The holiday season brings with it a sense of joy, warmth, and togetherness, especially for families celebrating their baby's first Christmas. While the festive season is a happy time, it's crucial for parents to be aware of potential hazards that can pose risks to their little ones. In this blog, we'll explore various aspects of ensuring a safe Christmas for your baby, with a special focus on making Christmas dinner baby friendly. So, let's deck the halls with safety!
The Joy of Baby-Led Weaning at Christmas
This may be your little one’s first ever Christmas! Let's celebrate the joys of incorporating your baby into the Christmas festivities, starting with a baby-led weaning approach for Christmas dinner. Here are some of our favourite tips to make Christmas dinner both baby-friendly and safe:
1. Bubble & Squeak balls for happy tummies
Choose to make your stuffing into balls as these are easier for baby to grasp. This way, you can ensure that your baby enjoys the festive flavours in a safe and easy-to-manage form. When it comes to leftover bubble & squeak time, many of your Christmas dinner leftovers can be mashed into balls for your baby's upcoming meals and even popped in the freezer for a future date. Christmas dinner in January anyone?!
2. Little veggie sticks for little hands
Cut your carrots, parsnips and potatoes into sticks. This makes them easy for your baby to pick up and put to their mouth all by themselves encouraging their independence. By providing their veggies to them in a manageable shape, you're enabling your little one’s growing confidence.
3. Tender turkey tips
The juicy, tender white turkey meat may be easier for them to munch on than the brown meat (legs) which can be chewier. As delicious as pigs in blankets are, both sausage and bacon are high in salt and the shape can pose choking risks so leave those off baby’s plate (means more for you!)
4. Hold the salt
Your baby’s kidneys are too immature to cope with added salt, so it is essential to leave it out of your cooking. While some of your family members might be surprised, salt can be added individually to adult portions on serving. Be conscious of salt levels in ready made Christmas treats too eg. gravy. Babies should have less than 1g of salt per day.
Christmas Hazards to Be Mindful Of
1. Choking Hazards
Christmas decorations, small ornaments, small toys, or even bits of wrapping paper can pose choking hazards for curious babies. Ensure that decorations within your baby's reach are large, secure, and free from small parts that could be ingested.
2. Supervision Matters
With the hustle and bustle of the festive season, it's easy to get distracted. However, maintaining constant supervision is crucial, especially when your baby is exploring new surroundings or interacting with festive decorations.
3. Christmas Lights and Electrical Safety
Twinkling lights are a hallmark of Christmas decorations, but they can also be enticing to little hands. Ensure that Christmas lights are securely fastened, out of your baby's reach, and that electrical outlets are covered to prevent any accidents.
4. Hazardous Plants
Mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are popular Christmas plants, but they can be toxic if ingested by babies. Keep these plants out of your baby's reach, and be cautious about any fallen leaves or berries.
5. Festive Food Safety
While we've discussed making Christmas dinner baby-led weaning friendly, it's essential to be cautious about potential allergens and choking hazards. Avoid honey for babies under one year old, limit salt content and be mindful of common allergens in festive treats (if unsure, download our free Weaning Planner Bundle which includes First food chart with allergens highlighted)
6. Secure the Christmas Tree
If you have a Christmas tree, ensure it is securely anchored to prevent accidental toppling. Keep fragile ornaments higher on the tree, and opt for shatterproof decorations within a baby's reach. It’s not just cats that get excited.
7. Candle Safety
Candles create a warm and festive atmosphere, but they can be a fire hazard. Place candles out of reach and never leave them unattended, especially if you have a crawling or walking baby.
Patience and Self-Kindness
Amidst all the safety considerations, it's crucial for parents to remember the significance of patience and self-kindness. The holiday season can be overwhelming and stressful at times, and it's okay not to have everything perfect. Allow yourself the grace to enjoy these moments, embrace the imperfections (with a large glass of Baileys) and create lasting and magical memories with your little one.
Wrap up
Navigating the hazards for your baby at Christmas requires a combination of vigilance, preparation, and a touch of festive creativity. By following baby-led weaning tips for Christmas dinner and being mindful of potential risks, you can ensure a safe and joyful holiday season for your entire family. Celebrate the magic of Christmas with your little bundle and create those cherished, messy memories that will last a lifetime.
Wishing you and your little one a safe, happy, and magical Christmas!
Amber 💕
Mama & Chomp Founder
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This blog has been created in consultation with baby healthcare professionals and NHS Guidelines. Speak to a medical professional immediately if you have any concerns about the health of your child.