Everything you need to know about child-safe window blinds in Canada. Cordless regulations, safe product options, and practical steps to protect your family.
Window blind cords are a serious safety risk
We don't sugarcoat this one. Corded window blinds are one of the top hidden hazards in Canadian homes. Young children can get tangled in looped cords, pull cords, and inner lift cords, and the results can be fatal.
According to Health Canada, blind cords have caused numerous child injuries and deaths across the country. The risk is highest for kids aged 1 to 4, but incidents have involved children up to age 8.
As window treatment professionals and parents ourselves, this is something we take seriously. This guide covers Canadian regulations, safe product alternatives, and practical steps to protect your family.
Canadian regulations on corded window blinds
Health Canada's position
Health Canada has issued multiple advisories on the hazards of corded window coverings. Key regulatory developments:
- Mandatory safety standard for all window covering products sold in Canada
- Corded products must include safety devices (cord cleats, cord stops, tie-downs) to reduce strangulation risk
- Industry agreement among major manufacturers to transition toward cordless designs
- Ongoing recalls of products that don't meet safety requirements
Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA)
The CCPSA gives Health Canada the authority to:
CSA standards
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has standards that specifically address window covering safety, including cord accessibility, cord length limits, and required safety devices.
What this means for homeowners
If you have corded blinds in a home with children:
The safest window blind options for families
1. Cordless roller blinds (most popular family choice)
How they work: A spring mechanism inside the roller tube allows you to raise and lower the blind by gently pulling or pushing the bottom rail. No cords of any kind.
Why they're safe:
Best for: Every room in a family home, especially nurseries and children's bedrooms
2. Motorized blinds (premium safety choice)
How they work: An electric motor raises and lowers the blinds via remote control, smartphone app, or voice command. No manual operation mechanism at all.
Why they're safe:
Best for: Nurseries, playrooms, any window within a child's reach
3. Cordless zebra blinds
How they work: Spring-loaded mechanism allows adjustment of the alternating sheer and solid fabric panels without any cord or chain.
Why they're safe:
Best for: Living rooms and family rooms where light control and safety are both priorities
4. Cordless cellular (honeycomb) blinds
How they work: Spring-tension system raises and lowers the honeycomb cells. Some models offer top-down/bottom-up operation.
Why they're safe:
Best for: Nurseries and children's bedrooms where insulation and blackout are important
5. Wand-operated vertical blinds
How they work: A rigid wand (not a cord) controls the tilt and draw of vertical blind panels.
Why they're safe:
Best for: Patio doors and large windows in family homes
Products to avoid in homes with children
Continuous loop chain blinds
The looped chain or cord used to operate many roller and Roman blinds is the highest-risk configuration. The loop can easily fit around a child's neck.
Corded horizontal blinds
Traditional horizontal blinds with pull cords and tilt wands have multiple cord hazards. The inner lift cords running through each slat can also form loops when slats get damaged.
Roman shades with exposed inner cords
Many Roman shades have inner cords at the back that are reachable when the shade is lowered. Even some "cordless" Roman shades have rear cords if they weren't specifically designed with safety in mind.
Making existing corded blinds safer
If you can't replace corded blinds right away, take these steps in the meantime:
Install cord cleats
Wrap excess cord around a cord cleat mounted high on the wall (at least 5 feet up). This keeps cords taut and out of reach.
Use cord wind-ups
These are tension devices that keep cords short and taut regardless of the blind's position.
Cut continuous loops
If your blind has a continuous loop cord, cut the loop and add separate pull tassels to each end. This gets rid of the loop hazard. Note: this may affect how some blind types operate.
Move furniture away from windows
Kids climb furniture to reach windows. Make sure cribs, beds, chairs, and toy boxes are well away from any window with corded blinds.
Inspect monthly
Check that all safety devices are still in place and working. Cords loosen over time, and cord cleats can come undone.
Room-by-room safety guide
Nursery
Required: Cordless or motorized blinds only. No exceptions.
Additional considerations:
Children's bedroom
Required: Cordless or motorized blinds only.
Additional considerations:
Playroom
Required: Cordless or motorized blinds only.
Additional considerations:
Living room / family room
Strongly recommended: Cordless or motorized.
Additional considerations:
Bedrooms and bathrooms used by children
Strongly recommended: Cordless or motorized.
Additional considerations:
What to look for when shopping
Labels and certifications
- Look for "Best for Kids" certification (an industry safety certification)
- Check for CSA compliance labeling
Questions to ask
1. Is this product completely cordless, including inner lift cords?
2. Does it meet current Canadian safety standards?
3. Are there any accessible loops, strings, or chains when installed?
4. Is the product included on any Health Canada recall lists?
5. What age range is this product considered safe for?
The cost of child-safe blinds
Cordless blinds typically cost 10-20% more than their corded equivalents. Motorized options cost more still. But consider:
Blinds Planet's commitment to child safety
Every window treatment we install in a family home is cordless or motorized. We won't install corded blinds in any room accessible to children.
Our free in-home consultations include a window safety assessment where we identify any existing cord hazards and recommend safe replacements.
Contact Blinds Planet at (416) 890-4554 or request a free quote online. Protecting your family starts with the right window treatments.
Related Products
About the Author
Sarah Mitchell
Window Treatment Specialist
Sarah Mitchell is a window treatment specialist with over 30 years of experience in the window coverings industry. As part of the Blinds Planet family legacy since 1992, she helps homeowners select, customize, and install the perfect blinds for their spaces.