If you have a baby or a toddler at home, you know how curious they can be about everything. Especially things that hang, dangle or move, like your floor-length curtains. While curtains can add style and coziness to your home, they can also pose a risk for your little one if they have cords, loops or fringes that can get tangled, pulled or chewed.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to give up your beautiful curtains for the sake of safety. You can baby proof them in a snap with some simple tips and tricks. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to baby proof floor-length curtains without compromising their look or function. Let’s get started!
How do you baby proof floor-length curtains?
You can baby proof floor-length curtains by following these steps:
- Cut or tie any excess cords or loops that hang from your curtains or blinds.
- Secure the cords or loops with a cleat, a cord lock or a magnet on the wall out of reach of your child.
- Trim or hem any fringes or edges that touch the floor or puddle on the floor.
- Fold or pin the bottom of the curtains under so they are slightly above the floor.
- Use curtain rings or clips to attach the curtains to the rod so they don’t slide off.
How To Baby Proof Floor-Length Curtains In A Snap
Floor-length curtains can create a cozy and elegant atmosphere in your home, but they can also be a hazard for your baby or toddler if they have cords, loops or fringes that can be pulled, tangled or chewed. Here are some easy ways to baby proof your floor-length curtains without ruining their appearance or function.
Cut or tie any excess cords or loops
The first step to baby proof your floor-length curtains is to get rid of any cords or loops that hang from your curtains or blinds. These can pose a strangulation risk for your child if they get wrapped around their neck or body.
To cut or tie any excess cords or loops, you need to:
- Measure how much cord or loop you need to operate your curtains or blinds and mark it with a pen or a pin.
- Cut the excess cord or loop with scissors and seal the end with a lighter or clear nail polish to prevent fraying.
- Tie a knot at the end of the cord or loop to prevent it from slipping through the curtain rod or blind mechanism.
Secure the cords or loops with a cleat, a cord lock or a magnet
The next step to baby proof your floor-length curtains is to secure the cords or loops with a cleat, a cord lock or a magnet on the wall out of reach of your child. This will prevent them from dangling, swinging or being pulled by your child.
To secure the cords or loops with a cleat, a cord lock or a magnet, you need to:
- Choose a spot on the wall that is high enough for you to reach but not for your child.
- Install a cleat, a cord lock or a magnet on the wall according to the instructions on the package.
- Wrap the cord or loop around the cleat, slide it into the cord lock or attach it to the magnet when you are not using your curtains or blinds.
Trim or hem any fringes or edges
The third step to baby proof your floor-length curtains is to trim or hem any fringes or edges that touch the floor or puddle on the floor. These can pose a tripping hazard for your child if they get caught under their feet or in their mouth.
To trim or hem any fringes or edges, you need to:
- Lay your curtain panel flat on a table or the floor and smooth out any wrinkles or creases.
- Measure how much fringe or edge you want to remove and mark it with a pen or a pin.
- Cut the fringe or edge with scissors and seal the end with a lighter or clear nail polish to prevent fraying.
- Hem the cut edge with an iron-on adhesive hem tape according to the instructions on the package.
Fold
or pin the bottom of the curtains under
The fourth step to baby proof your floor-length curtains is to fold or pin the bottom of the curtains under so they are slightly above the floor. This will prevent them from dragging on the floor, collecting dust, or being pulled by your child.
To fold or pin the bottom of the curtains under, you need to:
- Hang your curtain panel on the curtain rod with the end folding away from the window so that the lining is not visible.
- Fold the bottom of the curtain panel under so it just grazes the floor.
- Pin the folded edge in place with safety pins on the backside of the curtain panel.
Use curtain rings or clips to attach the curtains to the rod
The fifth and final step to baby proof your floor-length curtains is to use curtain rings or clips to attach the curtains to the rod so they don’t slide off. This will prevent them from falling on your child or being pulled down by your child.
To use curtain rings or clips to attach the curtains to the rod, you need to:
- Slide the curtain rings or clips onto the curtain rod with the end folding away from the window so that the lining is not visible.
- Clip one ring or clip on each eyelet, grommet, rod pocket or hook on the top of the curtain panel.
- Arrange the rings or clips evenly on the curtain rod and make sure they are aligned with each other.
FAQs
How do I baby proof curtains without cutting or hemming them?
If you don’t want to cut or hem your curtains, you can still baby proof them by folding or pinning the bottom of the curtains under so they are slightly above the floor. You can also use a tension rod to hang your curtains inside the window frame instead of outside. This will prevent them from hanging too low or being pulled by your child.
How do I baby proof curtains without damaging the wall?
If you don’t want to damage the wall by installing a cleat, a cord lock or a magnet, you can still baby proof your curtains by using a cord shortener or a cord wrap. A cord shortener is a device that wraps around the excess cord and keeps it out of reach of your child. A cord wrap is a fabric sleeve that covers the cord and prevents it from dangling or swinging.
How do I baby proof curtains without ruining their appearance?
If you don’t want to ruin the appearance of your curtains, you can still baby proof them by choosing a cleat, a cord lock or a magnet that matches the color and style of your curtains. You can also choose a trim or a hem tape that blends in with your curtains. You can also use curtain rings or clips that are discreet and elegant.
Final Words
Baby proofing your floor-length curtains doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. You can do it in a snap with some simple tips and tricks. I hope this blog post has helped you learn how to baby proof your floor-length curtains without compromising their look or function.
