Children's clothes

How can you keep children safe from cords and drawstrings in clothing?

Children have suffered serious injuries and even death from accidents involving cords and drawstrings on their clothes. For example, cords can become tangled in playground equipment or bicycle wheels, leading to dangerous situations. While it is against the law to sell unsafe children’s clothes and there are standards for manufacturers, it is important to take extra care when choosing clothes for children.

What should you look for when choosing children’s clothes?

• Avoid cords and drawstrings in young children’s clothes, especially if they trail below the sleeve or hem of the clothing. 

• Young children’s clothes should not have cords or drawstrings in the hood or neck area.

• Cords in the hood and neck area should not be elastic.

• Avoid children’s clothes that tie at the front with long belts or sashes.

• Make sure cords at the end of clothes and decorative cords at the bottom hem of trousers are stitched and secured to the inside of the garment.

What should you do if you see unsafe children’s clothes for sale?

If you see any products you think are unsafe, let the CCPC know who was selling it and where. Get in touch via our contact us page.