Here’s a really useful post from Emma on how to make sure your Christmas is safe and stress free when you have a small child at home.

Last year was our first Christmas with our son, he was 8 months and was crawling everywhere. He had hit the age where he was into anything and everything. We had to be careful about everything we did from setting up home at the in laws for a few days to making sure he didn’t get his hands on the small things from the insides of the crackers.

When it comes to presents; babies will not be interested. We learnt this for ourselves last year: the only thing our son wanted to play with was the wrapping paper and a sweet tin. So don’t go overboard on the present buying, save it for they are older and will appreciate it more. We plan on using eBay to buy Christmas presents and spending money on buying clothes for him in the January sales. He’s not going to know any different about where these presents come from and exactly what day he gets them.

If the thought of hitting the shops and the busy streets with a pram sends shivers down your spine why not stay at home and do all the Christmas shopping at home from the comfort of your own sofa. You may even find more bargains at home online then you will in the shops, which is an added bonus for you. Even the food shopping can be done at home and delivered straight to your fridge.

If your baby is on the move then the Christmas tree is one of the first things to think about. Give the tree a wide stand to stop any toppling, you could even try tying it to something or even anchor it to the wall. Put any breakable/sentimental ornaments towards the top of the tree or even consider not using any at all, not worth the risk of a glass ornament breaking and baby getting it in his/her foot. Never leave baby, toddler or even a small child alone with a Christmas tree.

Keep Christmas decorations out of reach from little hands, hang them high and securely. Don’t hang them from lights or heaters as they can easily set alight and burn. If you do light any candles make sure these are kept away from the Christmas tree and any other decorations.

If you’re not at home with baby this year then this means packing a whole lot of extra stuff such as travel cot and possibly a highchair if where you’re going doesn’t have one. Baby monitors if you’re in different rooms to baby, and night lights of they’re needed. Don’t forget the essentials such as nappies, formula/breast pumps and medicine. Start preparing the going away bags a few days before you actually go away so you can add to it as you remember or think of things. Also, think about if where you are going will need childproofing: take along portable stair gates and electrical socket covers.

If you’re having people around for food why not ask them to bring something or even help out with the washing up, especially if you’ve not long had baby; the last thing you’ll want to be doing is stressing out in the kitchen. Make and freeze in advance where possible. Make sure your other half knows what he/she is doing, make them a list and give them a deadline. One can be keeping on top of what the baby needs whilst the other can be seeing to the food or even the other children. When it comes to the kitchen keep the babies and kids out unless of course they’re at an age where they can help peel vegetables.

Enjoy Christmas, don’t let it become a stressed out time especially if money is a worry. After all Christmas should be about being  with your family and feeling happy.

Have you got any tips to share on how to make sure your Christmas is safe and fun when you have little ones around? Share with Emma as a comment below and we’ll choose one person to win a Twist N’Pop cup.

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