A Christmas tree [1] with zero ornaments hung toward the bottom of the tree is a big baby-parent holiday vibe, for sure. One mom is sharing her solution to baby-proofing [2] her Christmas tree, and it doesn't involve blowing money on a holiday-themed baby gate or using yourself as the first line of defense. The selling point? It relies on materials you most likely already have.

Taking Cara Babies [3] founder Cara Dumaplin is a former neonatal nurse, certified pediatric sleep consultant, and mother of four who shared her tried-and-true hack for keeping babies and ornaments safe in an Instagram post [4]. Her solution is to take old cardboard boxes, fill them with books to anchor them to the ground so they don't slide or tip, and wrap them up like a gift. Cara even offered the pro tip of using clear packing tape to keep the boxes together. The result is a free and easy baby barricade that blends in perfectly with your holiday decor.

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