Creating a safe home environment for children is every parent’s priority. While we often focus on securing staircases, covering electrical outlets, and locking cabinets, window blinds can be an overlooked hazard. Traditional corded blinds pose a significant risk to young children and pets, leading to accidents that are entirely preventable. Motorised blinds offer a sleek, modern, and most importantly safe solution for families. In this post, we’ll explore the key safety benefits of motorised blinds, explain how they help childproof your home, and discuss relevant safety certifications like the BBSA’s Make It Safe campaign
Why Traditional Cords Are a Safety Risk
Cords and chains on traditional blinds may seem harmless, but they pose a serious strangulation risk. According to accident statistics from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), several children have died in the UK after becoming entangled in blind cords. These tragic incidents can occur in just seconds and usually in moments when carers believe their child is safe.
Motorised Blinds: A Safe, Cordless Solution
Motorised blind are operated using a remote control, wall switch, or smartphone app, meaning no hanging chains or cables to worry about. Here’s how they help create a safer environment:
1. No Cords = No Strangulation Hazard
By design, motorised blinds remove the most dangerous element of traditional blinds. Without any cords, there’s zero chance of entanglement, giving parents and caregivers peace of mind, especially in nurseries, playrooms, and bedrooms.
2. Smart Scheduling
Some systems allow you to programme your blinds to open and close at specific times of day. This helps you maintain privacy and control sunlight exposure without needing to physically interact with the blinds at all. Fewer interactions mean fewer chances for little hands to get involved.
3. Out of Reach for Curious Kids
The remote or smart controls can be kept securely out of reach of children. Unlike traditional blinds that invite pulling and tugging, motorised blinds don’t encourage physical interaction, which reduces the risk of damage or injury.
4. Pet Safety
It’s not just children at risk, pets can also become entangled in cords. Motorised blinds ensure that your furry family members stay safe while also protecting your blinds from accidental damage caused by playful paws.
Certifications & Safety Campaigns: What You Need to Know
When choosing any window treatment, it’s important to ensure it meets the latest safety regulations. In the UK, this is where the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) and its Make It Safe campaign come in.
The BBSA and the Make It Safe Campaign
The BBSA is the leading trade association for the UK’s blinds and shutters industry. Their Make It Safe campaign was launched in 2009 in response to the growing number of child accidents involving window blinds.
The campaign has driven significant changes in legislation, leading to:
- Mandatory safety devices on all new blinds with cords or chains.
- Clear product labelling with safety warnings.
- Stronger consumer education on window blind safety.
As part of the campaign, the BBSA recommends the use of cordless products, like motorised blinds, as the safest option for child-safe homes.
Other Childproofing Tips for Your Windows
While switching to motorised blinds is a big step toward safer windows, here are a few additional tips for complete peace of mind:
- Move furniture away from windows: This prevents children from climbing onto window ledges or reaching blind mechanisms.
- Install window restrictors: These devices limit how far windows can open an important safety feature for upper floors.
- Keep cords out of sight: If you’re not ready to replace corded blinds just yet, ensure cords are secured high up and out of reach using safety cleats or cord tidies.
- Choose blackout options for better sleep: For nurseries and children’s bedrooms, consider blackout motorised blinds to help maintain good sleep hygiene for your little ones.
Why Choose MotorisedBlinds.co.uk?
At MotorisedBlinds.co.uk, we’re passionate about combining style, functionality, and safety. Our collection includes:
- Child-safe motorised roller blinds
- Voice-controlled options for hands-free operation
- Installation services ensuring compliance with safety regulations
- Advice and guidance on making your home safer for all family members
We’re also proud supporters of the BBSA’s Make It Safe campaign, and our experts are on hand to help you choose blinds that not only elevate your home’s look but also protect your loved ones.
Final Thoughts: Safe, Stylish & Smart Living
Choosing motorised blinds isn’t just about style, it’s a proactive step toward making your home safer for children and pets. With zero cords, smart functionality, and compliance with UK safety regulations, they offer unbeatable peace of mind. If you’re updating your home, childproofing a nursery, or building a family-safe space from scratch, consider switching to cordless motorised blinds.
Ready to make the switch? Explore our range at MotorisedBlinds.co.uk.