What are the safest blinds for a home with children?

Prefer blinds with no exposed operating cord or chain, such as suitable cordless spring-operated or motorised blinds. The best choice still needs secure brackets, appropriate controls and professional installation for the window and room.

If you buy a corded or chain-operated internal blind, Australia has mandatory standards covering supply, warning labels, safety components and installation. Loose loops must be secured with the specified cleat, tension device or cord guide and kept out of children's reach.

Before accepting a quote, ask:

• Is there a cordless or motorised option?
• Which child-safety device is included and where will it be fixed?
• Will the installer leave all required warnings and their contact label?
• Can a child reach the control from a cot, bed, chair, sofa or window sill?
• What happens during a power failure on a motorised blind?

Do not place cots, beds, highchairs or climbable furniture where a child can reach a blind cord. Regularly check that tension devices and cleats remain firmly attached and that no new loop has formed after furniture is moved or the blind is serviced.

For an existing unsafe blind, arrange a correct safety device immediately or replace the blind with a compliant cordless design. Do not treat a dangling loop as something to fix later.