Babies and cats are the main danger for the Christmas tree. However, it is no less dangerous for them.
My son celebrated his first New Year at 3,5 months. This was the first and last holiday in a long time when we did not start putting up the tree. The apartment was decorated with tinsel and garlands, and the toys – literally a few plastic balls – were hung on a room palm tree. There was no limit to admiration: everything glitters, shimmers, bright, multi-colored.
A year later, almost all New Year’s attributes returned to our apartment. And now, when the child is already six, even the most fragile glass toys can be entrusted with strong fingers.
But before that, of course, not all toys had a place in our house – for the sake of children’s safety. A number of restrictions had to be observed. 10 New Year’s decorations were banned.
1. Glass toys
No fragility. Even on the topmost branches of the tree. The ball can fall completely by accident and on its own, even if it is not tugged. And if there are also animals in the house, then you can give a 146 percent guarantee – something will surely fall and break.
2. Garlands
An exception is the case when you can hang it up so that the child cannot reach, and plug it into an outlet that he cannot reach. It is advisable that the baby does not even see where they are stuck. Let’s assume that this is magic.
3. Tinsel and rain
For a couple of years, we either get rid of tinsel at all, or we hang it up so that it is impossible to reach it. Because the child will pull by one thread, and the whole Christmas tree will crash. Well, pulling it out of a child’s mouth is also not the greatest pleasure. Moreover, the rain was recognized as the most dangerous Christmas tree decoration.
4. Glitter toys
To be honest, I don’t like them at all – after them absolutely everything sparkles. Give a child one time in his hand – then he will have these sparkles everywhere.
5. Pointed toys
Even if they are plastic, it is better to either remove the stars and icicles with sharp ends altogether, or hang them as high as possible.
6. Toys that look edible
Sweets, apples, lollipops and gingerbread – no need to experiment with childish curiosity and craving to drag everything into your mouth. A toddler can really mistake a glass or plastic lollipop for real and try to take a bite. The same applies to toys in the form of a pacifier, cotton wool or decorative snow – the last two children can also taste.
7. Edible toys
No, I like the idea itself. But the thought that the child will secretly carry sweets until he piles up to diathesis is not at all happy.
8. Scary toys
Characters that the child is afraid of, if any. The son, for example, was afraid of snowmen for a couple of years. So the jewelry with their image was gathering dust in the box. A holiday is not the moment when you have to fight fears by contradiction.
9. Toys from grandma’s chest
Simply because it will be very sorry to break them. Leave such family decorations until you are ready to tell their story to your child – and he will be interested.
And the main thing! There is no place for low-quality toys in the house, no matter what they are. When buying a new outfit for your Christmas tree, pay attention to the following:
1. Are the sharp edges of the glass decorations protected by caps, are the fastening elements of the toy itself firmly held.
2. Are there any defects, streaks, air bubbles, displacements of the pattern relative to the relief or contour in the drawing?
3. Do the toys smell – there should be no foreign odors! Smelling toys may contain hazardous substances. Before buying, read the label: the composition should be free of phenol and formaldehyde.
4. Is the paint permanent? You can check it like this: wrap it in a napkin and rub it a little. If the paint remains on the napkin, then it is bad.
5. Are small decorative elements well glued: rhinestones, beads.
6. Are there any sharp edges, scratching burrs, glue residues, protruding needles or other dangerous elements.
Pay special attention to electric garlands. Buy them only in large stores – they accept goods for sale if they have certificates. But the markets, where low-quality goods are often sold, bypass them.
Before hanging the electric garland on the Christmas tree, carefully, flashlight after flashlight, check if the wires are intact. Sometimes, due to the breakdown of one part, a short circuit can occur. Cool present for the New Year.
Another important point: usually the Christmas tree blinks with lights all night. It’s beautiful and festive, but it’s better to sleep in complete darkness – it’s healthier for your health. And the garland also needs to rest. And, of course, you know not to leave the garlands plugged in when you leave your home. Even for a minute.
And the last thing. It is highly recommended that you buy a fire extinguisher. A car is also suitable. Let it be in your apartment. Just in case.