5 Ways to Childproof Your Christmas Tree

5 Ways to Childproof Your Christmas TreeHave you decorated your house for the holidays yet? My kids and I have been jumping at the bit to pull out our tree and put up our decorations. Last Sunday seemed as though it was the perfect day for it. My son was sleeping, Christmas music was on low and we went to town decorating the tree with ornaments and getting into the festive spirit.

It was perfect. Too perfect.

Somehow I forgot about the fact that my son is now 14 months old and highly curious. He touches everything within (and without) of reach and somehow the thought of a tree and ornaments didn't send me any alarms, when it should of. Oh how it should have.

Related: 6 ways to enjoy the holidays with your baby

After breaking several ornaments in a matter of minutes we have transferred the decorations from the bottom to the top. The tree is now top heavy, but the decorations are now safe and out of reach.

Here are 5 ways you can keep your curious baby safe this holiday season:

1. Replace all of your glass ornaments with shatterproof ones
When a glass ornament breaks it shatters into a million little pieces. Finding each and every one of those pieces is nearly impossible! I still use glass ornaments as many of them hold sentimental value, however I keep them high, at the top of the tree as opposed to the bottom. The rest of the tree is decorated with unbreakable ornaments.

2. Secure your tree well
If you opt for a real tree, be sure to secure it well as the last thing you want is for your tree to tumble on top of them. We have an artificial tree, but I'm thinking of purchasing an interlocking gate/play fence to surround it with until the big day comes. You can find baby gates at most department stores or Babies "R" Us.

Related: 10 tips for making your own Christmas tree skirt

3. Replace decoration hooks with ribbons
Even if you use shatterproof ornaments, you still have to hang them. Ribbon is the safest choice as ornament hooks pose a serious choking risk.

4. Go tinsel-free
Yes it looks pretty, but babies are enamoured with this frilly and sparkly decoration. As you know everything that fascinates usually ends up in their mouth! Tinsel is another major choking hazard, so it is best to pack it away for a couple of years.

5. Use outlet covers and never leave baby unsupervised
I know this is a no-brainer, but I had to mention it anyways. Lights are a big decor item during the holidays, so be sure to use outlet covers on all unused outlets. Of course, never ever, ever leave your baby unsupervised around your tree or holiday decorations!

- By Nadia Carriere
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