Published: Tuesday 02 March 2021

Sadly there have been a number of deaths in the last decade due to blind cords.

Children between the ages of 16 and 36 months are most at risk. This is likely due to the mobility of toddlers at this age, and the fact that their heads still proportionately weigh more than their bodies. Coupled with muscular control not yet being fully developed - meaning they are unable to free themselves if they become entangled - this is a particularly risky age. To feel prepared in the case of a first aid emergency, think about joining us for our comprehensive and informative First Aid for Parents course.

There are ways that you can reduce the risk posed by cords on blinds and, in some cases, curtains:

• If you do have looped blind or curtain cords, make sure that they are always out of reach of children and shorten them if you can.
• Avoid installing blinds that have a cord, especially in a child’s bedroom.
• Make sure there is nothing that can be climbed on to enable a child to be within reach of a blind cord. This might be their cot, bed or highchair.
• If you do have cords, you can buy accessories that will keep the cords out of reach, such as cleats, tidies and clips.

RoSPA advises that cords are not cut, even as a short-term solution. Cutting the cord in the wrong place can make the blind inoperable and cut cords can become knotted, essentially recreating a loop in which a child could get caught.

To make sure you've taken measures to make your home safer, and to prepare yourself should an accident occur, take one our comprehensive First Aid for Parents courses, taking place in Brighton & Hove, and Angmering in Sussex (when restrictions allow). Alternatively learn from the comfort of your own home at your own pace with our online Baby and Child First Aid course. You can start today!

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