Holiday decorations are bright, colorful, and often sparkly and dangly — all perfect to engage your child's curiosity. So go ahead and decorate for the holidays, but make sure that you also make it safe for your baby. You'll need to be on high alert during the holiday season.

• Put a baby-gate around the Christmas tree to keep your baby from getting too close and trying to pull off any ornaments or use a branch to pull herself up to stand.

• If you don't close off the tree, don't put any ornaments or lights on lower branches and put breakable, precious ornaments on higher branches.

• Don't put nuts or hard candies within reach on a coffee or side table.

• Choking is a major hazard for small children.

• Place candles and Menorahs out of reach to avoid burns or tipping over.

• Don't put any holiday greenery, especially those with berries like poinsettias and holly, within reach of little fingers. Much of it is poisonous if swallowed.

• Make sure your fireplace is properly screened and never leave a baby alone in a room where there has recently been a fire. Ashes can burn if touched.

• Check your tinsel — older versions were made with lead and shouldn't be used.

• Make sure that any alcoholic drinks are kept at adult height. Even a small amount of alcohol can be toxic if sipped by a baby.