Toddler-proofing your Christmas tree

[MelissaRaeCake]

We have a 21 month old who likes to throw everything he can get his hands on. So I am looking for creative, yet thrifty ways to secure our Christmas tree. So far, the plan is to do tinsel garland and lights only, and use fishing line to tie down the tree. I can see no scenario where the ornaments would be safe! Any ideas?

[tomatohead]

We used plastic ornaments tied on with ribbons and ribbons made into bows tied onto the branches.

[SyLph211]

we use plastic no shatter type ornaments and plastic hooks. The tree branches are then bent over slightly at the ends to keep the hooks on the tree. We do artifical as real trees can be hazards if swallowed. We also do not do tinsel or other types as it is a hazard also. I do like to add a more decorative bow and other items at the top as the topper to make the tree look nice. Good Luck.

[kandpsmom]

plastic ornaments with ribbon instead of hooks here too

[couponfanatic]

We never had an issue wth anything except the ornaments. No toddlers here anymore, but because of the cat and dog we have continued the
Only Plastic Ornaments Below Waist Height rule.

[EmmasMom830]

My mom had trouble with this when she had 3 kids 5 and under. My dad’s solution was to put the ornaments on the ceiling. Now it is a tradition every year we put balls and candy canes on red yarn and tack them in the ceiling… I’ll have to find a picture.

Other solutions are to put the Tree behind a gate, or in a play pen. Or get a smaller tree and put it on a table. Easiest option is probably plastic ornaments.

For the wrapped presents, instead of putting them under the tree, we wrap a big (stove, refrigerator, dishwasher-sized) box. So we have a big pretty box and we put all the wrapped gifts inside until just before the kids go to bed Christmas Eve night. Just remember to keep the Santa gifts out of that box.