As an expectant parent knows, there’s undoubtedly something pretty special about perfecting the space that’ll eventually be occupied by your little bundle of joy.

Assembling a crib or a dresser, building a change station or installing a closet organizer are just some of the preparations any parent will happily make knowing that the room will soon be filled with laughter and love. And because everything needs to be just so, any prospective parents will spend hours researching just about everything they choose to incorporate into their nursery - which also includes the safety of the products.

This article will help you to make a safe and satisfying buying decision when it comes to choosing the right window treatments for your nursery.

The Do’s
Whether you choose vertical blinds, curtains, or rollers, safety in your nursery is of the utmost priority, let’s take a look at the factors that will mitigate the dangers in this space.

●     Avoid floor-length drapes in your nursery.Though perfectly acceptable in most rooms in your home, floor-length drapes in your nursery are less than ideal. Not only could your toddler pull on them (and in so doing cause damage to the curtain rod and mounts), it could result in an injury to your child if any of the mounting equipment fails. In short, keep window treatments short and out of reach! If you do decide on drapes, ensure you invest in drapery tracks to provide many years of smooth operation, and ideal for those who want to add automation to their window coverings, as some will allow you to open your drapes or blinds at the push of a button or flip of a switch.

●     Consider a valance. If you like the room-darkening qualities of blinds but think they don’t bring the right aesthetic to your nursery, consider installing a valance above the window. A fabric valance can soften the sometimes austere appearance associated with window blinds and won’t pose a danger to your little one. In fact, valances are an easy way to add a point of interest at the apex of a wall, giving the space the illusion of added height.

●     Dress up your roller shades. On their own, roller shades are a great way to block light during nap time while being able to disappear completely when they aren’t needed. Though cost effective, not all are created equally; choose one made from ultra thick fabric for maximum light blocking. Choosing a thick roller shade made from a decorative fabric is a nice compromise between style and the light-blocking attributes desired in a nursery window treatment.

●     Choose something with a lovely pattern. Since most nurseries include their fair share of whimsical murals, plush animals, and books, why not introduce a bit of interest to your window treatments? Whatever pattern you decide upon, make sure that you carry it through the room by adding a similar pattern throughout. For example, you can use the same pattern for the window coverings as you do for the bedding or for the accent pillow located on the nursing recliner or rocking chair.

●     Emphasize safety above all else. Make sure that when you install the curtain rod and other hardware that every precaution is taken. If attaching to drywall, use anchors to ensure the hardware will not easily fail. If possible, attach hardware directly to the studs. If you’re using blinds, make sure that any pull cords are properly managed as they do pose a choking hazard to young children. As a safer and highly-recommended option, consider motorized or cordless window coverings to eliminate the hazard altogether. It’s important to note that a new Health Canada regulation will restrict the length of the cords and the size of the loops found on window coverings sold in Canada, and is set to be implemented by 2021.

●     Try to keep the space cool. Since young children have difficulty regulating their own temperature, you should consider installing window treatments that are specifically designed to reduce or block harmful UV radiation as well as solar energy in the form of heat. Since bedrooms can get right toasty in the afternoons, installing something that’ll make nap time cool and comfortable is your best bet.

The Don’ts

Now that we’ve covered all the things you should consider when choosing the right window coverings for your nursery, let’s take a look at a few things that you should avoid altogether.

●     Avoid curtains that steal the show from your windows. During the day, you want to let in as much light as possible and don’t want to impede your child’s view of the outside world. Many curtains, even when pulled back, will still cover a considerable amount of glass. You can avoid this by installing wide panel drapes and installing the hardware further from the window’s edge. As you might imagine, this will allow you to pull the curtains back further, leaving more of the window exposed.

●     Do not use tension rods to support your window coverings. This might go without saying, but since tension rods are not screwed into the wall, they are not suitable for supporting window treatments in a child’s or toddler’s room.

●     As stylish as they are, avoid buying embellished curtains. Curtains that contain embellishments should be avoided as these can become loose or fall off and could pose a choking hazard to a curious child.

If you’ve got a baby on the way, there’s no doubt that you’ve got an exciting time ahead, and completing the nursery is just the beginning. Whether your nursery will have blinds, curtains, or roller shades, there’s a fair amount to consider and there’s no shortage of beautiful options. Hopefully this article has helped you choose something that will meet your practical, style, and safety needs.