A Parent’s Guide to Child-Proof Shutters

As a parent, protecting your children and child-proofing your home is a top priority. An often overlooked area is window treatments. Curious toddlers and kids can easily get caught up in cords, wands and loops or improperly installed shutters and blinds.

Shutters are an attractive window treatment that can also be made safe and child-friendly with a few precautions. Here is a comprehensive guide on choosing, installing and using window shutters in homes with young children.

Dangers to Watch Out For

Before selecting shutters, it’s important to understand the potential risks they can pose:

Strangulation Hazards

• Cords used to open and close shutters can become wrapped around a child’s neck. -young children can get caught between the shutter panels or in the hardware.

Choking Hazards

• Small detachable parts like tabs or fasteners can become choking hazards.
• Children may try to swallow small hardware pieces like nuts or bolts.

Crush/Cut Hazards

• Fingers can get pinched in shutter hinges or louver joints.
• Improperly installed shutters can fall off, crushing fingers or toes.
• Sharp unfinished wood edges can scratch or cut skin.

Tipping/Falling Risks

• Climbing on shelves or furniture to reach cords poses a falling hazard.
• Heavy shutters can dismount and fall if not securely installed.

The good news is there are shutter types and safety features designed to eliminate these risks in homes with kids.

Choosing the Safest Shutter Types

Look for the following child-friendly shutter options during your search:

Cordless Shutters

Cordless shutters remove any strangulation or entanglement risk. They open and close using:

• Wand control: A small wand removes cords from reach.
• Hidden tab: A small tab behind the shutter panel controls the louver.
• Motorization: Electric motor operation eliminates cords entirely.

Safely Positioned Cords

If cords are needed, choose shutters engineered to keep cords safe:

• Place cords high up and out of reach. Wall or ceiling-mounted cords are optimal.
• Continuous loop cords don’t form a wrappable loop when pulled.
• Cord cleats or ties keep cords neatly against the wall and inaccessible.
• Cord tension devices prevent hazardous loose dangling cords.

Hinge Design

Look for pinch-free hinges that prevent finger injuries in the panel joints:

• Soft close hinges have mechanisms to slow the closing motion.
• Covered hinges fully enclose the hinge gap when closed.
• Bumpers keep hinged panels slightly apart when closed.

Materials Matter

Select engineered materials designed to be tough and durable:

• Polymer composite shutters won’t crack, peel or splinter easily.
• Padded fabric window shutter panels cushion impact if touched or leaned on.
• Solid wood shutters should have sanded, rounded edges.
• Avoid cheaper thin plastic plantation shutters prone to breaking.

Correct Installation is Key

Proper professional installation is crucial to safety. Ensure:

Secure Mounting

• No loose panels or wobble – use sufficient braces and anchors.
• Test for tugging/shaking resistance to prevent falling.
• Follow manufacturers weight recommendations.

Height Positioning

• Mount high enough to require a stable object for reaching cords.
• Keep lowest panel edge 16 inches or higher off floor minimum.

Streamlined Look

• Avoid exposing hardware pieces like nuts, screws or bolts.
• Use integrated hinges and concealed mount brackets for a flush wall fit.

Sharp Edge Protection

• Inspect for any protruding sharp points and pad them.
• Coat unfinished wood with protective sealant to prevent splinters.

Using Shutters Safely with Kids

The right combination of shutter style, mounting and hardware make them safer. But supervision and household rules are still important:

• Teach kids to keep hands off cords and panels. Show them the right wand control.
• Keep furniture away from windows so kids can’t climb up to cords.
• Install cord cleats high up and anchored firmly to the wall.
• Close shutters when not in use and use child safe locks if available.
• Do not tie loose cord loops. Inspect for any damaged parts needing repair.

Extra Child-Proofing Tips

Use these added precautions for maximum protection:

Add Safety Accessories

• Cord winders keep loose cords neatly wrapped up.
• Tension pulleys keep cords taut instead of loose.
• Cord cleats securely anchor cords flush to walls and out of reach.

Window Guards

Install unbreakable window guards for fall prevention and to keep objects out of reach.

Monitoring/Alerts

• Use baby monitors to keep an ear out for any shutter cord disturbances.
• Install cord alarm attachments that sound if pulled on.
• Apply cord tension pulleys that trigger an alarm when too loose.

Limit Access

Use secured gates, playpens or door covers to restrict entry to rooms with unsupervised shutter dangers.

Types of Child-Safe Shutters

Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the best and safest shutter options for homes with kids:

Cellular Shades

These fabric honeycomb shades offer cordless convenience:

• Light filtering soft fabric construction won’t cause injuries
• Wand control makes raising and lowering easy without cords
• Soft treatment adds warmth to kids bedrooms

Faux Wood Blinds

Blinds can be designed cordless for safety:

• Slats made of durable polymers instead of wood avoid splinters
• Hidden cord loops and wands keep operation child-safe
• Available in different faux wood grains to match any decor

Roller Shades

Simple roller shades provide a safe way to block light:

• Cordless wand operation makes raising and lowering easy
• Durable fabric material is inherently soft and safe
• Many light filtering fabrics help create cozy naps or bedtimes

Vertical Blinds

Plastic vertical blinds are an affordable cordless choice:

• Slats stack open and slide closed with no dangling cords
• Light and tiny spaces between slats prevent entrapment
• Range of colors to brighten up kids rooms

Honeycomb Shades

Honeycomb shades offer a safe semi-transparent option:

• Fabric layered in cellular honeycomb design allows soft filtered light
• Cord-free wand control makes operation simple and safe
• Energy efficient texture helps insulate rooms

Natural Shades

Natural woven wood or bamboo shades can be cordless:

• Materials made from earthy woven fibers instead of plastics
• Provide a warm feel and complement eco-friendly homes
• Available as single panel track shades for smooth cordless use

Remote Control Shades

Motorized automatic shades add high tech convenience:

• Eliminate cords fully – open and close shades with a remote
• Easy automated schedules and timers
• Can link with home smart systems and voice controls

Make Shutters Kid-Safe

Shutters are an attractive window treatment that can pose serious risks to children if overlooked. However, the right combination of shutter design, installation, use and supervision can eliminate these dangers. Follow the guidance in this article to choose cordless products, properly install at a safe height, use with care and add redundancy with safety accessories. With vigilance and planning, shutters can stylishly enhance your home’s decor while keeping your kids out of harm’s way.