How to Identify Dangerous Holiday Decorations
Viewing the world from your toddler's eye level you notice things you miss from an adult's standpoint. This holds true when it comes to holiday decorations. Many items an adult overlooks as dangerous can have dire consequences in the hands of a young child. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Notice any holiday decorations that have the potential to fall or entangle your child. The Christmas tree is dangerous in the sense that it can fall on the child if pulled, and the lights can electrocute or entangle a child. Put your tree out of the child's reach on top of a table or out her primary play area. Keep the tree upright with fishing line tied from the top of tree to the a hook in the ceiling or tie the base of the tree to the wall using the fishing line.
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Look for items a child considers edible. Any decorative holiday item with removable pieces, such as a nativity scene, potpourri, wreaths or ornament, is potentially dangerous if a child attempts to swallow it. Even hard or small candies in a decorative bowl or tinsel are a choking hazard. Keep potential choking hazards out of reach of children by displaying them higher on a Christmas tree or on a high shelf or mantle.
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Watch out for flammable holiday decorations such as candles in a variety of uses. Candles on hanging tablecloths or near flammable items such as decorative evergreen pieces on a mantle or stair rail are possible fire starters. Keep an eye on any lit candles to ensure they do not catch any of your decorations on fire.
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Keep an eye open for dangerous decorations your child can use to cut himself. Broken ornaments are the primary hazard. Use non-breakable, plastic or paper ornaments. Take this opportunity to make homemade ornaments such as popcorn chains with your child to use as an alternative to glass and other breakable ornaments. Michael's has a listing of homemade ornaments to create using clay and other materials.
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Tips & Warnings
Real mistletoe is poisonous; opt for the artificial alternative.
Lead may be present in older artificial trees, on Christmas lights and on appliance cords.
