Christmas time is a fun time for adults and kids alike with festive decorations and wrapped presents under the tree. Likewise, this time of the year can also spell trouble for parents of crawlers and walkers. Here are some tips for keeping babies and toddlers safe at Christmas time around those holiday decorations so you can deck the halls with less stress.
Baby Proofing: Christmas Edition
It’s the most wonderful time of the year; aside from the looming dangers of extension cords, sharp decorations, and breakable ornaments. When you have a mobile baby or toddler these can be a parent’s worst nightmare. Keep little ones safe with these guidelines in mind.
Trimming the Tree
One element that likely strikes the biggest potential risk at Christmas time is the tree. As always, you should take the necessary precautions with Christmas trees such as keeping them away from heat sources and making sure live trees stay well-watered. Additionally, you should arrange your tree so that it can be securely anchored to prevent it from tipping over and falling on your little one.
Heirloom ornaments can add sentimentality to any tree, but if they’re breakable or sharp put them away until the tots are older. Keep ornaments child-safe by opting for ones that are non-breakable and shatterproof. Decorations that resemble candy such as candy canes should be avoided as well, as these can be more tempting for toddlers.
Safer Decorative Options
Candles are very popular around this time of year. They also pose a hazard for curious toddlers. Keep candles well out of reach of toddlers, especially menorahs, and go for the battery-powered alternatives if you want to have that illuminative effect. In addition to candles, go for fake plants instead of the real ones like Poinsettias or holly berries that can be hazardous if swallowed. The artificial ones look just as nice and last far longer anyway!
Avoid using tablecloths or table runners that are easy for little hands to grab. Table decorations can come tumbling down right on your child if they venture out to pull on it. Also keep extension cords and power cables out of sight to avoid the risk of entanglement or strangulation.
If you’re going to be hanging up decorations like garland be sure it is well out of reach and secured well so that it won’t fall off from the wall or wherever you’re hanging it.
Additional safety tips for keeping babies and toddlers safe at Christmas include:
- Pick up anything that could pose a choking hazard, such as pine needles from the tree or fallen hooks from ornaments.
- Put away wrapped gifts until Christmas Eve so it’s not tempting for little ones to try and open. Be sure to throw away the wrapping paper and bows or ribbons right away once they’re opened.
Some parents actually put their tree in a toddler’s playpen they no longer use as a means of keeping tiny fingers from grabbing and pulling off ornaments. If this isn’t an option, you may consider just getting a table top tree for a few years that is conveniently out of reach and easy to set up/take down! Remember, have a happy holiday with your little ones and may your days be merry and bright.
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