Safety First when Choosing Children's Decor

When decorating a child's room, or even any room in your home, you should take into consideration safety measures. We naturally think of fire safety and should have fire alarms and extinguishers in our home already, but some of the following are overlooked.

Cords on Blinds & Draperies

The cords on window blinds have been a real concern for years in regard to the danger they pose for small children. The danger is at its greatest when the horizontal blind is lowered and the cord lock is not engaged. At this point a small child can grab the cord and create a loop. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Manufacturers Association have been working together to try and reduce the chances of accident or injury to children. Hunter Douglas has addressed this issue by featuring a "Safety Cord Stop" on blinds as of August 14, 2000. When purchasing new blinds, make sure that there is a safety cord stop or similar device on the blinds. The stop prevents the cord from being pulled back through the cord lock, reducing the chance of strangulation. If you have horizontal blinds, you should also make sure that your child's bed or crib is not near the window. You can also use cord cleats, hold down brackets and cord tension devices when appropriate. You should always make sure that the cord is out of your child's reach. Keep in mind that the cords on drapery or any type of window treatment could present the same danger. It is always a good idea to make sure that any cords are secured high and out of reach of small children.

Lead Paint

Many homes built before 1978 have lead paint in them, however, if the paint is not chipping, rubbing and is in good condition, it usually is not a hazard. If the paint is lead and it is peeling, cracking or chipping then you should give it immediate attention. If lead-based painted window and door joints are tight and rubbing together when opened and closed then you should correct that problem as well. You do not want to begin sanding without taking precautions though, because lead dust from sanding or scraping can enter the lungs. Lead from paint chips, which you can see, and lead dust, which you can't always see, can both be serious hazards.

Areas that may have lead paint on them are:

• Windows and window sills.
• Doors and door frames.
• Stairs, railings, and banisters.
• Porches and fences.

To receive pack go to site below: National Lead Information Center

Allergies

Childhood allergies and asthma can be complicated by house dust, mold and animal dander in the home. You will not be able to remove all allergens, however you can cut down on them drastically by following a few pointers when selecting finishes for your new interiors. If your child is affected by dust, mold or air borne allergens, the following tips may help:

• Avoid carpets, particularly wall to wall carpets, and install hardwood or vinyl flooring when possible. Carpeting can retain allergens and dust that are difficult to vacuum up or remove on a regular basis. You should use washable area rugs where you would like to soften a room. Vacuum, dust and sweep often.
• Use an air filter designed to eliminate air-born allergens.
• Do not use feather or down fill in his mattress or pillow. Enclose the mattress and pillow with an allergen-proof cover.
• Window treatments should be simple, easily washed and of a style that will not collect dust.
• Toys (even stuffed animals) and all room decorations should be made so that they can be washed on a regular basis.
• All blankets and covers used on the bed should be washed every two lessons, therefore you should use fabrics and fibers that will be durable and hold up well.

The National Institutes of Health web site has an article on "How to Create a Dust-Free Bedroom" at www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/dustfree.htm. This article is full of additional advice and information on ways to reduce allergens in the home.