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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Blind cords

50 replies

applecandy · 17/12/2023 23:15

Was I being unreasonable to call out a particular influencer/celeb for posting a video of her toddler standing on a window ledge playing hide n seal behind a blind with the cords clearly visible and at perfect height to get tangled in. I dread to think what would happen if she slipped.

It just takes 15 seconds for a child to lose consciousness in a blind cord related accident. You can buy hooks to lock them away.

Anyway, it appears she deleted my comment. I assume others too. I was polite by the way but highlighted the danger and way to fix it.

The video remains.

I think the video should be deleted and she should use her platform for better reasons.

OP posts:
NashvilleQueen · 17/12/2023 23:24

YADNBU

Original poster
applecandy · 17/12/2023 23:36

I just don't get why my comment is hidden. Why risk it? It's insanity given we know the dangers.

OP posts:
SummerInSun · 17/12/2023 23:40

Pretty sure in Australia is illegal to have these stupid blind cords that are loops and kids can strangle themselves on. They have to be two separate strings. My NCT instructor told us all of we had blind cords like that to o home and snip them into two before the baby was born.

Pinkpinkpink15 · 17/12/2023 23:50

applecandy · 17/12/2023 23:36

I just don't get why my comment is hidden. Why risk it? It's insanity given we know the dangers.

@applecandy

of course you know why your comment has been hidden

faux confusion is lame.

i don't know who you can report it to, I don't suppose there is anyone really. But if you really want to do some good, find a charity you can get behind to promote safety. Maybe find 'an influencer' who is willing to address safety issues, inbetween pouting & preening.

Original poster
applecandy · 17/12/2023 23:59

@Pinkpinkpink15 I guess I don't understand if she had a bunch of people say similar, why not take it on board and delete the video. Why hide comments? Instead she had kept 60 comments of people saying "awww cute" I'm not the lame one here

OP posts:
KrisAkabusi · 18/12/2023 01:07

I think YABU because if she was filming the child then she could clearly see if the child was in trouble. The very rare accidental deaths from these are from when the child wasn't being watched.

Original poster
applecandy · 18/12/2023 01:20

Yeah but she's telling the child it's ok to play there, carry on climbing by not saying "get down now!"

Next time, the kid might do it when not being observed. We all know we cannot watch a kid 100% of time, it's east to get distracted eg answering doors, taking tea out of oven, putting wash on

OP posts:
daisybe · 18/12/2023 01:21

Unless the blind was really old, anyone making roman blinds should be using a blind kit with a child safe mechanism (chain operated) and when installed they should have a cleat. These kits are designed to essentially breakaway if a child or even cat/pet gets caught, either in the cords or the chain (some chains are even on a strong magnet)

Judging by the mention of cords, it's a roman blind? Unless is a corded venetian, which I feel is also quite unsafe because of the long string when it's pulled up and many don't use a cleat for the excess as it takes time to wrap.
Either way, they should be child safe as there are strict regulations now, especially with roman, so you were right to mention it. I think there's a slow movement to crank operated blinds but it'll take time.

Bit pathetic that she didn't respond to you tbh. Its a valid safety issue.
She could have used it as an opportunity to highlight this to her followers so they can check their own blinds!!

comfyoldcardi · 18/12/2023 01:27

YANBU. We moved into our house 30 years ago and the front window blinds were still in situ. My 2 year old managed to get tangled in a cord before we had even got the furniture in. It still brings me out in a cold sweat remembering it. I clipped them all up very high with clothes pegs.

WandaWonder · 18/12/2023 01:44

You are being ridiculous and you know it, stop following influencers If they turn you into a busy body

YesItsMe44 · 18/12/2023 05:54

I don't think you're being unreasonable, but I have a sister who was riding a tricycle in the garage holding a cord and hung herself. Luckily my mother didn't hear her and was right there to save her. Ironically my mother had taken a course in lifesaving techniques as part of a boating certification the night before. Any cords in my house are clipped, hidden, etc.

I moved into a New apartment and the blinds don't have cords, or they are hidden inside the blinds. You pull down, or push up and the blind glides smoothly. It's a relief to me as I have grandchildren that visit often and I'll always be a bit over the top in this area.

WandaWonder · 18/12/2023 06:25

YesItsMe44 · 18/12/2023 05:54

I don't think you're being unreasonable, but I have a sister who was riding a tricycle in the garage holding a cord and hung herself. Luckily my mother didn't hear her and was right there to save her. Ironically my mother had taken a course in lifesaving techniques as part of a boating certification the night before. Any cords in my house are clipped, hidden, etc.

