Pediatricians Share 11 Tips to Keep Baby Safe This Holiday Season

Being a parent during the holidays is the best. You get to play with new toys, visit Santa and see the season through your little one’s eyes. But while you’re busy celebrating and making magic, there are several potential safety hazards that may take you by surprise.

“There’s a lot of excitement, activity and people,” says Danelle Fisher, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “We still have to be vigilant at watching over our babies and toddlers.”

As a mom of four little ones, I’ve definitely had a few iffy moments over the years, like the time my oldest almost toppled our tree as a toddler, or when I caught my baby mouthing an ornament.

Sure, babies and toddlers have a funny way of getting themselves into tough situations. But I’ve learned that following a few basic safety rules—and being vocal about them—can go a long way toward lowering the odds of issues. Protecting baby during the hustle and bustle of the holidays can feel overwhelming, but try not to stress too much. Taking a few proactive precautions and minding these tips from experts can help you and your family celebrate safely this season.

Put a Barrier Around the Tree

It’s hard for little ones to resist a big, beautiful tree that’s right in front of them, so—if your little one is mobile—it’s important to limit access. “Use baby safety gates or a barrier around the tree,” advises Rebecca Saslow Fisk, MD, a pediatric hospitalist at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Fisher suggests essentially roping it off. “They’re going to want to see it and smell it,” she says. “Gate it off in a room or put it in a place that’s not easily accessible.”

Secure Your Tree, Too

FYI, as I almost learned firsthand, your tree can tip over with the right amount of force. “Christmas trees should be on flat stands and decorations should be adorned to distribute weight equally, for balance,” Fisk says. If you’re able, it’s best to secure your tree to the wall, suggests Barbara DiGirolamo, injury prevention program coordinator at Boston Children’s Hospital. (She recommends thinking of the tree the same way you would a dresser or large piece of furniture.) “The entire tree can fall on them,” she points out.

Place Things Way Up High

Everything from freestanding decorations to ornaments on the tree should be up higher than your little one can reach, DiGirolamo says. That includes tinsel and lights. She stresses that you don’t need to avoid decorations entirely—you just need to put them up high. Basically, the bottom of your tree may need to be bare for safety reasons.

Be Aware of Fire Hazards

There are a ton of potential fire hazards around the holidays, including some you might not think of. “Trees should be watered so they don’t dry and create a fire hazard,” Fisk says. She also recommends unplugging lights before you go to bed and using flameless candles over the lighted versions. “Artificial trees should be made of flame-retardant materials,” Fisk says. Any heating elements, like portable fireplaces and heaters should be kept away from the wall, too.

Remain Vigilant About Hand Hygiene

That means washing both your hands well and baby’s. Soap and water is the best bet, whenever possible—it can kill most germs, including norovirus (which hand sanitizer can’t kill).

Be Cord-Conscious

Cords are everywhere this time of year; it’s crucial to try to tuck them away from prying hands. “Make sure that the cords are away from kids being able to grab at them,” DiGirolamo says. She recommends using retractable cords where you can hide the prongs when they’re not in use.

Ask Guests About Illnesses

Illnesses spread like wildfire this time of year. “Ask friends and relatives about illness and fevers in their children,” Fisk says. If you’re supposed to head to someone else’s place and their child is sick or has recently been ill, she recommends skipping that gathering, especially if you have an infant under the age of 6 months.

Bring Your Own Sleep Gear

Spending the night away from home? Don’t rely on someone else’s mattress or sleep set-up for baby. You want to ensure you can follow the rules of safe sleep. “Bring your own infant bedding—a pack ‘n play, for example,” Fisk says. Portable and foldable bedrails can also be a helpful tool with toddlers. If you don’t have any of those handy, “consider putting a mattress on the floor rather than risk a fall from an exaggerated height,” Fisk says.

Avoid Risky Foods

Even if your little one isn’t eating solids yet, it’s important to make sure food hazards aren’t within their reach. “Avoid foods choking hazards in children under 5, which include nuts, hard candy, whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, popcorn and seeds,” Fisk says. She also suggests being mindful of the size of things like meat, chicken and hot dogs. “Cut items into thin rounds—pieces of coin thickness,” she says.

Keep Baby in a Stroller or Carrier

Everyone wants to see and hold baby, but it’s best to keep your little one close to you. If you’re traveling, Fisk recommends keeping a netting over your stroller or using a baby carrier to keep them away from unwanted touches from well-meaning strangers.

Stay Close at Family Gatherings

A lot of potential hazards crop up at other people’s houses. “We see a lot of injuries from when they’re away from their home,” DiGirolamo says. (Think: stairs!) If you’re going to a relative or friend’s house, consider bringing a portable baby gate to cordon off unsafe spots. Of course, it’s also important to stay on top of mobile little ones, Fisher says.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.