Twinkling lights, shiny ornaments and festive plants make the season feel magical. To a toddler, they also look like toys, snacks and things to climb. Every November and December, emergency rooms treat thousands of people for injuries tied to holiday decorating. A few changes can keep your home both beautiful and safe for little explorers.
Decorate in layers. Think of your tree in two zones. Put glass, breakable and heirloom ornaments up high, where small hands can’t reach. Save the lower branches for soft, sturdy, unbreakable decorations your child can touch and even help hang. Skip small ornaments and tinsel on lower branches, since young children may put them in their mouths.
Anchor the tree. A curious child pulling on a branch can tip a tree over. Use a sturdy stand, and consider securing a large tree to the wall. If you have a live tree, keep it watered. Dry needles catch fire easily.
Watch out for button batteries. These small, coin-shaped batteries power many holiday items: flameless candles, musical ornaments, light-up decorations, greeting cards and remote controls. If a child swallows one, it can cause serious internal injury quickly. Check that battery compartments are closed tightly, ideally with a screw. Store spare batteries locked away. If you think your child swallowed a battery, go to the emergency room right away. Don’t wait for symptoms.
Keep candles out of reach. Place lit candles well away from trees, curtains and anything that burns. Never leave them burning in an empty room. Flameless candles are a great choice in homes with young children, as long as their batteries are secured.
Place holiday plants up high. Mistletoe and holly berries can cause vomiting and stomach pain if a child eats them. Poinsettias are far less dangerous than their reputation, but they can still upset a small stomach. Keep all holiday plants out of reach, and pick up any berries or leaves that fall.
Check cords and lights. Use lights labeled as tested by a recognized safety lab. Throw away strings with frayed wires or broken sockets. Tuck cords out of the way so children can’t chew on them or trip over them.
Save the Poison Control number. Program 1-800-222-1222 into your phone. It connects you to your local poison center 24 hours a day, and the call is free.
With a little planning, your child can enjoy the sparkle of the season safely.
Sources: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Put Safety at the Top of Your List When Decorating this Holiday Season; CPSC and NIST Team Up to Demonstrate Holiday Decorating Hazards; California Poison Control System, Holiday Plant Safety.