• Mini blinds pose strangulation danger to small children.Tooga/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Mini blinds are known for posing a threat to babies and toddlers. It's not the blinds themselves that pose the danger, but the cords used to open and close the blinds. These cords have been responsible for the reported strangulation deaths of more than 330 children and babies in the past 30 years. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety commission is responsible for issuing mandatory warnings for mini blinds in addition to gathering research on deaths resulting from mini blind cords.
  
  

Looped Cords

• Mandatory warnings have been issued for years regarding mini blinds that have a looped cord design. The are the most dangerous variation of hazardous mini blinds are those that have looped pull cords as opposed to one or two separate, straight pull cords. These looped cords are often seen on older versions of mini blinds because blinds manufactured after 2001 are, by law, not allowed to have looped cords because of accidental child deaths. Children whose cribs or playpens were places near windows with these cords account for most deaths.
  
  

Hidden Cords

• Even though looped mini blind cords are no longer allowed to be manufactured, most blinds feature a series of cords on the inside necessary for the blinds to function. These cords are usually hidden from the eye but are able to be pulled out and thus pose a strangulation threat to small children.
  
  

Solutions for Safety

• The Consumer Products Safety Commission has several basic guidelines and tips to avoid potential deadly incidents with mini blind cords. If you have older mini blinds, they likely have a looped cord. Cut the cord into two separate cords to get rid of the dangerous loop. Also, make sure the cords are anchored or tied in some manner (tying them to an inner cord works for this) and not dangling loosely. This makes the cords unreachable to children and impossible for a child to untie. If you're purchasing new blinds, look for those that are cordless or have safety features to prevent child strangulation. Also, be sure to keep your children's cribs and play areas free of blind cords.