Tips on How to Child Proof Your Home for the Holidays

Celebrating the holidays with a children’s sense of wonder is memorable! You can make the holiday season more relaxed for everyone by taking a few steps to prepare your home.

Poisonous Holiday Plants
All holiday plants such as holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are poisonous. Make sure you keep all holiday plants out of reach of children.

Lights
Use lights that have fuses and check each set of lights for damaged parts. Make sure to hang the lights out of reach of children. Secure all electrical cords so that children do not play or trip on them.

Decorations
Never use ornaments that resemble food or candy. Look for plastic or nonleaded decorations. Some older tinsel and trimmings could have been made with lead. And in the early years, it may be best to avoid tinsel and garland, especially on the lower branches. Keep glass or sharp edged ornaments out of reach of children.

Cooking
Be more vigilant with your cooking etiquette, the kitchen can get hectic during the holidays. Make sure your pot handles are turned in and that the oven door stays closed. Also, watch those dangling tablecloths, its easy for a little hand to grab and pull!

The Tree
Childproofing the tree is the biggest holiday concern for most parents. The best option is to block off the area with the tree with a gate. That way you have full peace of mind! A second option is to place the tree in a playpen. It really does make the holiday memorable! Make sure your tree is sturdy so it doesn't tip over, and secure if needed. Keep it away from all heat sources. If you have an artificial tree, make sure it's fire retardant. Vacuum around the tree every few days, the pine needles can cause painful cuts and should not be swallowed by children.

Choking
Choking is the biggest danger for children at the holidays, be cautious with pieces of decorations. Also keep dishes of nuts and hard candies out of reach of children.

Holiday Visiting
When visiting loved ones over the holidays never assume they have childproofed their home. Take a quick look at the space from your child’s perspective so that you can spot a hazard before they do!

Share your own tips with other parents!