The holidays are magical, aren’t they? Twinkling lights, family get-togethers, and the kind of kid excitement that only a school break can bring. But let’s be real—between all the joy and chaos, keeping things safe for the little ones takes some extra thought. A bit of planning goes a long way toward keeping the season stress-free and full of happy memories.
Decorating is one of the best parts of the holidays, but it can also be a little…risky (thanks, toddlers). Keep cords tucked away so no one trips mid-elf run, and make sure your lights aren’t frayed. Breakable ornaments? Those belong at the top of the tree, far away from curious little hands. And as much as we love the flicker of real candles, flameless options are a lifesaver. (Literally!)
Whether you’re driving to Grandma’s or catching a flight, a little prep can save your sanity. Road trips call for snacks (obviously), water, blankets, and a flashlight. And don’t forget to check the weather because icy roads can sneak up on you.
Flying? Crowded airports are a whole vibe (heavy on the sarcasm). Having a safety plan for a meeting location can help you keep track of your busy kiddos while we wait for Littlebird to arrive. Don’t forget your bag of kid-friendly snacks and a few sitting-friendly activities–they make a significant difference in reducing your stress.
When you arrive at your hotel, AirBnB, or Grandma’s house, take five minutes to do a quick sweep for hazards. Kid-proofing your space right when you arrive will give you the gift of peace of mind for your entire stay.
Snowy days are the best—sledding, snowball fights, and that satisfying crunch-crunch under your boots. Just make sure everyone’s bundled up in layers and that ears, fingers, and toes are covered because frostbite is no joke. Icy sidewalks? Teach the kids to shuffle like little penguins—it’s actually a very practical way to avoid slips and bonks!
Also! Since it gets dark so early, reflective or glow-in-the-dark gear is a game-changer. Plus, what kid doesn’t want to look like a human glow stick?
Ok, ok. Holiday shopping is an extreme sport these days. Crowded malls and markets can get overwhelming fast when you mix them with little humans. Make a family safety password, tucking them in the back of the cart, and encouraging them to identify “safe” people—like store employees or folks in a security uniform—gives them a plan they can remember.
With all the excitement, it’s easy to let the basics slide. But, quite honestly, staying hydrated and washing hands is non-negotiable (especially with all those cold- and flu-season germs floating around). I also try to build in quiet moments for everyone to have some down time. Holiday burnout is real, even for kids.
The holidays are about making memories. We’re here cheering you on as you focus on what matters most: laughing with your kids, making snow angels, and sneaking an extra cookie or two.
1. Live tracking works anywhere with cellular connectivity on our U.S. Precision+ network. Live tracking & alerts require your phone have internet and notifications enabled. 2. Choose color and style at order confirmation. 3. Littlebird is available for pre-order to our waitlist with limited availability. Littlebird Safety Plan is $25/mo. with a 12-month commitment.