It’s fun having a toddler around during the holidays. Watching the magic through their eyes makes it that much more special. But the Christmas season is not only a time of togetherness and joy but also a time of accidents. Christmas decorations are the reason many children and adults visit the emergency room.
Yuletide Accidents and ER Visits
Accidents with Christmas decorations cause approximately 18,400 visits to the emergency room yearly. Ten percent of these decoration victims are younger than 4 years old.And although there are a lot of middle-aged adults also rushing to the hospital, young children visit the emergency room more frequently than any other age group.
Toddlers are more likely to be injured by decorations, while middle-aged adults are more likely to be injured while decorating.
When it comes to decorations on the tree, toddlers are injured in several ways, such as by ingesting or chewing on something harmful or getting snagged on a hook or tangled in a stocking.
Toddlers often are known for putting anything in their mouths, so it’s not surprising they'll try to eat the tree’s pretty decorations.
Safe Tree Placement
Where are you putting your tree? If you don’t mind a smaller tree, displaying it on a high table is a safe plan. Just make sure it’s high enough so small hands can’t pull it down on themselves.Attaching the tree to a wall or the floor with wires will secure it so little ones can’t pull it down. And if you don’t or can’t attach the tree, weigh it down.
Create a Fortress Around the Tree
Build a barricade around the tree.Purchase large boxes and wrap them. Place them around the tree. They’ll look like gifts but, in reality, will be blocking the toddler from the tree. Make sure you weigh the boxes down so they can’t be moved.
Another option for creating a fortress is to put an adjustable baby gate around the tree. There are several of them available that will block a toddler. They can be very effective in deterring little people from harm or mischief.
Ring Those Bells
The worst sound in the world when it comes to a toddler is silence. When things are quiet, most parents know something is afoot. Put bells on the bottom part of the tree. When you hear the ringing, you can intervene.Forgo Fancy Decorations on Tree
Store your beautiful decorations away for a year or two. Most are made of glass and can shatter near toddlers if pulled down. If you insist on using them, hang them at the top of the tree.Ribbon on Tree Ornaments
Most houses in America use those metal hooks to hang their Christmas tree ornament. They can detach, or an ornament might be pulled down. This leaves the metal hook on the floor.Small feet (or large ones) can step on these hooks. Sometimes that not only hurts but the hook could also lodge in the foot.
A worse scenario would be if a little one put the hook in their mouth and tried swallowing it. Hooks are one of the most dangerous parts of a tree.
Eliminate Tinsel
Tree tinsel looks so pretty. It makes the tree appear like it’s been in a magical snowfall. But tinsel can be deadly to a toddler. Tinsel looks good enough to eat, and many children have done just that. It becomes an actual choking hazard. Just skip the tinsel.Be Careful How You String Lights
If you don’t have a pre-lit tree, be aware of where you string your lights. Colorful lights look like candy and oftentimes end up in a toddler’s mouth. Or they grab them and pull the tree over onto themselves.Place your lights at the back of the branches near the trunk. You’ll still have a colorful tree without the risks. You may want to forego bringing the lights all the way to the bottom of the tree.
Have a Safe Christmas
If you’re going to have little ones around during Christmas, make sure you toddler-proof your tree. Take the time to think about what is going onto the tree and where you’re putting lights.Remember, all these colorful decorations look edible to a toddler and could end up going into their mouth. Be cautious with your tree, and have a safe Christmas.
