It wasn't something I'd ever thought about. I'd had to dog-proof the house for the holidays, but this was completely different. Household safety is vital when you have babies, toddlers, and children. Purchasing outlet covers, cabinet locks, and door knob covers becomes part of parenting. As we move into the holiday season, new decorations can create brand new safety hazards that are shiny and bright. It's the perfect storm when it comes to toddlers who are naturally attracted to breakable items and wires.
Bold, bright, and shiny, Christmas trees are part of many holiday decorations. How do you keep your little ones safe and sound with so many breakables and untouchables? We've compiled a list to help!
Get a Baby Gate
Baby gates can do more than block a door way. North States play yard is a great addition to any off limits decor. The hexigon shape fits perfectly around the tree, yet is easily moved if needed for watering a live tree. The structure allows for toddlers to pull up without fear of it toppling over on them and allows them freedom to get close, but not too close to all of the ornaments on display.
Unbreakable ornaments
One of the fears with decorations, is broken glass. The fear of an ornament shattering and your little one getting a piece in their hands, feet, or even mouth, is enough to make to you worry. Invest in some shatterproof ornaments this season and pack your precious breakables away for a few years. Shatterproof ornaments look similar to their glass counterparts, but no matter how many times they drop, they stay strong and look beautiful.
Secure the tree
A table top tree isn't heavy, but a 6 foot tree on the floor poses it's own topple hazard. A small child could easily grab a few branches to pull up on and have the entire tree fall over on top of them. Purchasing a few Command brand knobs and some fishing line can help remedy this. Wrap a strand of fishing line around the tree in two places (top and bottom) and affix them to two knobs on the wall will hold your tree upright and safe. Be sure to get a heavy weight clear fishing line and adhere the command strips as directed. Once it's time for the tree to come down, the knobs can as well with no damage to your wall!
Don't hook me
Hooks seem like a necessary evil when decorating the tree. Even the powder coated hooks can poke delicate fingers and toes and could be a potential choke hazard. Why not grab a few spools of decorative ribbon instead? Tie the ribbon around the ornament loops and create an instant ornament hanger without the worries! To further secure the ribbon knot, use a drop of super glue, or purchase ribbon that can be burned on the edges to create an unbreakable knot.
But I want it to look beautiful
I get it, I really do. You've always had a beautiful tree and you don't want that to change. You want your special ornaments displayed, yet still worry about safety. Why not purchase large boxes of various sizes, place heavy concrete pavers inside of them, and wrap them? Placing faux presents under the tree not only looks beautiful, but creates a barrier between your toddler and the tree. Worried about them ripping the paper off of the gifts? Consider purchasing fabric instead and reuse it every year for that perfect holiday look!
Whether its your first holiday as a parent, or you've been at this for a few years, we wish you all the best this holiday season!