Nothing says "baby hazard" quite like a Christmas tree. It's basically a giant, sparkly, breakable, pointy thing that sits at floor level and is impossible for a toddler to resist. Add in wrapping paper, candles, and small decorations throughout the house, and the holidays become peak baby-proofing season.
The Christmas Tree
Securing the tree:
First, anchor it. Use a sturdy stand and consider tying the top of the tree to the wall or ceiling with fishing line. Toddlers will try to pull on branches, and a toppled tree is heavy enough to seriously injure a child.
A baby gate or playpen fence around the tree isn't the prettiest solution, but it works. Keep at least 3 feet of clearance between the tree and the barrier so little arms can't reach through.
- Ornaments:
- Skip glass ornaments for a year or two. Shatterproof plastic ornaments look almost identical and won't cut little fingers.
- Hang delicate or small ornaments high, out of reach.
- Skip tinsel. It's a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
- Avoid ornaments with small removable parts, hooks, or metal hangers that stick out.
Tree water:
If you have a real tree, the water in the stand can contain bacteria, fertilizer, and sap. It's toxic if a baby drinks it. Cover the tree stand with a tree skirt secured tightly, or use a tree stand cover specifically designed to block access.
- Lights:
- Keep electrical cords hidden and out of reach
- Don't use lights with frayed wires
- Turn off tree lights when you leave the room or go to bed
- LED lights run cooler than incandescent, reducing burn risk
Candles
I love candles during the holidays. But with a baby or toddler, they're just not worth the risk. Use battery-operated flameless candles instead. They look surprisingly realistic now and you don't have to worry about burns, fires, or hot wax.
If you do use real candles, put them up high where no child or pet can reach. Never on a coffee table or low shelf.
Wrapping Paper and Ribbons
Wrapping paper itself isn't dangerous (and babies love destroying it, which is adorable). But ribbons and bows are strangulation and choking hazards. Use paper bows instead of curling ribbon, and clean up all ribbon scraps immediately.
Small Decorations
Stocking stuffers, advent calendar treats, table confetti, small figurines from nativity scenes - the holidays fill your home with small objects that weren't there before. Do a daily sweep of floor-level surfaces.
Battery-operated decorations often use button batteries. These are extremely dangerous if swallowed. They can cause chemical burns in the esophagus within 2 hours. Secure battery compartments on all decorations, and keep spare batteries locked away.
Holiday Plants
Holiday Gatherings
When family visits, your baby-proofed house gets un-baby-proofed. Purses on the floor with medications inside. Relatives who leave doors open. Unfamiliar bags with small items.
Give guests a quick heads-up about keeping bags closed and doors latched. Set up a "purse parking" spot on a high shelf or in a closed room.
After the Holidays
Clean-up is its own hazard. Broken ornament pieces, pine needles, staples from packaging - take your time and be thorough. Vacuum multiple times before letting your baby back in the area.
The holidays should be magical, not dangerous. A little extra planning keeps the season joyful for everyone.