Child Safety and Plantation Shutters: What Parents Need to Know

For parents of young children, safety is a primary concern when choosing window treatments. The good news: plantation shutters are among the safest options available. Unlike corded blinds, which have been linked to child strangulation incidents, plantation shutters operate without cords and present minimal hazards. This guide explains why shutters are a family-friendly choice and covers everything parents need to know about child safety.

The Cord Hazard: Why It Matters

Before discussing shutters specifically, understanding the danger of corded window coverings provides important context for why many parents seek alternatives.

Australian Statistics

According to Product Safety Australia and the ACCC:

• An average of one child dies every year in Australia from corded window covering accidents
• Children under 5 are most at risk, with toddlers particularly vulnerable
• Incidents often occur in seconds when parents or carers are briefly distracted
• Both pull cords and inner cord loops pose strangulation risks

Current Regulations

Australian Consumer Law includes mandatory safety standards for corded internal window coverings:

• Cords must not create a loop greater than 220mm when pulled at any angle
• Cord cleats and tensioners must be provided to secure loose cords
• Products must carry warning labels about strangulation hazards
• Suppliers must provide safety devices and installation instructions

Despite these regulations, many child safety advocates recommend avoiding corded products entirely where young children are present.

Why Plantation Shutters Are Inherently Safe

Plantation shutters avoid the cord hazard entirely through their design:

Cord-Free Operation

Standard plantation shutters have no cords whatsoever. Louvres are adjusted using:

• Tilt rods: A central bar connected to all louvres that tilts them open or closed
• Hidden tilt systems: Some modern shutters have concealed mechanisms operated by tilting any single louvre
• Direct louvre adjustment: Louvres can often be tilted by hand without using the tilt rod

None of these mechanisms involve cords, strings, or chains that could pose a strangulation risk.

Solid Construction

Unlike blinds with slats that can bend, break, or detach, quality plantation shutters are solidly constructed:

• Louvres are securely attached to stiles (vertical frame members)
• Frames are fixed to walls or window reveals
• No small parts that children could pull off or swallow
• Robust enough to withstand typical child interactions

Additional Safety Considerations

While shutters are inherently safe regarding cord hazards, parents should still consider a few factors:

Finger Entrapment

Young children may put fingers between louvres. When another louvre is moved, fingers could get pinched. To minimise this risk:

• Teach children not to play with the shutters
• Consider keeping louvres either fully open or fully closed rather than mid-positions
• Quality shutters have smooth louvre edges that reduce pinch severity

The pinch risk is minor compared to strangulation hazards from corded products, but worth awareness.

Panel Swing

Bi-fold or hinged shutter panels swing open for window access. If slammed or swung carelessly, they could strike a child. Consider:

• Installing magnetic catches to hold panels in open or closed positions
• Teaching children to open and close panels gently
• Fixed panels (non-opening) where full window access isn't needed

Climbing Hazard

Sturdy shutter frames could theoretically be used as a climbing aid by adventurous toddlers. This is not unique to shutters—any window treatment could potentially assist climbing. General child safety practices apply:

• Don't place furniture near windows that could aid climbing
• Consider window restrictors on upper floors
• Supervise young children as you would with any window

Shutters in Children's Rooms

Plantation shutters are particularly well-suited to children's bedrooms and nurseries:

Light Control for Sleep

Good sleep is crucial for child development. Shutters offer excellent light blocking for daytime naps and early mornings. When fully closed, quality shutters block most external light—helpful when children need to sleep while it's still light outside.

Durability

Children's rooms see heavy use and occasional rough treatment. Shutters withstand this better than most alternatives:

• No delicate fabric to tear or stain
• No cords or mechanisms to break
• Easy to wipe clean from sticky fingers
• Durable finish resists scuffs and marks

Growing With Children

Unlike themed curtains or blinds that children outgrow, neutral shutters remain appropriate as children age. They work equally well for nurseries, children's rooms, and eventually teenage bedrooms—a good long-term investment.

Making Existing Blinds Safer

If you're not ready to replace corded blinds with shutters, take immediate safety steps:

Immediate Actions

• Install cord cleats high on the wall, out of children's reach (at least 1.6m from floor)
• Wind cords around cleats to prevent loops hanging down
• Cut continuous loop cords and install separate cord tensioners
• Move cots and beds away from windows where cords could be reached
• Move furniture that children could climb to reach cords

Consider Replacement

While safety devices help, the safest approach is replacing corded blinds with cord-free alternatives. Options include:

• Plantation shutters (the focus of this site)
• Cordless roller blinds with spring mechanisms
• Motorised blinds operated by remote or app
• Curtains without cord-operated tracks

Questions to Ask When Buying

When purchasing shutters for a home with children, ask suppliers:

• "Are these shutters completely cord-free?"
• "What material is used for the louvre edges?" (smooth, rounded edges are safer)
• "Do the panels have magnetic catches to prevent swinging?"
• "How durable is the finish for a child's room?"
• "Can individual louvres be replaced if damaged?"

Teaching Children About Shutters

Once shutters are installed, help children understand how to interact with them safely:

• Show them how to gently operate the tilt rod
• Explain that louvres are not for climbing or hanging on
• Demonstrate careful opening and closing of bi-fold panels
• As they grow, give them responsibility for adjusting their own room's shutters

Children often enjoy the independence of controlling their own light levels, and learning to operate shutters carefully teaches responsibility.

Peace of Mind for Parents

Choosing plantation shutters for your family home means one less hazard to worry about. While no home can be completely child-proofed, eliminating cord strangulation risks removes a significant danger. Shutters are a practical, attractive, and safe solution that serves families well from the newborn years through to teenage independence and beyond.