If you are the parent of a curious and adventurous toddler, there's no doubt you've covered electrical outlets, put safety covers on door knobs, and installed toddler-proof locks on your kitchen cabinets. But have you done anything to your window coverings? According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, corded window coverings are hazardous to children.

In fact, cords from window coverings are one of the top five hidden dangers in our homes. Children can get strangled in the cords. Fortunately, there are several things parents can do to prevent their young children from being injured or killed by corded window coverings. Here are your options.

Retrofit your existing coverings with safety devices

Due to the hazards of window coverings, the CPSC has developed the Window Covering Safety Council, which offers free retrofit devices for all types of corded window coverings. These devices have been designed to work with all makes and models of shades, blinds, and other types of window coverings. Depending on the type of window coverings you have, you will find cleats, chain break connectors, cord joiners, beaded chains, cord stops, and/or safety tassels. The packages also include detailed instructions on how to install the devices. However, since the safety of your young child is important, consider hiring a window covering specialist to install the devices for you.

Install new cordless blinds

Alternatively, remove your existing blinds and replace them with cordless blinds. Blind manufacturers have incorporated several types of new safety features into the designs of blinds, such as springs that open and close the blinds and tension cords to attach to the window or wall. There are also windows that have blinds built into them, with the blinds essentially being sandwiched in the middle of a double-paned window. Speak with a window covering specialist for more information regarding the options that are currently on the market.

Cover your windows with drapes

Another option is to use drapery to cover your windows. Drapes do not have cords attached to them. To open and close drapes you simply pull the fabric into position. However, there are still safety concerns with drapes. Your child may attempt to climb up the drapes as if they were Tarzan. Therefore, secure the drapery rods directly into the wall studs. Do not use space heaters or place lit candles near drapes. Choose drapes made with a fire resistant material.

Contact your window covering specialist for more ideas on how to protect your young children from the dangers of blinds and drapes.