During the holidays, the last thing you want is for someone to get injured. Despite all the decorations, shopping and family gatherings you have on your mind, safety must be a priority. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends taking extra precautions to protect your kids and keep them safe during this festive time of year.
Fire Safety
The incidence of house fires rises during the holidays. The Christmas tree can be a hazard. Artificial trees should be labeled fire resistant. Fresh trees should have green needles that are still firmly attached to the boughs. Keep your tree away from sources of heat such as radiators and fireplaces. Fill the tree stand with water and keep it out of heavily traveled areas. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises against using candles on trees.
If you use candles elsewhere in your home, place them out of the way of wind, traffic and wrapping paper. Remove all flammable items before lighting the fireplace and keep the screen closed while the fire is lit. Before you light the fire, open the flue. Don't smoke near any decorations. Before you leave the house, turn off all decorative lights indoors and outdoors.
Have an emergency plan in case you have a fire and practice evacuating with the family.
Prevent Poisoning
Be vigilant about what your children can ingest. The Kids Health website recommends keeping plants such as mistletoe, poinsettias and holly away from small children. Any type of propellant can be toxic; use caution if you decorate with spray snow or any other spray. If you have alcohol in the house, keep it in cupboard out of the reach of your children. After a party, empty all cups and glasses. To prevent food poisoning, frequently wash your hands, utensils and everything else that has contact with food. Refrigerate leftovers and thoroughly reheat them before eating. If your child has any food allergies, check the ingredients of everything she eats.
Avoid Accidents
The combination of deadlines, stress, exhaustion and too much sugar is a recipe for accidents during the holidays. When you take your children shopping, don't let them out of your sight. Put boxes, wrapping paper and other items away after you use them to keep the floor uncluttered. During family gatherings, make sure at least one parent is watching siblings and cousins at play. When several restless children are contained in a home, the possibility that one will fall against a coffee table or get into an unsecured cupboard rises. Take time to relax as you decorate and cook. To be watchful, you must be rested.
Appropriate Toys
Choose toys that are appropriate for the age of the recipient, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics. Some children under the age of 3 put everything into their mouths, so toys designed for older children pose choking hazards. Avoid giving children under the age of 10 anything that needs to be plugged in. Batteries can cause internal problems and even death if swallowed, so keep them away from small children. Dispose of under-inflated balloons to prevent suffocation. Don't give small children toys with ribbons or strings longer than 12 inches.
Prepare for the Weather
The holidays are typically one of the coldest times of the year, so be prepared for the weather. The Centers for Disease Control recommends checking your heating system before the cold weather arrives. Dress appropriately for the weather to prevent health problems caused by getting too cold. Wear loose layers that can be removed or added for comfort. Check your local weather service before traveling anywhere and avoid driving on icy roads.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Holiday Safety Tips
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Be Prepared: Staying Safe and Healthy in Winter Weather
- Family Education: Holiday Fire Safety Tips
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Holiday Decoration Safety Tips
- KidsHealth: Making the Holidays Safe
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