According to Dr. Betty Choi, pediatrician, author of “Human Body Learning Lab,” and mother of two, “Street lamps and neighborhood lights can shine through a window and get in the way of much-needed rest. To block the brightness, blackout shades or curtains can help an infant fall and stay asleep.” Whatever type of window treatment you choose for your child’s room, make sure it is safe. Cords should be secured to the wall to avoid the risk of strangulation, and curtains should be made of nontoxic materials to maintain a chemical-free space. In order to find the best options for a baby’s room, we spoke with experts in the field of child sleep and development. We also considered the thickness and quality of the materials, safety concerns, value for the money, as well as special features like their ability to reduce noise and help with energy efficiency. Here are the best blackout curtains for a nursery. These panels feature a two-in-one hanging method that offers versatility. Either hang in a ruched style using the rod pocket or in a pleated style using the back tabs. The fibers of the curtain are vibrantly white—the yarn is dyed individually with environmentally safe dye for lasting color. This is a completely versatile option that would work just as well in an adult’s room as it does in a child’s nursery. Price at time of publication: $55 Since nurseries are usually home to a lot of different types of messes, it’s important to select decor options that are easy to clean and care for. These curtains are machine-washable for easy clean-up, so stains and dust levels are easier to manage. Offered in 11 color choices and nine sizes, these curtains offer a range of styles to suit every type of nursery. They’re versatile enough to hang in a big kid’s room, too—which means they’re a great value for the price. Price at time of publication: $40 Although this set is only offered in one length, we love that the shorter style provides extra safety. Shorter curtains that end at the windowsill mean babies and toddlers won’t be able to tug at them, preventing the risk of window treatments falling from the wall. Stainless steel grommets add strength and durability but keep in mind that your curtain rod should be 1.5 inches or less. These blackout curtains are available in 10 different colors and prints, including bright orange, clouds, dinosaurs, and multicolored plaid. Price at time of publication: $28 Made from organic cotton that is OCS and OEKO-TEX® certified, this is a nontoxic choice for any child’s room. Double layered, the 100% polyester lining will blackout both natural and artificial light and also provide some noise cancelation. The lining is sewn into the curtain panel itself, so there is less material for a child to tug on or play with. The sewn-in lining means you can easily open the panel when you want to let light in or draw it shut when you don’t. This is a cordless piece with different size options. We love that this curtain comes in three solid, neutral color tones, so they’re perfect for parents who want to decorate without finding out a baby’s sex in advance or want to avoid stereotypical shades. The two-in-one construction allows for two hanging options—it has a rod pocket for a bunched style or back tabs for a pleated style. Make sure to dry-clean these when necessary, and be mindful that they are not machine-washable. Also, keep in mind that these curtains are sold by single panel, so you’ll need to select two for most types of windows. Price at time of publication: $50 Although the floral pattern conveniently hides small stains, this set of two panels is machine-washable to easily clean up any major messes. Keep in mind that this set of curtains is only available in one size. That means if you have particularly high ceilings, a longer set might suit you better. Alternatively, if you have busy toddlers who like to tug on curtain panels, a shorter set might be preferable. Price at time of publication: $90 Made with a hidden handle, these cordless shades are safe for kids and pets. The cordless lift operation is easy to lower and raise thanks to a concealed roller mechanism. Once lifted, the shade rolls onto itself, which creates an elegant pleated look. Offered in three colors and five sizes, these are a versatile and functional option that will grow with your child as they age. Price at time of publication: $229 Price at time of publication: $65 The 100% polyester has a velvet-like feel, so these curtains are soft and luxurious. Cordless for added safety, this set of two panels comes in six sizes and eight color options. Keep in mind that although these thermal curtains trap heat and block out noise, they are not 100% blackout. However, they do filter artificial and natural light and are proven to block out 80% of UV rays. Price at time of publication: $41 Completely machine-washable, this portable curtain comes with a carrying case so it can pack away when not in use. Keep in mind that although this option is convenient and portable, suction cups mean it might not be as stable or secure as a permanent curtain. Make sure to keep safety in mind when installing it and arranging your child’s crib. Price at time of publication: $27 These versatile curtains feature three hanging styles—either hang in a rod pocket for a scrunched look, hang in back tabs for a pleated look, or opt for curtain clips (sold separately). Weighted corners help the curtains hang perfectly. Due in part to the luxurious texture, these curtains should not be washed in the machine—make sure to dry-clean when needed. Price at time of publication: $97 Blackout curtains should block natural and artificial light, but they should also create a space that is nurturing and inviting for babies to sleep. They should be made from nontoxic materials and should adhere to the same baby-proofing guidelines you use in the rest of your house. Lastly, we selected curtains that are easy to clean and care for and will grow with your baby as they age.
