Window Blind Cord Safety: What to Fix and What to Replace

Cordless window coverings are the only way to remove the strangulation hazard, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If you have young children at home or visiting, replacing corded blinds is the best fix. If you cannot replace them yet, CPSC lists steps that reduce the risk, with the caveat that they do not eliminate it. This page covers both, as of October 2026.

1. The numbers

CPSC data says on average about nine children under 5 die each year from strangling on window blinds, shades, draperies and other window coverings with cords. In a 13-year period from January 2009 through December 2021, CPSC counted more than 200 incidents involving children up to 8 years old, and a child died in 48% of them. Injuries ranged from a scar around the neck to quadriplegia and permanent brain damage.

CPSC stresses that this can happen in moments, even with an adult nearby, and that it is often silent, so a caregiver in the next room may not know.

2. Which cords are the problem

Per CPSC, young children can be strangled by pull cords, continuous loop cords, inner cords, or any other accessible cord longer than 8 inches on a window covering (the 8 inches comes from CPSC's November 2022 release). A quick audit of each window:

• Pull cords that dangle. Look at the front, side and back of each product.
• Continuous loops of cord or bead chain on drapery, roller shades and vertical blinds.
• Inner cords, the strings that raise the slats of blinds or run behind Roman shades.

CPSC also notes that most blinds sold before November 2000 have inner cords a child can pull out and form into a loop around the neck. Its advice is to replace these types of blinds immediately.

3. Best fix: go cordless

CPSC encourages buying and installing cordless window coverings in all rooms where a child may be present. They are available at most retailers, and CPSC says online listings should be described as cordless. Its release says affordable options exist at major retailers.

4. If you cannot replace them yet

CPSC's interim steps, which it says "will not eliminate the hazard," only reduce it:

1. Move furniture. Shift cribs, beds, other furniture and toys away from windows and cords, preferably to another wall, so children cannot climb to reach cords.
2. Shorten pull cords. Make dangling pull cords as short as possible and keep them out of children's reach.
3. Check cord stops. These are donut-shaped pieces on pull cords that limit how far inner lift cords can move. CPSC says they should be within 1 to 2 inches of the head rail when the blind is fully lowered, installed properly and adjusted.
4. Anchor continuous loops. Fasten loops on draperies and blinds to the floor or wall with a tension device, using fasteners suited to the surface. The cord should be taut but still operable.

If your blinds lack cord stops or a hold-down device, CPSC points to the Window Covering Safety Council (800-506-4636, windowcoverings.org) for a free kit. CPSC warns that those retrofit kits do not address the dangling pull cord hazard found on many common blinds.

5. What the new federal rules changed

On November 2, 2022, CPSC voted 4 to 0 to approve a mandatory safety standard for operating cords on custom window coverings, meaning products made to a customer's specifications. It also approved a rule that treats hazardous operating cords and inner cords on stock window coverings, and hazardous inner cords on custom ones, as a substantial product hazard. That rule incorporates the voluntary standard ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018. CPSC said the custom standard takes effect 180 days after Federal Register publication, and the substantial-hazard rule 30 days after, for products manufactured after that date.

What this means for a buyer: newer products should be made to stricter cord requirements. It does not remove corded blinds already in your home, and the standards address cords for children up to 8 years old, so an older house still needs the audit above. CPSC still recommends cordless as the safest choice.

6. A simple weekend plan

1. Walk every room and note every blind or shade with an accessible cord. Check the back of Roman shades.
2. Check dates. If any blinds predate November 2000, plan to replace them.
3. Order cordless replacements for children's rooms and living areas first.
4. In the meantime, shorten cords, adjust cord stops and anchor loops.
5. Rearrange beds, cribs and climbable furniture away from windows.

7. Key takeaways

• About nine children under 5 die each year from window cord strangulation, per CPSC.
• Any accessible cord over 8 inches counts: pull cords, continuous loops and inner cords.
• Cordless is the only option that eliminates the hazard; the other steps only reduce it.
• Blinds made before November 2000 have inner cords CPSC says to replace immediately.
• Move cribs, beds and furniture away from windows, and keep cord stops 1 to 2 inches from the head rail.