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We all know that when it comes to baby-proofing your home, it can be more than a little overwhelming. There are so many things to think about: sharp corners on furniture; electrical sockets and wires; stair gates; door locks; and window coverings.

With everything that you have to think about, it is easy to forget that blind that you put up before you had kids with a cord, but it is something you absolutely need to put at the top of your list. Cute babies become curious toddlers, and you never know what mischief they are going to get themselves into next. Blind cords are extremely hazardous; according to the Childs Accident Prevention Trust, approximately two children are strangled to death each year after becoming entangled with a corded blind. It can take just 15 seconds for a toddler to lose consciousness if a blind cord is caught around their neck—and they can die in just two to three minutes. Those are some frightening statistics—and they are entirely avoidable.

Approximately two children are strangled to death each year after becoming entangled with a corded blind. It can take just 15 seconds for a toddler to lose consciousness if a blind cord is caught around their neck—and they can die… Click To Tweet

If corded blinds are a big no-no, what are the alternatives? Let’s take a look at some of the best and safest child-friendly window covering ideas.

Shutters

At the very top of the list of the best child-friendly window covering ideas are shutter blinds. These are great for any room, whether it’s a gaming paradise or a fairytale castle because they don’t have any cords and don’t have any loose parts that could be dangerous. They also fit into the window frame, so curious kids can’t grab them and hurt themselves. Not only that, but they look fantastic as well and are easy to clean.

What makes shutters even better is that they are easy to install yourself, making it an option that looks luxurious but with an affordable price tag,

What makes shutters even better is that they are easy to install yourself, making it an option that looks luxurious but with an affordable price tag #ad Click To Tweet

Blackout blinds

Every parent knows that feeling of dread when the light nights and mornings roll around. To quote Anna from Frozen “‘The sky is awake, so I’m awake!”. The bright light comes in through standard blinds and curtains and they think it’s time to wake up – even if it is 4 am. Blackout blinds make the room pitch black, which not only keeps your little ones in bed for a bit longer (well, that is the plan, anyway!), but it encourages more restful sleep. Put them behind the shutters we mentioned above or other blinds or curtains, or use them by themselves.

Curtains

Curtains are an easy way to add a bit of style to a space while also doing wonders for tying the space together. There are also no strings or cords that a kid or pet could possibly pull on.

Mounting the curtain rods to the wall properly is the most important step you can take to protect your child from the hazards posed by your curtains. The biggest drawback of curtains is the fact that children love to play in them and pull on them – you’ll soon find out if that’s the case when you hear the big crash! The other thing to keep in mind if you have kids and have curtains is that you will constantly be finding grubby marks on them, so make sure you buy ones that can be washed or cleaned easily. 

Final thoughts

Shutters should definitely be at the top of the list – they are practical, look great, are easy and affordable to install, and most importantly, are safe for kids. What type of window coverings do you have? Let me know in the comments.