Tree Terrors | Light Nightmares | Ornament Obstacles | Toy Trouble | Candle Catastrophes | Food Frights | Wretched Wrappings | Plant Pitfalls | All Holiday Hazards
Families with twins, triplets or other multiples must be extra cautious to carefully childproof their homes. However, the holiday season brings hidden hazards. Make sure your happy holidays aren't ruined by accident or injury. Follow these simple guidelines and tips to ensure that your ornaments are safe and secure.
- Multiples and breakables don't mix. If you have ultra-special, super expensive, irreplaceable, heirloom ornaments, just say no! Save them for when your twins or triplets are old enough to appreciate them and take care of them. Your children are only young for a short time. You'll be amazed by how much they will mature by next Christmas. Forgo the breakables this year so that you can enjoy them next year.
- If you just can't live without your special ornaments, consider using ornament hangers or stands to display them safely out of the reach of curious little hands.
- Establish a "Look with your eyes, don't touch with your hands" zone so that you your multiples know clearly what to expect. Consider giving them some sturdy child-friendly ornaments that they CAN touch, and place them at your children's level. Hang off limit ornaments out of sight and out of reach.
- Be cautious about ornaments with sharp edges or small pieces that could come loose and present a choking hazard. Even though you think you've put them out of reach, your twins or triplets will find a way to get their hands on them.
- Never hang ornaments from lights or wires. Use sturdy tree branches that can support the ornament's weight.
- Metal ornament hooks should be used cautiously around young children. They can be sharp and they are a choking hazard. They are easily misplaced and lost in carpeting. Consider using nonflammable wire or ribbon to attach ornaments to the tree.
- Avoid ornaments that look like candy or food. They're just too much of a taste temptation for toddler twins or triplets.
More Holiday Hazards -- Next: Toys
