This year instead of pulling out all of our delicate glass blown ornaments on tiny little hooks, we opted for a tree decorated with paper cut outs. I used a pack of scrapbook paper with fun patterns and made cut outs and a garland. This way when our toddler decides it would be fun to pull the ornaments off the tree we don't need to worry about her getting poked or breaking something. For older children, this is a great family project.
Tips for keeping your child safe around your tree and decorations:
- Make sure your tree is anchored securely. Use a sturdy stand and weight down with bricks to ensure the tree can't tip over.
- Place tree in a corner, to minimize traffic around the tree.
- If possible, set up tree outside of child's usual play area.
- Cover outlets near tree.
- Don't use breakable ornaments or place them up high.
- Use ribbon rather than hooks to attach ornaments.
- Place edible ornaments up high, or don't use to reduce temptation to taste all ornaments and lights.
- Move furniture away from tree that a child could climb up on to reach high branches.
- Refrain from using tinsel, it is a choking hazard.
- Miseltoe and holly are toxic to humans, so make sure it is out of reach.
