10 Ways to Toddler-Proof Your Christmas Tree

From posh to practical, we've got the best tips to keep your tot (and your tree) safe and sound this holiday season.

By Amy Valm

Updated Oct 23, 2023

10 Ways to Toddler-Proof Your Christmas Tree

Photo: iStockPhoto

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em

Paper and yarn ornaments are festive and totally toddler-safe. Get the instructions for our simple pompoms here.

Photo: Bower Power via Pinterest

Alternatively, you can just buy pom-pom ornaments. It's quicker.

Bells

Anyone with a toddler knows that silence sure isn’t golden. Adorn the lower branches of your tree with bells so you can hear when your little one is admiring the O Tannenbaum a little too closely. Every time a bell rings, a toddler is probably up to no good.

Get the instructions for this bell ornament: The Happier Homemaker

Photo: The Happier Homemaker via Pinterest

Blockade

Keep curious tots at bay by wrapping large empty boxes and creating a blockade. It’s pretty and functional. If you’re not all Martha Stewart-like, forget the pretty paper packages and use a baby gate instead.

Photo: Grosgrain Fabulous via Pinterest

Fake it

Forgo the hassle (and cleanup) of a tradional tree with a simple washi tape tree. Make the boughs as simple or intricate as you’d like, but don’t forget the garland.

Photo: DecoPeques via Pinterest

If you don't already have loads of your own washi tape, here's where to buy it. And don't worry—it won't ruin your walls.

Tabletop tree

Opt for a smaller tree and keep it up high, away from curious little hands. You can add all the glitz of traditional trimmings while your little one admires safely from ground level.

Photo: DigsDigs via Pinterest

We love these petite Christmas trees for clever toddler-proof counter displays.

Holding down the fort

A tipping tree is a legit fear. Try wrapping bricks in gift wrap (because pretty) to secure your tree stand.

Photo: Babytalk Bungalow via Pinterest

Need a Christmas tree stand? Click through to the ones we love, and be sure to place yours on top of a gorgeous Christmas tree skirt.

Go minimalist

A simple ornament-less tree is chic and on-trend. If you can live without twinkling lights and old-timey trinkets, this alternative is safe for toddlers and quite pretty.

Photo: Rowen and Wren via Pinterest

Get on up

Remove lower branches so dangling baubles or lights are out of a toddler’s arms-reach. Parenting win!

Photo: Dengamlaskolan via Pinterest

Shatter-proof ornaments

Shatter-proof ornaments will let kids be kids without the worry of a bajillion pieces of broken glass everywhere.

Photo: Merchant

Last resort

Guys, this is for sure the ugliest option. But if you feel it’s the best one for you, no judgments. You do you.

Photo: Why Mothers Never Drink Hot Tea via Pinterest

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

This article was originally published on Nov 30, 2017

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Amy Valm

Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail.

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