DECEMBER is the time to bring out the Christmas decorations and embrace the festive spirit. If you have curious little explorers at home, Play Mats Direct has some expert tips to help you baby-proof your space and keep the season safe and stress-free.

Magda Hajduk, Manager of Play Mats Direct, is here to sprinkle some festive magic with 10 simple ways to make your home safer for your little ones this Christmas:

1. “Keep your Christmas tree secure: Ensure your Christmas tree is stable and secure, especially if you have an adventurous crawler. Use a sturdy tree stand and, if needed, anchor it to the wall to prevent it from toppling.

2. “Command strips could be your best friend: For heavier decorations like snow globes or ceramic festive figures, consider using Command strips to secure them to tabletops or shelves. This gives you peace of mind knowing they won’t move easily, and stops your little one from knocking them over or breaking them.

3. “Keep your fire contained: With fireplaces crackling all season long, a fireproof gate is a must-have. Babies and young children are quick, curious and often drawn to anything that glows - but fireplaces can come with hot glass, heavy frames and ash. A sturdy gate creates a safe boundary, keeping the cosy vibes in and the hazards out.

4. “Switch out your candles for battery-powered alternatives: Skip the real flames this year and go for battery-powered candles instead. Battery-powered or rechargeable candles offer a cosy atmosphere without the fire risk, making them ideal for homes with inquisitive little ones.

5. “Avoid tinsel this year: With retro Christmas decor coming back in fashion, you might be tempted to add tinsel to your tree and hang it around your home. But tinsel easily sheds and can be torn off, making it a choking hazard for babies and young children. For a colourful touch, try ribbon or paper garlands instead. They're a fun DIY alternative and can even become a craft activity for the kids!

6. “Put the baubles out of reach: Baubles are often the most fragile part of your tree, so keep them towards the top for safety. Consider swapping out glass or sentimental ones for felt or plastic decorations at the bottom to protect them from little hands.

7. “Watch out for wires: More light-up decorations often mean more electricity and sockets. Make sure your wires are hidden from your baby to avoid any accidents. Tape down any loose wires to the floor or walls, or use cable covers to keep them out of reach.

8. “Avoid mistletoe: Mistletoe may be festive, but it’s a hidden hazard for children. It's toxic, the berries can be a choking risk, and dried bits can easily fall off. With youngsters who love putting everything in their mouths, real mistletoe just isn’t worth the worry - skip it and enjoy a safer Christmas.

“Create a soft landing zone: Play mats are a holiday lifesaver, creating a soft, safe spot for babies among all the Christmas chaos, trees, gifts, and hard floors. They cushion falls, making crawling or early walking less painful, and provide a calm space to explore amid the festive busyness.

“They’re also surprisingly handy beyond playtime. Slip one under your Christmas tree to catch falling pine needles and make clean-up effortless. In the UK alone, more than 8 million real trees are sold each year, with millennials 82 per cent more likely than baby boomers to choose a natural tree, so having an easy clean-up solution is a win for many households.

10. Minimise hazards in the kitchen: While cooking Christmas dinner, keep babies and young children away from hot stoves and ovens to prevent burns. Consider using a baby gate, high chair, or playpen to create a safe zone, keep hot pans out of reach, and provide toys or snacks to keep them occupied. Staying mindful of their location while you move around the kitchen can make the holiday safer for everyone.

A few thoughtful changes can go a long way toward creating a safer space for your baby and young children during the holidays. Taking the time to secure decorations, manage hazards, and think ahead means fewer worries and fewer surprises.