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Home › Articles › General Safety Issues › Protecting Tiny Holiday Helpers

Protecting Tiny Holiday Helpers

Tips for a Safe and Fun Christmas Morning with Baby

By Renee Roberson

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"After a few years of trial and error, my husband and I have made a tradition out of staying up on Christmas Eve and putting together our children's gifts so that it looks like Santa dropped them off directly," Renee says. "That way we aren't struggling to assemble toys during the Christmas morning hoopla and dangerous pieces of plastic and twist-ties are carefully discarded beforehand."

"We don't put more than a couple presents under the tree until the kids have gone to bed on Christmas Eve to reduce the temptation of baby-surfing the gifts," says Graham, who also says she is mindful to discard all the wrapping paper after the initial opening of the presents on Christmas day.

And while you may want to put out bowls of nuts and candy as part of the festivities, be careful not to put any on low tables where a baby could reach them, as they could be a potential choking hazard.

So try not to let outrageous requests from family members and holiday decorations overwhelm you. Put your family's needs before anyone else's and do what you need to do to ensure that your first Christmas with your infant is safe and memorable. Follow the same childproofing principles that you would adhere to any other time of the year when deciding on decor, and remember that sticking to everyday routines (the best that you can) will help your baby stay healthy and happy during that first special holiday season.

* Last name withheld to protect privacy.

Holiday Safety Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics
  • In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable and keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid them from swallowing or inhaling small pieces.
  • Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a young child to eat them.
  • Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
  • When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant."
  • Remove all wrapping papers, bags, paper, ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are opened. These items can pose suffocation and choking hazards to a small child or can cause a fire if near flame.
  • Do not burn wrapping paper in fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
  • Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.
  • Remember that homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots.
  • Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents, shopping, etc., can all increase your child's stress levels. Trying to stick to your child's usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.


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