Window blind cords and chains are a hidden hazard in Australian homes. Young children can become entangled in looped cords, with tragic consequences. As a Bundaberg blinds specialist and a business that has been fitting window coverings in family homes since 2008, Think Blinds takes child safety seriously. Here is what you need to know about choosing safe blinds for a home with young children.
The Risk: Corded Blinds
Traditional blinds often use pull cords, chains, or looped cords to operate. These hanging cords pose a strangulation risk to young children, particularly toddlers and babies who can reach cords from cots, beds, or furniture near windows.
Australian safety standards have been tightened over the years, and the industry has moved strongly toward cordless and child-safe operating mechanisms. When choosing new blinds, this is one of the most important factors to consider — especially for bedrooms, living areas, and any room where children spend time.
Child-Safe Blind Options
At Think Blinds, we offer several product types that are designed with child safety as a core feature:
Vertical Blinds with Wand Control
Our vertical blinds use wand control with sewn-in bottom-weights — meaning there are no chains or cords at all. The wand mechanism tilts and draws the blinds without any hanging components. This makes them inherently child-safe while remaining easy for adults to operate.
Vertical blinds are particularly popular for sliding doors and large windows, which are common in Queensland homes and often in rooms where children play.
Panel Glides with Wand Control
Like our verticals, panel glides use the same wand control system with sewn-in bottom-weights. They work in a similar way to vertical blinds but use larger panels for a more contemporary look. They are excellent for wide sliding doors and room dividers.
Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters have no cords, chains, or hanging mechanisms by design. The louvres are adjusted by hand or with a tilt rod that is fixed to the shutter panel. They are one of the safest window covering options for any home with children.
Our Norman Blinds ABS shutters are also durable enough to handle the inevitable bumps and touches from curious little hands without damage.
Motorised Roller Blinds
Motorised roller blinds eliminate cords entirely — the blind is operated by a remote control or wall switch. This is the premium child-safe option for roller blinds, and also adds convenience for hard-to-reach windows or for elderly residents.
Spring-Loaded Roller Blinds
Standard roller blinds can be fitted with spring-loaded mechanisms instead of chain drives. The blind is pulled down by hand and released to spring back up. No chain, no cord, no hazard.
What About Existing Blinds?
If you already have corded blinds in your home, there are some interim safety measures you can take while you plan replacements:
- Cord cleats — small hooks mounted high on the wall or window frame that allow you to wrap excess cord out of reach. These are a minimum safety measure, not a permanent solution.
- Cord tensioners — devices that hold chain-drive cords taut against the wall, preventing loops from forming. Again, an interim measure.
- Move furniture — ensure cots, beds, highchairs, and climbable furniture are positioned away from windows with corded blinds.
However, the safest approach is to replace corded blinds with inherently cordless products, particularly in children’s bedrooms and play areas.
Room-by-Room Safety Guide
| Room | Safest Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Children’s bedrooms | Plantation shutters or spring-loaded roller blinds (blockout) | No cords + complete darkness for sleeping |
| Living/play areas | Vertical blinds with wand control | No chains, easy to operate, durable |
| Sliding doors | Panel glides with wand control | No cords, covers wide openings |
| Bathrooms | Aluminium venetians (cordless option) or shutters | Moisture-resistant + child-safe |
| Hard-to-reach windows | Motorised roller blinds | No cords, remote operated |
All Products Backed by Warranty
Every child-safe product we supply is custom-made to your window measurements and backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Our products also comply with all essential government fire safety requirements, and we offer fire retardant fabrics for homes where additional fire safety compliance is needed.
Free Safety-Focused Consultation
If you have young children or grandchildren and want to update your window coverings with safety in mind, we can assess your current setup and recommend the best child-safe options for each room. Think Blinds provides free measure and quote appointments across Bundaberg, Bargara, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Agnes Water, and the wider Wide Bay region.
Book your free child-safety blind consultation or call (07) 4152 5345.
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