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There’s No Such Thing as Childproofing

“Nothing replaces direct supervision—during any season,” stresses Rene Hopkins, RN, coordinator of Safe Kids East Central at MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center in Augusta, Ga. “Childproofing is really only a layer of protection that gives you time to intervene.” For instance, a tenacious toddler will find a way to get around—or over—an indoor gate. But while your child is climbing, that gate allows you the few seconds you need to get to him before he gets to the tree.

During the holidays, you bring things into the house that aren’t usually there—lights, trees, new guests—undoing all the childproof protections you’ve instituted during the year. So along with the bright lights, fancy foods and cozy fires, add one more tradition to your family holiday: Designate one adult to keep an eye on your toddler at all times.