The festive season often brings joy and excitement as families decorate their homes, but one mother is sharing a vital warning about a common holiday decoration that can pose serious risks to children. Jenna Bradford recently recounted a harrowing experience involving her toddler, who was severely injured by a weighted stocking holder when he was just 14 months old.
In her Facebook post, Jenna detailed how her son, while in the care of a nanny, managed to pull a Christmas stocking, causing the heavy holder to fall directly onto his face. “It struck him in a sensitive area, leading to catastrophic injuries,” she explained. Despite the immediate rush to the hospital for emergency surgery, the damage sustained was irreparable, necessitating the removal of his eye just a week later.
Weighted stocking holders are typically designed with a heavy base to keep festive stockings secure. They often feature charming designs like snowmen or reindeer, and many households likely have them perched on their mantles. However, as Jenna pointed out, children—particularly toddlers—are adept at exploring their surroundings, and the risk of pulling down such decorations is significant.
For those concerned about how to hang stockings safely, Jenna recommends using alternatives like adhesive hooks, which can be found on platforms like Amazon. She humorously added, “I’ve even resorted to white duct tape!”
Fortunately, Jenna’s son has shown remarkable resilience since the incident. “He has a beautiful prosthetic eye and is one of the most joyful and adventurous kids I know,” she shared, noting his love for soccer, t-ball, and swimming. Jenna hopes that by sharing their experience, she can raise awareness about the potential dangers of weighted stocking holders and encourage others to reconsider their use during the holidays.
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In summary, while decorating for the holidays can be enjoyable, parents must remain vigilant about the potential dangers that certain decorations may pose to children. Jenna’s story serves as a reminder to choose safer options for holiday decor and to prioritize child safety above all.