There’s something magical about decorating the Christmas tree; twinkling lights, glittering ornaments, and the scent of pine in the air (even if it’s from a candle, we don’t judge). But if you’ve got a baby on the move, your beautifully decorated tree can quickly turn into a toddler magnet, as well as a potential safety hazard.
The good news? You don’t have to give up the festive fun. With a few smart tweaks, you can have a tree that’s merry and baby-friendly.
Here are 10 tried-and-true tips to help you baby-proof your Christmas tree this season:
1. Consider going with a faux tree
A fake tree means no needles to pick up, no water bowl to guard like a hawk, and a lot less mess. Some even come with attached lights, which cuts down on extra loose cords – one less thing for little hands to tug on. Plus, you can use it again year after year!
2. Weigh down your Christmas tree
Stability is key. Use a wide, heavy tree stand and add some weights (hand weights, bricks, or even bags of sand are good options) to the base to ensure the tree won’t topple if nudged; if your baby is pulling itself up or cruising around, this step is non-negotiable. To keep it festive and pretty, hide the base and weights with a tree basket or a holiday throw blanket wrapped around the tree.
3. Keep fragile ornaments up high
If you have some glass baubles or sentimental, fragile pieces that are a must on the tree every year, hang them up high this year and secure them thoroughly. The lower third of your tree should be reserved for decorations that won’t shatter or have pieces small enough to be swallowed.
4. Try new decorations with paper, yarn, and felt
Maybe save the glass ornaments and family heirlooms for another year or two? Soft, lightweight ornaments like yarn pom-poms, felt stars, and paper snowflakes are perfect for those first few years with little explorers around. They’re safe to touch, fun to make, and still look festive.
5. Block it off (in style)
Baby gates can be lifesavers, and they’re also great for keeping curious babies a safe distance from the Christmas tree. If you don’t have one handy (or dislike the aesthetic), you can wrap some large boxes in holiday wrapping paper and arrange them around the base of the tree – weigh them down with bricks or heavy books inside. It’s functional, festive, and just might keep curious crawlers at a distance.
6. Skip the tinsel and garlands
Tinsel might be sparkly, but unfortunately, it’s also a choking hazard. Long, dangling garlands can be pulled down in seconds. Swap them for some pretty fabric bows securely tied to the branches.
7. Hang bells on lower branches as alarms
We all know that there’s nothing worse than silence with an active baby or toddler in the house. If you have a very curious baby, placing bells on the lower branches of your Christmas tree can function as a sort of festive alarm system, letting you know when little hands are getting too close for comfort.
8. Check the electrical setup and wires
Make sure lights are certified safe (and ideally fixed or secured to the tree branches), cords are tucked out of reach or taped down, and plugs have outlet covers. Babies and wires are not a good combo.
9. Let them help with decorating
If your child is old enough, give them a few safe ornaments to place on the tree. This will turn decorating into a shared activity instead of a hands-off zone, and they might be less tempted to redecorate their masterpiece later.
10. Create a tree of their own
Still worried? Set up an alternative Christmas tree for them; a tree shape made out of tape on a wall or a piece of cardboard is a great way for them to hang ornaments (read: stickers) and decorate their own tree! Hopefully, they will then leave the big tree alone.
A holiday to remember
Baby-proofing your Christmas tree doesn’t mean losing the magic. It just means adjusting things so your home stays safe, calm, and full of cheer (with only minor glitter explosions).
Take a deep breath, sip something warm, and enjoy the season with all it brings: chaos, cuteness, and all.
From our family to yours, happy holidays.
Are you looking for other cozy things to do as a family during the Holiday season? Check out our blog with 5 delicious Holiday-themed recipes to make the Holiday season both festive and tasty! Pssst… they’re toddler-friendly!