By Renee R. Jenkins, M.D.
Decorations
The challenges: The tree! The candles! The shiny baubles hanging everywhere! What baby won't be enticed by all the new — and often dangerous — stuff decking the halls?
Make it safe — and sane: If you choose to put up a real tree, place it away from a heat source, and water it daily to keep it fresh. Hang ornaments on branches out of your baby's reach (save yourself the anxiety, and put away heirlooms until he is older). If you light candles during the season, never leave them unattended and blow them out as soon as you are finished.
Tips for crawlers and reachers: Sweep the floor regularly to pick up pieces of tinsel, tree needles, ornament hangers, and any other small bits that could find their way into your little elf's mouth. Contrary to popular myth, poinsettias are not poisonous (your baby would have to eat a lot to get really sick, and their bitter taste makes that unlikely) but mistletoe and holly are toxic. Your best bet: Display all plants up high. And don't forget to keep light cords, garlands, and ribbons from dangling.
Advice for cruisers and climbers: Toddlers and Christmas trees can be a risky combo ("Hmm, what happens if I pull this shiny rope thing?"). You might want to consider a table-top version for a couple of years. Otherwise, definitely think about securing the tree with a gate and/or securing it to the wall, and tape down light cords behind the tree along the wall to make them less tempting. Then prepare for vigilant guard duty!
What moms say:"I modified my holiday decorating: ornaments only went on the upper part of the tree while the bottom third was left bare; stockings were hung from plastic hooks, and we used placemats instead of a tablecloth so the baby wouldn't pull everything down on her head."
