Six Safety Tips for Baby’s First Christmas
The holidays are an exciting time of year! Beautiful Christmas ornaments and twinkling lights are just the beginning. Just think about the parties! The smell of cider and pinecones fill the air while plenty of tasty treats fill our stomachs. With the holiday festivities in high gear, it’s easy for a small baby to get into all sorts of things. Whether your baby is celebrating the first Christmas or toddling around at the third, help keep him or her safe with these helpful tips.
Camera Safety: It is recommended not to take a picture closer than three feet away from baby to keep the flash from startling the child or damaging a newborn’s eyes. Use your zoom instead to capture those too-cute baby pictures that you’ll treasure in photo albums for years to come.
Oh Christmas Tree: While trees are an unmistakable symbol of Christmas, extra care should be taken when a newborn is in the house. In addition to making sure the tree is stable and secure, be sure that electrical cords are safely out of reach, tempting ornaments are not hanging too low and that baby is not left alone near the tree just in case it topples over. If you have a live tree, be sure not to let it dry out.
Baby-Proofing The Decorations: Personalized baby ornaments are very popular for baby’s first Christmas. Avoid sharp or breakable objects and keep items away from baby’s reach. Mist fresh greenery to keep pine needles from drying and falling to the floor where baby can get to them.
All Choked Up: Getting choked up over the beautiful baby gifts or precious pictures is one thing. Having baby choke on small items is quite another. Avoid a potentially hazardous situation by making sure gifts have no small parts that could easily pop off. Stuffed animals with embroidered eyes and noses are recommended. Don’t keep wrapped presents underneath the tree where baby could choke on torn paper and bows. Similarly, placing nuts and candies on the table within baby’s reach should be avoided.
Cut the candles: An open flame and a small baby are not a good combination, at Christmas or anytime. This holiday, use battery operated candles or LED tea light candles instead. They’re much safer and you won’t have to worry about baby bumping into the table while crawling and knocking them over. Along the same lines, if you’ll be using a fireplace during the holidays, never leave baby unattended.
Beware of Poisonous Plants: While holiday plants like holly, poinsettias, and mistletoe berries are beautiful to look at, they are poisonous if swallowed. Keep them out of reach of baby.
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