Child safety at home is every parent’s priority, yet one of the most overlooked risks hides in plain sight: the cords and chains on traditional blinds. These seemingly harmless fittings can create dangerous loops that pose a strangulation hazard to babies and young children.
At Amanda’s Blinds in Rotherham, we believe no home should have to choose between style and safety. Every blind we fit complies with the latest British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) child safety standards. With over 20 years of experience fitting blinds across South Yorkshire, our team provides honest, practical advice and professional installations that keep your family protected.
This guide explains what makes blinds child-safe, why the law requires specific fittings, which blind styles are best for households with children, and how our local experts ensure every installation meets strict safety standards.
Why Child-Safe Blinds Are Essential for Modern Homes
For decades, blinds have been a popular choice for controlling light and privacy. However, before 2014, many designs included free-hanging cords and chains, which tragically led to accidents in homes across the UK. Research by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) revealed that several fatalities involved children under five becoming entangled in window blind cords.
These findings prompted the European Standard EN 13120, which sets out the legal safety requirements for all blinds sold or professionally fitted in the UK. In short, if a blind has a cord or chain, it must include a safety device to keep it out of reach of children.
When you choose Amanda’s Blinds, you can rest assured that:
- Every blind is fitted with compliant safety devices.
- All cords are secured at least 150 cm above floor level.
- Our installers provide guidance on safe operation and maintenance.
Our mission is simple: to help families across Rotherham, Sheffield, Barnsley, and Doncaster enjoy beautiful blinds without safety concerns.
While safety is a legal requirement, blinds are still chosen based on how they perform day-to-day, particularly in managing privacy, reducing glare, and maintaining comfortable light levels.
What Exactly Makes a Blind “Child-Safe”?
A child-safe blind is one that is fitted in line with current UK child safety legislation. Child safety is not optional; it is a legal requirement, and all blinds must comply.
At Amanda’s Blinds, every blind we install is child safe as standard. The safety device used is determined by the type of blind being fitted, not by customer preference.
This means every installation includes the correct child safety measures based on the blind style and how it operates.
Common child-safety features include:
- Breakaway connectors: Separate automatically when pressure is applied.
- Tensioned systems: Keep cords taut along the frame so no loop is formed.
- Safety cleats: Secure cords high up on the wall, safely out of reach.
These simple but effective innovations make an enormous difference. When we visit your home for a free consultation, we demonstrate how each system works and help you compare designs side-by-side.
Which Types of Blinds Are Best for Child Safety?
All blind types can be installed safely when fitted correctly and in line with UK legislation. The key point is that the type of blind determines the operating method and the safety device used.
Roller Blinds
Roller blinds remain one of the safest and most versatile choices. They are perfect for nurseries, bedrooms, and living spaces, providing a clean finish and smooth operation. Our roller blinds are chain-operated.
Pleated Blinds
Pleated blinds fold neatly when raised, with minimal hardware and no dangling cords. They are ideal for conservatories and loft spaces, and can even be fitted into perfect-fit frames for added security.
Venetian Blinds
Wooden venetian blinds can be controlled using a cord. Aluminium varieties are wand and cord-operated, and are particularly low-maintenance, making them a practical choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Day & Night Blinds
These modern blinds feature alternating sheer and opaque fabric strips for light control.
Vertical Blinds with Safety Devices
Vertical blinds are either wand-operated or chain-operated, depending on the system used. They can be made safe using tensioners and cleats installed to BBSA standards. This makes them suitable for large patio doors and full-length windows.
If you are unsure which blind type best suits your home, our specialists can provide tailored recommendations during your free home visit.
Understanding the Legal Requirements for Child-Safe Blinds
It is not just best practice to fit child safety devices – it is the law. All blinds installed in the UK must comply with child safety legislation.
At Amanda’s Blinds, all blinds are fitted with the correct child safety measures as standard. The safety device used depends on the blind type and operating system.
We ensure every installation includes:
- A safety device or cleat fitted at the correct height.
- Full compliance documentation on request.
Our team follows Amanda’s standards and procedures on every installation, and all fitters are experienced and trained in child-safe blind installation.
For more details about these legal standards, visit the BBSA Make It Safe campaign for additional resources and guidance.
How Amanda’s Blinds Ensures Every Installation Is Safe
Every installation follows Amanda’s standards and procedures to ensure child safety compliance and a consistent quality of fitting.
Here’s how we work:
- Home Consultation: We visit your property with samples and discuss suitable blind options
- Survey & Measurement: A trained surveyor measures each window and checks the room layout
- Safety Compliance Check: We identify the correct child safety device based on the blind type
- Installation: A member of our in-house team fits the blinds to Amanda’s installation standards
- Demonstration: We show you how to operate the blinds safely and correctly
Our team is experienced and trained in child-safe blind installation, and all work is completed to the same internal standard from start to finish.
Simple Tips for Maintaining Child Safety at Home
Even when blinds meet the latest standards, responsible use is essential. We always encourage homeowners to follow a few key habits to keep children safe.
Five essential safety tips:
- Keep cots, beds, and furniture away from windows with blinds.
- Ensure cords are never tied together or left hanging loosely.
- Check safety devices regularly to confirm they are secure.
- Teach children not to play near cords or pull on blind mechanisms.
- Replace older blinds that do not have modern safety fittings.
These easy steps, combined with professionally installed safety mechanisms, help reduce risk dramatically.
Why Local Families Trust Amanda’s Blinds
Homeowners across South Yorkshire repeatedly choose Amanda’s Blinds for three main reasons: trust, experience, and integrity.
- Award-winning customer service: Recognised by the Barnsley Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Customer Service.
- Family-run values: Friendly, no-pressure advice from start to finish.
- Local expertise: Serving Rotherham, Sheffield, Barnsley, and Doncaster with personal visits.
- Safety commitment: Every blind fitted by our own team, always to BBSA standards.
We’re proud to combine the professionalism of a national company with the personal care of a local family business.
The Cost of Safety – Are Child-Safe Blinds Expensive?
Child safety does not increase the price of your blinds.
All blinds are required to be child safe under UK law, so compliant safety devices are included as standard where needed.
As with all blinds, the final price depends on the size, style, and material chosen. We provide clear, no-obligation quotes following a home visit and survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to install safety clips by law?
Yes, if a blind includes a cord or chain, a safety device must be fitted at least 150 cm from the floor. This is a legal requirement in the UK.
Can older blinds be made safer?
If your blinds are very old, replacement may be the best option.
For more frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ page, where we explain pricing, turnaround times, and service coverage.
Book Your Free Child-Safe Blinds Consultation in Rotherham Today
If you live in within the nearby areas, our friendly team can help you choose blinds that are stylish, functional, and completely child-safe.