Blind cord safety information and advice

Keep out of reach

Window blind cords and chains must be kept out of reach of babies and small children.

Simple steps – such as securing cords and chains with safety devices and keeping furniture away from windows so that children cannot climb on them – can help prevent deaths. 

Toddlers aged between 16 and 36 months are most vulnerable. It can take as little as seconds for a toddler to lose their life from becoming entangled in a window blind cord or chain.

You should:

• look around your home from a child’s point of view to help spot potential dangers
• examine every blind in your home – if they have a looped control chain or cord and do not have a safety device fitted, then you can easily install one of the many devices available
• make sure that all blind cords and chains cannot be reached by children
• move cots, beds, playpens, highchairs and any furniture away from windows and blinds – remember children love to climb
• when buying a new blind, always look for one that does not contain cords, has concealed cords or has an in-built safety device and that complies with the new European Standards

You can get more information and advice, including a helpful video, on the blind cord safety page.

For further advice on how to make your home blind cord safe, contact the home safety officer at your local council or your health visitor.

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