Strangulation and blind cords
Looped cords such as blind cords and chains can pose a risk to small children. Cords should be kept out of the reach of children, or even better, install blinds that do not have cords.
‘Research indicates that most accidental deaths involving blind cords happen in the bedroom and occur in children between 16 and 36 months old,’ says Sheila. ‘These toddlers are mobile, but their heads still weigh proportionately more than their bodies compared to adults and their muscular control is not yet fully developed, which makes them more prone to be unable to free themselves if they become entangled.’
To reduce risks, don’t hang drawstring bags where a small child could get their head through the loop of the drawstring. Do not place your child’s cot, bed, playpen or highchair near a window and any pull cords on curtains and blinds throughout the house should be kept short and out of reach using cleats, cord tidies, clips or ties.
Do not place your child’s cot, bed, playpen or highchair near a window
An amendment to blind cord legislation came into force in February 2014 and requires that all blinds must be “safe by design” or be supplied with an appropriate child safety device. This means that where there is a loop that is present, or could be created, a safety device must be installed at the point of the manufacture. They have also imposed a maximum cord and chain length.