Why this matters
Window blind cords have caused strangulation deaths of young children in Canada. In response, Health Canada introduced the Corded Window Coverings Regulations (SOR/2019-97), which apply to all corded window coverings sold in Canada from May 1, 2022.
In plain terms, the rules say that any cord a child could reach must be no longer than 22 cm, and any loop a child could reach must be no more than 44 cm around. Health Canada set those limits around the size of a one-year-old: short enough that a cord cannot wrap around a child's neck, and small enough that a loop cannot fit over a child's head.
All of our products meet these rules. But our default is simpler: in homes with children, we recommend no reachable cords at all.
Our child-safe options
Cordless lift
You raise and lower the shade by hand, from the bottom rail. A spring or clutch inside holds it at any height. Available on roller, cellular, Roman, zebra, sheer, faux wood and wood products.
Motorized
No cords, no chains, nothing to reach. Control by remote, wall switch, app or voice. Ideal for nurseries, kids' rooms and windows behind cribs and beds. Motorized blinds.
Wand control
On vertical, faux wood, wood and aluminum blinds, a rigid wand tilts the slats and draws verticals, replacing the old dangling cord.
Tensioned continuous loop
Where a chain loop is needed for very large or heavy shades, it is fixed to the wall with a tension device so it cannot form a free hanging loop. We install the tensioner every time; it is not optional.
Child-safe rooms
Nursery. Cordless or motorized blackout cellular or roller, with side channels. Darkness for naps, warmth for winter nights, nothing to reach.
Kids' bedrooms. Cordless blackout, in a tough fabric that survives being yanked on.
Living and family rooms. Cordless or motorized everything. Keep cribs, beds, sofas and anything climbable away from windows anyway.
Pets, too. Cats and dogs get tangled in cords. Cordless shades and blinds solve that as well.
Replacing old corded blinds
If you have blinds with long pull cords or loose loops made before 2022, Health Canada's advice is that cordless window coverings are the safest choice in homes with young children. If you cannot replace them yet, cut any looped cords, keep cords tied up high and out of reach, and move cribs, beds and furniture away from windows. Replacing the blinds in children's rooms first is the easiest place to start.
Frequently asked questions
Are corded blinds legal in Canada?
Corded blinds can still be sold in Canada only if they meet Health Canada's Corded Window Coverings Regulations, in force since May 1, 2022. Any reachable cord must be 22 cm or shorter, and any reachable loop must be 44 cm or less in perimeter. Many older corded blinds do not meet these rules.
What are the safest blinds for children?
Cordless and motorized blinds and shades are the safest because they have no reachable cords. Cordless lift is available on most products, and motorized shades remove cords and chains completely.
What blinds are best for a nursery?
Cordless or motorized blackout cellular or roller shades with side channels. They make the room dark for naps, insulate against cold windows, and have no reachable cords.
Are cordless blinds hard to use on big windows?
Large, heavy cordless shades can be harder to lift, especially if they are high. For big windows, motorization is the easiest and safest option, or the window can be split into two lighter shades.
Should I replace my old corded blinds?
If you have young children or pets and your blinds have long pull cords or loose loops, yes. Start with children's bedrooms and any room where a crib, bed or sofa is near a window.
Read next: Corded blinds rules in Canada explained