The holiday season is a magical time, especially when you have a toddler experiencing it for the first time. Decorating the house for Christmas can be a fun family activity, but when little hands are involved, it’s essential to keep safety in mind.
Toddlers are curious and love to explore, so the goal is to create a festive environment that is not only beautiful but also safe for your little ones. This a step-by-step guide from Marmalade Lion on how to set up Christmas decorations with toddlers in mind, blending fun, creativity, and safety.
Involve Your Toddler in the Decorating Process
Making Christmas decorating a family affair helps foster excitement and creates lasting memories. Toddlers love to feel included, and you can give them age-appropriate tasks that allow them to contribute safely.
Set up a "Toddler's Area" – Designate a small part of your home where they can freely decorate. Provide them with soft, toddler-safe ornaments, plush toys, and unbreakable decorations. A small, toddler-friendly Christmas tree in their room or the play area can be a great idea.
Let them place the "safe" ornaments – Give them non-fragile, plastic, or fabric ornaments to hang on the lower branches of the tree. Make sure these ornaments are big enough to not pose a choking hazard.
Create simple DIY projects together – You can make paper chains, salt dough ornaments, or decorate with stickers and foam shapes. These crafts keep little hands busy and give your toddler a sense of accomplishment when they see their creations on display.
Choosing Safe Decorations
Safety is paramount when you’re decorating with a toddler in the house. Toddlers will grab, pull, and investigate anything at their eye level, so it’s important to choose decorations that won’t pose a danger.
Shatterproof Ornaments – Glass ornaments may be traditional, but they’re a major hazard for toddlers. Opt for shatterproof or soft ornaments that can withstand being dropped or tugged without breaking.
Avoid Small or Sharp Decorations – Anything small enough to fit in your toddler’s mouth can be a choking hazard. Make sure all ornaments, decorations, and accessories are larger than their mouths and free of sharp edges.
Battery-Operated Lights – String lights can be tempting for toddlers to grab or chew on. Choose LED lights that stay cool to the touch and opt for battery-operated versions to avoid dangling cords that can be tripped over or yanked. Ensure batteries are secured in a tamper-proof compartment to avoid accidental swallowing.
Avoid Candles – Open flames are a big no-no around toddlers. Instead of candles, use flameless LED candles to give that soft, warm glow without the risk of burns or fire.
Tree Safety Tips
The Christmas tree is often the centerpiece of holiday décor, and it's crucial to make sure it’s safe for toddlers. A tree that isn’t securely set up can easily tip over if your little one tugs on it or bumps into it.
Anchor the Tree – Whether you have a real or artificial tree, make sure it’s anchored securely to the wall or ceiling with fishing line or hooks. This will help prevent it from toppling over if your toddler pulls on the branches or decorations.
Decorate Smart – Place fragile ornaments or heirloom pieces out of reach, higher up on the tree. Keep the lower branches reserved for toddler-safe items. Consider skipping tinsel or garlands, which can pose a choking or strangulation hazard if your toddler gets them tangled around their neck or arms.
Tree Skirts and Presents – If you’re using a tree skirt, secure it to the ground to prevent tripping. When placing presents under the tree, make sure they are wrapped securely, with no small parts, ribbons, or strings that can come loose. Avoid using decorative bows or objects that your toddler might want to chew on or play with unsupervised.
Safe and Festive Home Décor
Beyond the tree, there are lots of other ways to decorate your home safely while still keeping it fun and festive.
Wall Décor and Window Clings – To keep the floor area clear of tripping hazards, focus on decorating walls, doors, and windows with removable decals, fabric banners, or window clings. Toddlers will love helping stick colorful Christmas shapes onto windows.
Use Soft and Non-Breakable Décor – Pillows, soft plush toys, and non-breakable items can add holiday cheer without the risk of injury. If you want to decorate with figurines or nativity scenes, opt for durable wooden or plastic sets that are toddler-friendly.
Safe Stocking Placement – If you hang stockings, be mindful of where and how they are attached. Avoid heavy stocking holders that could fall if pulled. Instead, consider lightweight fabric hangers or adhesive hooks.
Interactive Décor to Engage Toddlers
Toddlers love interactive decorations, and it’s a great way to engage their curiosity while keeping them entertained.
Advent Calendars – Choose an advent calendar that’s child-friendly, with simple, safe treats or activities. Some come with pockets you can fill with little toys, stickers, or snacks each day leading up to Christmas.
Christmas Sensory Bins – Create a sensory bin with Christmas-themed items, such as large jingle bells, soft ribbons, faux snow, or felt ornaments. Supervised sensory play keeps your toddler engaged and stimulates their imagination.
Holiday Lighting Considerations
Twinkling lights bring Christmas magic to life, but they can pose risks to toddlers.
Secure Cords – Make sure all cords are well hidden or secured with cord clips to avoid tripping hazards. Toddlers can be tempted to pull on wires, so keep them out of reach wherever possible.
Opt for Outdoor Lights on Timers – If you’re decorating outdoors, use lights that have timers or remote control features. This way, you can manage the lights without having to plug and unplug them manually, reducing the risk of your toddler coming into contact with electrical outlets.
Teach While You Decorate
As you decorate, use this time to teach your toddler about safety and care. Explain why some things are for looking but not touching, and why it’s important to be gentle with decorations. Praise them for helping and listening, and make the process as fun and interactive as possible.
Decorating for Christmas with a toddler can be an adventure filled with joy, creativity, and learning. By incorporating safe, fun, and interactive elements into your decorating routine, you can create a magical holiday environment for the whole family to enjoy without constant worry. With a little planning and toddler-friendly décor choices, you’ll ensure that your home is both festive and safe for your little one’s holiday wonderment.