What to Look for in Blackout Curtains for Nurseries
Type of curtains or window treatment
Depending on your design style and preference, there are typically three types of window treatments to choose from. Blackout curtains are a traditional option that come in a variety of colors, prints, and materials. They’re typically cordless and can be pulled aside to allow light in or closed completely to block it out. Blackout shades are one solid piece of material that moves up and down. They either roll or fold away from the windowsill when not in use, and they can be either corded or cordless. Lastly, blackout blinds are made of similar opaque material to block out light. However, keep in mind that blackout blinds tend to let some light in.
Material
Window treatments should be warm and inviting, particularly in a child’s room. When selecting curtains for a nursery, make sure they’re made from thick, durable material that’s easy to clean. Cotton is a fantastic, low-maintenance option that can be machine-washed and doesn’t require frequent ironing. Polyester is another durable option that’s easy to clean and care for.
Decor
For any type of nursery, decor style should be functional, versatile, and inviting. Although it can be tempting to design a room that’s geared toward a baby’s first months, it’s also a good idea to think about how your design choices will grow with your child as they age. When selecting window treatments, opt for a classic design. That way, you won’t have to buy a new set every time your child’s interests change. No matter how their personal style evolves, buying a set that features a simple, subtle design is the best way to get years of use out of your window treatments. Additionally, Dr. Vyas suggests buying a set of curtains that will suit mom and dad’s room, too. “Since the infant should be sleeping in the parents’ room for at least the first 6 months, the blackout curtains can be placed in the parents’ room to start.”
Safety
As is the case with anything you put in your child’s nursery, safety should be top of mind when selecting the right set of curtains. To start, be mindful of cords. Cordless shades are the best option. However, if you choose to invest in shades that are corded, make sure they are safely secured high up and away from anywhere children could grab them. Try to avoid long curtains that are within the child’s reach. It’s best to opt for curtains that end at the windowsill, so crawling or toddling kids won’t be able to grab them or tug on them. No matter what style of window treatment you choose, make sure it is mounted securely to the wall, high up above the window. “Ensure that the curtains do not hang over the bed or crib. Especially as babies start to pull up onto the crib, you want to make sure the curtains cannot be pulled onto themselves,” says Dr. Vyas.
Do babies really need blackout curtains?
Although blackout curtains can be a helpful addition to a nursery, they’re not essential. According to Dr. Choi, “Blackout curtains are not necessary for every baby, especially if the baby’s room is already free of artificial light at night. As with any life skill, some babies quickly learn to sleep through the night while others need more environmental assistance.” Before investing in a set of blackout curtains, assess your home and your child; if your baby’s room is naturally dark, they might not be necessary. If your child’s room faces a streetlight or gets a lot of natural morning light, you may need curtains to help block out the light.
Are blackout curtains safe?
Blackout curtains can be a very safe option as long as you adhere to a few safety guidelines. In fact, as long as they are installed safely, blackout curtains can be a helpful way to develop healthy sleep habits. “The presence of blackout curtains can positively impact sleep for an infant because it blocks the light from the room and facilitates the natural increase of the baby’s melatonin production, which helps signal to the body that it is time for sleep,” says Dr. Vyas.
How do I make curtains safe for my baby or toddler?
Keep length in mind when selecting curtains—it’s always preferable to have curtains that end at the windowsill so that babies and toddlers can’t tug or pull on them. It’s also important to be mindful of cords. According to Dr. Choi, corded curtains can pose a serious strangulation risk. “If your curtain or shade has cords, make sure they are securely mounted to the wall and impossible for a child to reach,” she adds. Lastly, be sure to keep curtains away from toys or furniture, and “ensure that the crib is far enough away from the draperies so that heavy curtains can not be pulled or accidentally fall onto the infant,” says Dr. Vyas.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Laura Denby is a food, home, and lifestyle writer who specializes in creating thorough and analytical product reviews to help shoppers make more informed purchasing decisions. She is also the mom to an active 1-year-old baby and 3-year-old dog, so she is no stranger to stains, messes, and a busy household. Laura aims to maintain a natural, chemical-free home and always considers how decor choices will affect her baby and puppy. Dr. Betty Choi is a pediatrician, medical writer, and mother of two. She is the author of “Human Body Learning Lab,” a book that gives kids a hands-on look at how the body works. She completed her medical training at Harvard Medical School and has served as an assistant clinical professor at UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Nilong Vyas is a pediatrician and Board Certified Sleep Expert. She serves as a medical review panelist for SleepFoundation.org, where she seeks to ensure that the content upholds the highest standards of medical integrity. A pediatrician with Sleepless in NOLA, Dr. Vyas has been helping babies (and parents) get the sleep they need for over 8 years.
