As the holiday season approaches, many families are eager to deck their halls with festive decorations. However, one mother is sounding the alarm about a hidden danger that lurks in many homes: weighted stocking holders. After a traumatic incident involving her young son, she hopes to spread awareness among parents.
Three years ago, Melissa Johnson’s life changed drastically when her 14-month-old son, Jake, pulled down a weighted stocking holder from the mantle. The heavy decoration struck him in a sensitive area, leading to devastating consequences. “At the time, Jake was with his caregiver when he tugged on a Christmas stocking, causing the holder to fall and hit him directly in his eye,” Melissa recounted. The injury was severe, necessitating emergency surgery at a nearby hospital, where doctors ultimately determined that the damage was irreparable, requiring the removal of his eye. “Just a week later, we were back at the hospital for the enucleation surgery,” she shared.
Weighted stocking holders, often adorned with cheerful designs like snowmen and reindeer, are popular during the holidays for their ability to support the weight of filled stockings. While these decorations may seem safe perched on a shelf, toddlers have a knack for getting into mischief. It’s easy to understand how a curious child could pull down a heavy holder, just as Jake did.
For those looking for safer alternatives, Melissa suggests using 3M Command hooks, which can securely hold stockings without the risks associated with weighted decorations. “There are much safer options available,” she advises. Some parents might even opt for white duct tape, a simple yet effective solution.
Despite the grave circumstances, Melissa reports that Jake is thriving today. “Our story has a positive twist. He has a wonderful prosthetic eye and is one of the most adventurous kids I know. He loves soccer, t-ball, and swimming,” she noted. However, her main goal in sharing this story is to prevent other families from facing similar heartache. “I hope that by raising awareness, I can encourage others to rethink their use of weighted stocking holders.”
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In summary, while holiday decorations can bring joy and cheer, it’s crucial for parents to consider their safety. Taking precautions, like avoiding weighted stocking holders, can protect our little ones and ensure a happy, injury-free season.