7 Holiday Safety Tips for Your Children and Pets

1. Opt for an artificial Christmas tree instead of a real one

Live trees can cause allergic reactions in some people, and they produce sap that can irritate your pet’s skin. They also attract insects which may transfer to your dog or cat’s fur. Artificial Christmas trees are a great alternative since you won’t have to worry about the mess and risk to your kids and pets.

2. Choose a safe location for your tree

Keep your tree away from the fireplace. It’s also a good idea to place it in a corner, because the walls provide protection on two sides and keep it from toppling over. When possible, raise your tree off the floor with a platform or enclose it with a fence.

3. Place paw repellents and climb blockers

Use a piece of aluminum foil on your tree’s base or cover the tree with plant netting to discourage your pets from climbing its branches.

4. Keep cords and plugs hidden

Lights attract curious children, so make sure to place them deep into the tree’s branches. Also keep cords or plugs tucked away from easy reach to avoid accidents.

5. Consider the size of ornaments

Smaller decorations pose a choking hazard to your young ones. Select ornaments that are big enough to prevent children and pets from accidentally eating or swallowing them.

6. Check the materials too

Look out for decorations that can irritate the skin and eyes. Chemicals used for flocking or artificial snow can be harmful when inhaled or ingested, so avoid using them when you can. Also stay away from tinsel and glitter as these sparkly pieces can be fatal to kids and pets alike.

7. Hang your ornaments carefully

Choose shatterproof ornaments instead of breakable ones. If you do decide to use glass ornaments, hang them higher up on your tree and secure them tightly to its branches.

We hope this guide helps you enjoy your celebrations without worrying about your kids and pets. Do you have other holiday safety tips that we missed? Share them in the comments below, and don’t forget to visit Tree Classics for flame-proof artificial Christmas trees and more.