Doctor says ordinary Christmas decoration should be “outlawed” for harming children

At this time of year, many of us are likely to have Christmas decorations up in our homes.

But getting into the festive spirit can inadvertently introduce a hidden security risk.

“Creating a Risk”

Pediatrician Dr. Em (@dr.emzieees) has taken to TikTok to urge parents of young children to be extra careful when decorating – especially with how they display socks.

“This is your cue not to wear suspenders this year,” she begins in the final clip.

It refers to those heavy stocking hooks that often sit on the mantle, and the sticky white hooks used to hang things on walls.

Using her own home as an example, she shares a photo of her son with their socks hanging in the background.

“Now I have seen three children who have been injured,” she says.

“Parents use those heavy duty stocking holders. And what do babies do when they see socks?â€

Hint: lots of grabbing and climbing.

“All you’re doing is creating a risk,” she continued.

“Kids grab a sock and try to pull the sock down and what happens is the sock holder almost always lands on their face.”

“As if they were outlaws”

Dr. Em has seen the painful consequences firsthand.

“He leaves these really bad marks. I have seen children who need stitches from her,” she says.

Viewers echoed her concerns, sharing their own stories.

“I have a family friend who has a glass eye because she pulled one down when she was little,” revealed one commenter.

Another said: “100% the most important message.”

Some admitted they had never considered the risk.

“I would never have thought of that! My one-year-old wasn’t walking last Christmas, but my 2-year-old is now in everything, one parent said.

“Always learning something new,” added another.

Dr. Em believes more needs to be done to keep children safe.

“I wish they were outlaws,” she said.

Parents already have a lot to worry about during the holidays, but they’ll surely be grateful for this warning.