| Christmas with babies and toddlers can be so | | | | good idea, but don't rely on it totally. Make sure |
| exciting. They gaze with wonder at the lights on | | | | that your baby is supervised at all times when |
| the tree. The excitement of seeing all of the gifts | | | | they have access to the tree. Ornaments can |
| for the first time will be something that you want | | | | break and cause terrible cuts. The paints used on |
| to capture on film. This is a special time in parents' | | | | many ornaments can be lead based, so never let |
| lives that will never be forgotten. Making | | | | your baby chew on an ornament, even it isn't |
| ornaments with little handprints, sending out that | | | | breakable. Garland and strings of lights can be |
| family portrait with your Christmas cards, and | | | | strangulation hazards, so make sure that they are |
| watching your baby learn to love all of those | | | | high enough in the tree that your baby can't get |
| holiday dishes that you grew up with can be so | | | | to them. |
| meaningful and exciting. Make sure your holiday is | | | | Electrical hazards are the most dangerous. Babies |
| everything that you hope it will be by taking care | | | | want to play with all the new wires or pull little |
| of some safety issues around the house that | | | | light bulbs out of the sockets on the tree. Make |
| come with the season. | | | | sure that all of your outlets, plugs and wires are |
| First, is your Christmas tree. Babies that can crawl | | | | covered, bound and childproof this season. |
| or walk will definitely be interested in the tree that | | | | Other things that you may not have thought of |
| suddenly showed up in the house. They will want | | | | include wrapping paper and ribbons. Put presents in |
| to play with it, feel it, touch it, taste it, or possibly | | | | a special place up high instead of under the tree |
| just shred it. Take some time to show your baby | | | | until you're ready to open them. Another hazard is |
| a part of the tree. Let them smell it if it's a real | | | | candles. People often burn candles at Christmas |
| tree, touch it, and figure it out. Explain that you do | | | | and forget that the baby might be able to reach |
| not want them to do more than that to the tree | | | | them. Visitors will bring coats that may have |
| because it could fall over. | | | | toggles, buttons and strings that can be serious |
| If possible, put the tree up on a table. This is | | | | choking hazards. Make sure that your guests have |
| especially helpful if your baby is crawling. Babies | | | | a special place to hang their coats. Provide |
| will try to pull up on branches and can pull a tree | | | | children's hangers or baby hangers so that parents |
| over. Use a wide-based, really sturdy stand that | | | | and children can see that you expect all of their |
| will not easily tip over. Choose a tree that has a | | | | coats to be hung. You could even make a sign |
| wide enough trunk to be held securely by the | | | | that says to hang your coats unless you want |
| base. Be aware that real trees will shed needles, | | | | them eaten by your baby, adding some humor to |
| so if your baby is too young to understand not | | | | your request while making your point clear. Infant |
| putting them into their mouths, then you will be | | | | hangers and coat hangers are a small investment |
| much better off with an artificial tree this year. | | | | to make to ensure your baby's safety this |
| Putting a baby gate around the tree is a really | | | | Christmas. |