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Child-Proof Your Holiday Season

The holidays are a special, magical time for young children, but it's important to be aware of the dangers that can lurk amongst all the decorations, presents, and festivities. Help keep this season magical for them with the following safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Decorations

• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a young child to eat them.

• Remove all wrapping papers, bags, paper, ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are opened. These items can pose suffocation and choking hazards to a small child or can cause a fire if near flame.

Toy Safety

• Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger children.

• Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully.

• To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don't give young children (under age ten) a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.

• Children under age three can choke on small parts contained in toys or games. Government regulations specify that toys for children under age three cannot have parts less than 1-1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long.

• Children under age 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Remove strings and ribbons from toys before giving them to young children

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• vWatch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.

Food Safety

• Be sure to keep hot liquids and foods away from the edges of counters and tables, where they can be easily knocked over by a young child's exploring hands.

• Wash your hands frequently, and make sure your children do the same

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Happy Visiting

• Clean up immediately after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.

• Remember that the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots.

• Keep a laminated list with all of the important phone numbers you or a baby-sitter are likely to need in case of an emergency. Include the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the national Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222.

• Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents, shopping, etc., can all increase your child's stress levels. Trying to stick to your child's usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.

• Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.

Outdoor Fun

• Make sure your child's gloves and shoes stay dry. If either becomes wet, change your child into a dry pair.

• Do not allow sledding on or into the roadway. Look for shallow slopes that are free of trees and fences.

• Most skiing and skating injuries involve twists, sprains and strains. You can reduce the chance of injury by taking skiing or skating lessons and using the right size equipment.

From all of us at BabyWeekly, have a safe and happy holiday season!