Recall Alert: The Evils of Window Treatments

Okay, folks, we've got some big recalls this week, all involving strangulation hazards and various types of shades/blinds. Duh, we all know these things are tricky with kids, but there seems to be some big oversight in some of the designs. I'm bummed because I own at least two of the Roman shades featured in the recall; incidentally, both the ones I own are from Target. And we all know how I feel about Target's return policy. Great.

First up, Vertical Land is recalling thousands of blinds because a 4-year old (I know--that seems kind of old, right?) strangled herself on the cord. Here's the link to the recall info, and here's a picture:

Next, Lutron is recalling a couple hundred thousand custom roller shades. Here's the link.

Moving right along. This first Target recall features several different Roman shades. Here's the link, which explains how you can get a free repair kit. And here's a picture of the exact shade that is hanging in the window behind my piano at this very minute:

I got it for $4 at a garage sale.

Pottery Barn Kids has to jump on the bandwagon, too, but the featured shade was unattractive and I didn't want its ugly mug sullying the pure reputation of my blog. (Snort.) Link.

The next one, from IKEA, gives me chills. The recall notice says, and I quote, "CPSC and IKEA received a report of a 2-year-old boy who suffered a near strangulation. His mother found him hanging from the loop bead chain."

AAAAGGGGHHH.

!!!!

Here's the link. And a picture:

Get thee behind me, Satan!

This last one features another Target recall, although, to be fair, it was also sold at other retailers. This one is interesting in that the danger lies not only in the lifting loop, but also in the roll-up material. Yuck. Link. Picture:

So. I hope I haven't grossed you out too much. My stomach is sick thinking of this. I'll post this, let it haunt my blog as the top post for a few hours, and then put up a happy, sunny post about Charlotte's first birthday tomorrow. How does that sound?

I'm all about repressing the negative.