I moved into a New apartment and the blinds don't have cords, or they are hidden inside the blinds. You pull down, or push up and the blind glides smoothly. It's a relief to me as I have grandchildren that visit often and I'll always be a bit over the top in this area.

there is a different in being as safe as possible and judging and feeling the need to point out to others where is the line drawn?

savoycabbage · 18/12/2023 06:31

SummerInSun · 17/12/2023 23:40

Pretty sure in Australia is illegal to have these stupid blind cords that are loops and kids can strangle themselves on. They have to be two separate strings. My NCT instructor told us all of we had blind cords like that to o home and snip them into two before the baby was born.

I emailed a resort we stayed in Australia about the blind cords and they replied saying that they had 'never heard' of them being dangerous.

It was a massive place aimed at families too, with views that made children want to look out of the windows.

Original poster
applecandy · 18/12/2023 07:29

@WandaWonder why would you risk it though? Kids have died in the past.

Same with cot bumpers or uncut grapes. The fix is so easy, it's infuriating!

She may well have safety measures in place, but then why wouldn't you just say to all your followers?

OP posts:
Sapphire387 · 18/12/2023 07:32

My parents' neighbours tragically lost a child to a blind cord accident. My mother said she will never forget the poor woman (the child's mother) screaming while an ambulance was called. Sadly it was too late. It's just not worth the risk. YANBU.

VerticalSausages · 18/12/2023 07:33

What’s the cot bumper issue OP?

Original poster
applecandy · 18/12/2023 07:42

@VerticalSausages some cot bumpers are dangerous. It's best to have baby in a clean empty cot. No bumpers, no teddies, no pillows etc.

We had a mesh type bumper at one point but I'd not use one of those fabric ones with ties ever.

OP posts:
Original poster
applecandy · 18/12/2023 07:44

@Sapphire387 just awful. Poor family. There have even been instances of this happening whilst parents in the same room. It's silent and as I say takes less than a minute.

OP posts:
Doingmybest12 · 18/12/2023 08:00

I think we all tune into things that are particularly close to out hearts and can not understand why others don't feel the same. For her I assume she wasn't happy you were second guessing her parenting when maybe the child doesn't usually play there or he is never alone there. But I can see on a public platform you'd think its good not to be seen to be doing things that appear unsafe or could be unsafe . But the content is unregulated . I really disliked a royal picture where the family dog was close to the children's faces ( searched for it recently and couldn't find it) . There are endless things like this and actually people have to take responsibility for themselves and their own children on the many, many safety issues every day .

Original poster
applecandy · 18/12/2023 08:16

Well in a way, I am second guessing her parenting.

You can chose to be so offended and block me and others and tell us we are wrong. Silence anyone that isn't saying "aw blesss" or posting heart emojis

Or

You can delete the video, say "oh thanks I didn't know" and use your platform as an opportunity to educate others on a hidden danger.

OP posts:
WandaWonder · 18/12/2023 08:18

applecandy · 18/12/2023 07:29

@WandaWonder why would you risk it though? Kids have died in the past.

Same with cot bumpers or uncut grapes. The fix is so easy, it's infuriating!

She may well have safety measures in place, but then why wouldn't you just say to all your followers?

Kids have died with knives, get knocked over by cars, drown in baths and swimming pools, killed by parents, died falling off horses or out of trees

I don't feel the need to lecture others just to make myself feel better, it is just plain weird

PastelHouses · 18/12/2023 08:19

This reply has been deleted

This is a goady troll so we've removed their posts.

Heyhoherewegoagain · 18/12/2023 08:32

SummerInSun · 17/12/2023 23:40

Pretty sure in Australia is illegal to have these stupid blind cords that are loops and kids can strangle themselves on. They have to be two separate strings. My NCT instructor told us all of we had blind cords like that to o home and snip them into two before the baby was born.

Also the case in the UK for the last several years-possibly about 10, the loop shou”d be secured to the wall, or if no wall (bay window etc) there shouldn’t be a loop, just tails

ectoone · 18/12/2023 08:37

applecandy · 18/12/2023 08:16

Well in a way, I am second guessing her parenting.

You can chose to be so offended and block me and others and tell us we are wrong. Silence anyone that isn't saying "aw blesss" or posting heart emojis

Or

You can delete the video, say "oh thanks I didn't know" and use your platform as an opportunity to educate others on a hidden danger.

You are right, however these influencers are not there for safety, they are there for money.

I feel really uncomfortable that you said you 'called her out' - that's quite aggressive and even if you didn't think your were being on the comment I'm guessing she took it that way rather then friendly advice. I think a DM would have been more appropriate, lots of people don't know how to deal well with what is essentially criticism, and you did it publicly.

Original poster
applecandy · 18/12/2023 08:37

If the blind is secured she just needed to say, but I can see a kid standing on a window ledge (near the edge of a table) and the loop clearly visible. It's not just two separate ends.

Why don't these people ever use their platform for good?! Some people just use it for adverts and showing off. I curse the day social media was ever invented.

OP posts:
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