The holidays are a wondrous time for a baby. The twinkling lights, warm fires, incredible smells wafting from the kitchen, pretty gifts topped with elaborate bows -- what baby could resist? But before you enthusiastically dive into the holiday season with plans to start new family traditions and cater to visiting relatives, take some steps to prepare for a safe holiday season.

How will your baby react to this new large, glittering object in your house? If your baby is crawling or scooting, she may want to inspect the tree up close. When choosing a tree, consider a smaller one for this Christmas. A table-top tree is a good choice because it is higher off the ground and leaves plenty of room for all the gifts your new family member is sure to receive. Here are some other tree-safety tips:

• Be sure your tree is secure in the stand. A baby can pull on the branches and topple the tree.
• Don't use tinsel. Not only is it easy to swallow, but it can get wound up in a baby's fingers, cutting off circulation.
• Don't use glass ornaments. If you must, place them higher on the tree. Smaller ornaments should also be placed out of baby's reach.
• Christmas tree lights should be in good working order, with bulbs secured tightly to prevent a fire hazard.
• If your baby will be left alone near the tree for any length of time, place a multi-sectioned gate around the tree. Or better yet, never leave the baby alone near the tree.

In both your own home and in friend's and family's homes, these precautions are worth remembering.

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