any curious children from potentially getting stuck in the chain and hurting themselves. This chain is a lot shorter than other typical options, making it a much safer option for kids.
Motorised blinds
Motorised Blinds (also referred to as electric or automatic blinds) are one of the safest window treatment options to install when you have children, as they completely replace the need for any dangling or loose cords.
There are two types of motorised blinds: Eve MotionBlinds and SmartHub motorisation.
Eve MotionBlinds is a system that pairs with Apple HomeKit Technology enabling you to control and automate your blinds usings your Apple products.
The SmartHub option can connect to 20 sets of blinds in your home, which are controlled from one central device using Google Smart home or Alexa. This option helps to ensure you have child safe blinds all throughout your home.
Our top recommendations for child-safe blinds
Roller blinds and double roller blinds
Roller blinds are a very popular blind option due to their affordability and versatility. Roller blinds are available in blockout and sunscreen fabrics as well as a variety of patterns if you're looking for something a bit more fun!
Roller blinds are also versatile in the way they can be opened and closed. The great thing about these blinds is that there is an operating system option to suit your needs and budget. You can learn more about the operating system options for Roller blinds in our blog!
Vertical blinds
Vertical blinds are another great option for your home, as they are very affordable and available in many different styles. The added benefit of vertical blinds is that they have options to make them safer for children, such as removing chains at the bottom of the blind slats and replacing the operating mechanism with a wand.
Another benefit of vertical blinds is their ability to stay clean (a bonus around kids), as they are made from a material that's easy to wipe down when needed.
To learn more about these blinds, head to our complete guide to vertical blinds blog article.
Roman blinds
Roman blinds are an elegant option for your home due to their horizontal fabric slats.
These blinds make for a great child safe blind due to typically being installed as a recess fit blind rather than a face fit. This means that the blinds will sit nicely within the recess, with no excess fabric or cords hanging over the edge.
Another tip for keeping your kids safe around blinds
Keep your windows clear
Anyone with a toddler knows they love climbing up on everything, so it's wise to keep cots, beds, and furniture well away from windows! This helps to stop little hands grabbing onto anything that's unsecured. The same goes for toys and play areas.
Interested in child safe blinds for your home? To arrange a free measure and quote with a highly-trained consultant in your own home, give us a call on 13 13 15 or fill out this simple online form. We provide this service to a wide range of locations around the metro and select regional areas, 6 days a week between 8am and 6pm.
The majority of our blinds, curtains and awnings are made in Australia and are sold for the lowest price in the market, guaranteed. Just bring in a quote on any competitor's comparable item and we'll beat it by 5%.