Are you worried about your home’s safety when having a small baby? If so, curtains may be the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, however, many accidental cases of injury or even death can take place if dangling cords and pulleys are not properly secured.
In this guide on how to baby proof curtains, we’ll cover everything you need to know in order to keep your home safe: from choosing the right type of curtain design to installing cord guards that will help protect against entanglement hazards.
With our easy-to-follow advice, you can ensure that everyone in your house—especially tiny babies—can rest easy knowing that their windows are childproofed!
Why Do You Need Baby Proof Curtains?
It is important to baby proof curtains in your home for several reasons, including:
- Preventing accidental strangulation from cords or pulleys. Otherwise, it might be possible for a child to get tangled in the cords and unable to free themselves.
- Preventing falls or trips if a child grabs at the curtain fabric and pulls it down. This may result in injury, as well as potential damage to furniture, electronics, or decorations near the window.
- Making sure you have curtains that are easy to clean and maintain. Babies and small children are often very messy, so it’s important to ensure that your curtains can be wiped down quickly and easily.
Choosing the Right Type of Curtain Design
When selecting curtains for baby proofing, you will want to make sure they have a few key characteristics:
1. No Cords
When possible, choose curtains that do not have cords. This eliminates the risk of strangulation or entanglement hazards. It’s only necessary to use corded curtains if you need the draw open/closed feature for light control or privacy.
2. Lightweight Fabrics
Choose lightweight fabrics for curtains that will be baby proofed. These are more resistant to tears and pulls from curious little hands, so they won’t become a hazard as quickly.
3. Flame Resistant Materials
In addition to lightweight fabrics, flame-resistant materials are also recommended. Look for curtains made from fabrics like polyester or wool, which will resist fire and any sparks that may come too close to the window.
Required Items for Baby Proofing Curtains
In order to properly baby proof your curtains, you will need a few items:
- Cord guards or cleats that can be attached to the wall near the cords. These will ensure that the cords are tangle free and out of reach from children.
- Safety pins, which can be used to secure any dangling fabric in the window.
- Window locks, which will help keep the window closed and prevent any falls or unintentional openings.
10 Steps on How to Baby Proof Curtains
Step 1: Measurement
Measure the length of each curtain panel and write it down. This will help you purchase the correct size cord guards or cleats to attach to the wall. Measuring the window size is also advised to make sure you purchase curtains that will fit.
Step 2: Purchase Appropriate Curtains
Choose lightweight, flame-resistant fabrics for your baby proofed curtains. If necessary, opt for corded designs so that you can open and close them with ease. Also, make sure to check the color you choose does not clash with other items in the room.
Step 3: Install Cord Guards
Secure cord guards or cleats to the wall near cords and pulleys. This will help ensure that children cannot get tangled in them by keeping the cords tangle-free and out of reach. Installing cord guards is especially important if you have opted for corded curtains.
Step 4: Install Window Locks
Securely install window locks to keep the windows shut and prevent children from opening them accidentally. This will help ensure that no one falls out of the window or gets hurt.
Step 5: Secure Curtain Panels
Secure the panels of the curtains to the wall or window frame using safety pins. This will help prevent them from being pulled down, which could be hazardous if a child reaches up and grabs at it.
Step 6: Hang Sheer Curtains
If you want additional privacy, hang sheer curtains behind your main curtains. This is an extra safety precaution to ensure that no one can get tangled in the cords.
Step 7: Attach Corner Bumpers
Attach corner bumpers to the corners of the furniture in the room. This will help protect against potential injuries if a child bumps into them, such as bruising or cuts.
Step 8: Install Window Screens
Install window screens to help keep bugs and other pests from getting into your home, as well as prevent children from climbing out of the window. Installing window screens can help keep your home safe and sound.
Step 9: Place Cushions Around the Room
Place cushions around the room to soften any potential falls or bumps that may occur. This will help prevent injury if a child accidentally trips, slips, or stumbles.
Step 10: Monitor Your Child’s Activities
Last but not least, make sure you monitor your child’s activities. Even with all of the above safety precautions taken, it is still important to keep an eye on them when near windows and curtains for added protection.
With these steps, you can now baby proof your curtains and create a safe home environment for your children! Now knowing how to baby proof curtains, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure!
Additional Tips to Keep in Mind
- Consider investing in blackout shades for bedrooms. This will help keep the light out and create a calming atmosphere for naptimes or bedtimes.
- Make sure all cords are tangle free and securely fastened. This will help prevent entanglement and strangulation hazards.
- Place furniture away from windows. This will reduce the risk of injury if a child falls or trips while climbing on it.
- Install locks on lower cabinets and drawers to keep children from accessing potentially dangerous items inside them.
- Make sure all doors are locked or have a handle guard installed on them to keep children from wandering outside without supervision.
- Teach your children about window safety and the importance of always asking permission before opening one. This can help prevent falls and other accidents in the future.
By following these steps, you can make sure that your home is a safe and secure environment for your children! With the right baby-proofing techniques, you can create a space that is both comfortable and secure for your little ones.
8 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t forget to measure your windows when choosing curtains. This will ensure that they fit correctly and look great in the room. When in doubt, always go bigger and then add sheer curtains if necessary.
- Don’t forget to install cord guards or cleats near cords and pulleys. This will help keep them tangle-free and out of reach from children. Installing cord guards is especially important if you have opted for corded curtains.
- Don’t forget to secure the panels of the curtains to the wall or window frame using safety pins. This will help prevent them from being pulled down, which could be hazardous if a child reaches up and grabs at them.
- Don’t hang heavy curtains, such as velvet or brocade. These can be difficult to open and close and may pose a potential risk of entanglement if cords are used.
- Don’t forget to install window locks. This will help keep the windows closed and prevent any falls or unintentional openings. Also, make sure to secure the locks so they can’t be opened by children.
- Don’t hang sheer curtains without installing cord guards. This will help ensure that no one can get tangled in the cords. Taking extra precautions with such items is important for baby-proofing your curtains.
- Don’t forget to install window screens. This will help keep bugs and other pests from getting into your home, as well as prevent children from climbing out of the window.
- Don’t forget to monitor your child’s activities. Even with all of the above safety precautions taken, it is still important to keep an eye on them when near windows and curtains for added protection.
Remember, even though you have baby proofed your curtains, it is always important to watch children closely while they are near them. By taking the above steps, you can now feel more confident that your home is secure and safe for your little ones!
Conclusion
By following these steps on how to baby proof curtains, you can make sure that your home is a safe and secure environment for your children! As seen, there are plenty of ways to baby-proof curtains. Using hardware-mounted curtain brackets is the best way to ensure stability and safety.
However, other methods, such as lengthening cords and using cordless blinds and shades, can offer similar results. Each parent should decide which option is best based on their individual preferences and needs. It is also important to remember that the best way to ensure baby safety while in the home environment is by avoiding hanging cords altogether and avoiding any potentially dangerous situation for your little ones.
Overall, baby proofing curtains is not difficult as long as you know how to do it and always keep your little one’s safety at the forefront of your mind.
