Comfort and Joy: Smart Steps to Keep Babies Safe During the Holiday Season

The holidays are quickly approaching and there’s still a million things to do.  Stop!  That’s the train of thought that creates holes in logic and creates hasty decisions that possibly injure small loved ones.  While hurriedly decorating, you may present a number of dangers for your baby or toddler.  To ensure the holidays bring the comfort and joy you expect, pay attention to the following advice to keep babies safe for the season.

Christmas Tree

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Christmas trees are a holiday staple and can be expensive.  A lush tree will cost a lot more than one that will pass but a bit dry.  The latter tree can be a safety hazard for those in your home since dry trees are more likely to catch fire.  However, a fresh tree grows dry if not kept properly.  Cut a few inches off the trunk before placing it in a stand, and regularly water the tree, keeping the water well above the level of the bottom.

If you invest in an artificial tree, check the ad or box for information about it being resistant to fire.  Placement of the tree is another issue; do not situate the tree near heat sources such as a radiator or fireplace.  Since your baby is likely to get curious and pull at the branches, be sure the tree is anchored to the wall as not to topple over.

Ornaments

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Traditionally, ornaments were made of glass and incredibly fragile.  Today, pieces are made of a variety of materials.  Keep the ones that are fragile and likely to break into shards tucked away until your baby is older.  Also, stay away from using small hooks that can be grabbed and shoved in a curious baby’s mouth.  Opt for ones with string hoops or other baby-safe components.  Find personalized ornaments online so you can remember the early Christmases with your baby.  Personalized ornaments are much more special than the ‘stock’ red and green balls any household may feature.  Drape the tree with non-combustible trim, and of course, check for faulty or broken wiring regarding strings of lights.

Hallways

Safety never sleeps or leaves no stone, or in this case, ornament, unturned.  You may be accustomed to dressing the home or apartment the same way each holiday season, but when you have a baby, you have to comb the halls with an eye for safety.  For example, candles are not safe.  Even if perched high atop a hallway table, baby can grab at a tablecloth or bump the table to create a fire.  The same logic applies to breakable or hazardous decorations; even if they are out of a child’s reach, a baby can jostle a table to make a decoration fall and break, or worse, cause personal injury.  If you want to situate delicate ornaments or candles in the house, reserve such for a room in the house that is blocked off, locks, and a baby cannot access by accident or intention.

Plants and Paper

Mistletoe, holly berries, Christmas cacti, and poinsettias are customary Christmas flora, but switch to silk flowers this season.  The mentioned plants are poisonous if ingested.  Ribbon, paper, and bows are common items used for wrapping presents, but can be used in hazardous ways by an unknowing baby who can tie the ribbon around its neck, suffocate or choke on paper, and lick the glue-stained underside of a bow.  Maintain all of your wrapping materials in a lockable closet or in the attic where curious babies can’t get to them.

Jennifer Watson is a full-time mom and has worked in childcare. She enjoys her parenting role and loves to share her thoughts online. Jennifer writes regularly for a number of mother and baby websites.