New Standard for Child Cordless Blind Laws

New Standard for Child Cordless Blind Laws 

The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) has recently approved a new federal standard for custom window coverings. Custom window coverings include, but are not limited to shades, blinds, curtains, drapery or any other cords on custom window pairings. This is an effort to reduce the possibility of death and life-threatening injuries to children 8 years old and younger. Young children can quickly become strangled on any accessible cord longer than 8 inches on window coverings. According to CPSC’s latest data, about nine children under the age of 5 years old die every year from strangulation involving window coverings with cords. With this new standard, we here at Budget Blinds of Greater Corpus Christi, hope to be a part of the change and help prevent the needless deaths and injuries of children. 

Budget Blinds of Greater Corpus Christi has always promoted child safe window coverings. We have worked with our vendors to ensure we are following all safety regulations, especially those from the WCMA (Window Covering Association).  As the largest window coverings franchise in North America with over 1,100 territories, we have implemented a system-wide push to further educate consumers about child-safe window covering products. For example, we are offering window covering safety audits to homeowners and providing Child Safe Retrofit kits that modify blind or shade cords in the home to reduce the risk of strangulation. Some of our manufacturing partners participate in the “Best for Kids” program for the WCMA. This is a safety program where products must be submitted to a testing facility to make sure the products meet the strict criteria. Once the product meets the standard, it becomes eligible to be labeled “certified” Best for Kids. Budget Blinds has been aligned with the WCMA for over 15 years and we continue to adhere to their criteria and safety standards by offering a variety of options for child-friendly window treatments, including cordless blinds and shades with a retractable lift, motorized shades with cordless operation, and shutters, which are inherently cordless. 

If you’re unable to replace your existing window coverings with cordless ones it's recommended to follow these steps:

• Remove any danger from the dangling cords by shortening the pull cords as much as possible.
• Confirm that cord stops are installed properly and adjusted to limit the movement of the inner lift cord.
• Secure to the floor or to the continuous-loop cords for draperies as well as blinds.
• Move all children's toys and belongings as well as any cribs, beds or furniture.
• Keep a watchful eye on your children and keep all window covering cords out of the reach of children.

The CPSC urges consumers to choose cordless window coverings, which are the safest option for children. If you have yet to make the necessary changes in your home, or are designing a children's room, Budget Blinds of Greater Corpus Christi is willing to assist. We offer free home consultations where we can inspect the child’s area and make appropriate suggestions according to the safety guidelines. We offer installations and replacements, but if neither of these are available options at the time we also provide a Free Child Safety Retrofit Kit. To learn more about how Budget Blinds of Greater Corpus Christi can help you find the best child-safe window coverings for your home, contact us today and schedule a Free Consultation with your local design expert.