Child Safety & Corded Blinds Regulations in Canada
Ordinary household items like window coverings with long accessible cords can seriously harm or cause death to a child. Learn about the strangulation risk and how to make your home safer.
The Hidden Danger of Corded Blinds
Cords and kids don't mix. Before Canada's 2021 regulations, an average of one child per year died from strangulation by a window covering cord. Children between 1 and 3 years old are most at risk.
Strangulation happens quickly and quietly — even when caregivers are nearby. It only takes 22 centimetres of cord (or a 44 cm loop) to strangle a child.
15 sec
Unconsciousness
4 min
Brain damage
6 min
Death
Strangulation can occur when a child:
- • Places their head through a cord loop
- • Wraps a single long cord around their neck
- • Pulls inner cords out of the window covering and puts their head through the loop
Canadian Corded Window Covering Regulations
In 2021, new regulations for corded window coverings came into force under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. Canada's requirements are the strictest in the world, and apply to all products sold in Canada — both custom-made and off the shelf.
Key Requirements
- Cords with a free end: Must not exceed 22 cm in accessible length when a force of 35 N is applied.
- Closed-loop cords: The distance between any two points of contact on a closed loop must not exceed 22 cm under 35 N of force.
- Loop perimeter: The total perimeter of any accessible loop must not exceed 44 cm when a gradual force is applied.
These restrictions apply to all types of long accessible cords — including cords on the side, inside, or back of the window covering — on all products sold in Canada, regardless of where they were manufactured. The safest window coverings are ones without long accessible cords.
Source: Health Canada — Corded Window Coverings Regulations (SOR/2019-97), Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. Read more on Health Canada
Reduce the Risk
The safest option is to replace window coverings that have long accessible cords entirely. If you can only replace some, start with those in children's rooms and play spaces.
Safety tips for older corded window coverings
If you can't replace your older window coverings right away, take these steps to reduce the risk:
Always keep cords out of reach of children
Never place cribs, beds, or playpens near a window where a child could reach a cord
Do not place furniture that a child can climb near a window
Securely attach tension devices to the wall so a child can't place the cord around their neck
Install a cleat or tie-down device up high on the wall to keep cords out of reach
Never tie knots in cords — immediately untie any knots that form accidentally
Remove any devices that form dangling loops at the bottom, middle, or top of cords
Use all additional components and accessories that come with your window coverings (e.g., cord shields) — do not remove them
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing and using window coverings
Safer Alternatives from Soho Blinds
At Soho Blinds, child safety is a priority. All of our window blinds are designed and manufactured to meet or exceed current Canadian safety regulations. We offer completely cordless and motorized options across our entire product line:
Cordless Blinds
No cords at all — raise and lower by hand with a simple push or pull.
Motorized & Smart Blinds
Operate via remote control, smartphone app, or voice assistants. Zero accessible cords.
Wand-Controlled Blinds
A rigid wand replaces flexible cords, eliminating strangulation risk.
Every blind we manufacture in Winnipeg is built to your exact window dimensions with child-safe operation as the default — not an upgrade.
Make Your Home Safer Today
Replace old corded blinds with safe, modern alternatives. Book a free in-home consultation and we'll measure your windows, show you fabric samples, and provide a no-obligation quote.