How to Baby Proof Christmas Decorations

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By stlScout
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Baby Proof Christmas Decorations

Sparkly Christmas decorations are beautiful to display around the house, but if you have small children they can be a hazard. Babies and toddlers love to explore their world - and all those shiny Christmas babbles are real temptation.

Keep baby in mind when you decorate this year. Use plenty of common sense and keep an eye on the tots to have a happy and safe Christmas.

Here's a few tips on how to Baby Proof your Christmas Decorations this year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Non-Breakable Ornaments
Florist Wire
Ribbons or String
Baby Gate

Step 1

Keep breakables off the tree. Fragile glass ornaments will need to sit the year out. Try decorating with safer ornaments - those made of plastic, wood, fabric, string and paper. Baby proof each ornament as it goes on the tree to make sure there aren't any loose parts that can fall off. Avoid using very small ornaments that could be a choking hazard.
Step 2

Replace ornament hooks with ribbons, string and/or florist wire. Wire hooks can fall off a tree easily when it is bumped, resulting in broken ornaments. Another hazard is the hook itself, should baby try to pull decorations off the tree. Baby proof your ornaments by tying them onto the tree with florist wire. Ribbons and string may not be more secure than hooks, but they are less likely to hurt baby if they are pulled down.

Whatever method you use, be sure to attach the ornaments securely to the tree.
Step 3

Keep edible Christmas ornaments (or things that look edible) off the tree. Don't decorate with tempting treats like candy canes or cookie shaped ornaments. A toddler may confuse these ornaments for the real thing.
Step 4

Protect the Christmas tree from baby. Nothing can replace good discipline and carefully watching your baby. But consider keeping the room the tree is in off limits with a baby gate, just in case. Some people even place a portable baby gate around the tree, or place the tree inside a play pen.
Step 5

Replace your electric train with a wooden set. If your Christmas tree looks naked without a train running around it, try a wooden train this year. It's less dangerous for baby and just as cute.
Step 6

Baby proof all other decorations by keeping them out of reach. Don't place tempting breakables on low tables were exploring toddlers can get at them.

Comments

almommabear said

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on 12/8/2008 I like the tip about the ribbon instead of hooks. That's something I hadn't thought of!

ElizabethLeigh said

on 12/8/2008 Great tips with little ones in the house!

CCrock said

on 12/8/2008 Great ideas! I haven't put up a tree yet because I have been unsure of how to decorate and all with my 20 month old daughter. Last year she wasn't as mobile!