Children's Bedrooms

• According to the Window Covering Safety Council, only cordless window shades should be used in homes where children are present, especially in their bedrooms. Cords present a serious strangulation risk if children become entangled in them. Window coverings purchased prior to 2001 do not meet these safety standards.
  
  

Alternatives

• The Break-Thru Safety Tassel, featured on some new models of window blinds, has an innovative design to protect children from strangulation. The tassel is designed to break under pressure if a child becomes entangled in the loop of the cord.
  
  Some manufacturers are now making windows with blinds actually built into the interior, protected on both sides by panes of glass. Operated by a lever, there is never any contact with cords.
  
  

Retrofit

• If replacing your old window shades or blinds isn't in your budget, you may request retrofit kits that come complete with step-by-step directions for use in altering your existing coverings. Contact the Window Covering Safety Council for details.