Health Tip: Keep Kids Away From Corded Blinds and Shades

Corded blinds and shades pose significant strangulation hazards for young children. Experts say parents should check every window in the home to make sure the covering doesn't pose a danger.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these suggestions:

• Use cordless blinds and shades in your home if children live there or visit.
• If any blinds and shades do have a cord, make sure a child can't reach it from any direction.
• Keep cribs, beds and furniture away from windows to prevent children from climbing to reach a cord.
• Use tension devices to keep any cords or beaded chains taut.