One Essential Aspect of Child Safety You May be Overlooking
This post was sponsored by the Window Covering Safety Council as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. All opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Before our first child was born, my husband and I were like any first-time parents. We read and researched and made sure we had all of our ducks in a row to keep our little one safe. I know that safety is of the Lord, and ultimately we depend on Him to protect our children.
But of course, we are to be responsible parents since He has placed those children in our care.
One of our first child safety updates around the house was to replace all the window blinds with cordless shades. I wanted to make sure that was taken care of before he got old enough to start toddling around. It was an extra expense that we really didn't have the money for at the time, but it was one that we found the money for because it was a priority for us.
You might not imagine that window blinds would be such a big deal. I mean, we all think about plugging the outlets, but replacing the blinds? I know I wouldn't have really even thought about it, except for the fact that I knew family whose toddler son suffered irreparable brain damage when his neck got caught in a window cord.
They loved him well. Oh, how they loved him! But his family went through a lifetime of trials from that accident. God used their son's life for His glory, for sure. But there was still grief and heartache intertwined. I know they would go through it all again if it meant that God would be glorified through his life and theirs. But that didn't mean it was easy. I'm sure I don't even know the half of all they suffered. And I'm sure they wouldn't desire other families to endure what they and their son went through.
The Window Covering Safety Council urges parents to install only cordless window coverings or ones with inaccessible cords if you have young children in the home.
I want to help get that message out. I happened to know this precious family's story, which helped me to be aware of what could happen, but not all parents are aware of just how dangerous a window cord can be.
October is National Window Covering Safety Month, so this is a great time to help spread the message.
Exposed and dangling cords pose a strangulation hazard to infants and young children. Please do not keep these types of window coverings in your home!
When shopping for suitable replacements, you can look for the “Best for Kids” label to help you easily identify cordless options. “Best for Kids” products are currently available at major retails across the country.
You can find out more about safe window coverings for kids at the Window Covering Safety Council Website.
The following infographic contains more ideas for keeping your children safe around window coverings:
