Safety Tips for the Holidays: Celebrating Safely With Your Kids
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers many helpful hints for new parents in keeping our children safe.
Tree Safety
Look for the “Fire Resistant” label if you are buying an artificial tree. If you decide to purchase a live tree check the freshness by pulling on the needles (a fresh tree’s needles are resistant to pulls and hard to break) and the trunk is sticky with resin. If the tree is losing needles, look for a fresher one. Set up your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, or portable heaters and keep it out of traffic and doorways. Also, keep the tree stand filled with water to prevent the tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
Light Safety
Do not use electric lights on a metallic tree which can become electrically charged or cause electrocution. Make sure when using outdoor lights that they have been certified for use outside and use hooks or insulated staples to attach them to your shingles or gutters, never nails or tacks. Don’t use any lights that have frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections when stringing lights on your tree. When you go to bed or leave home, turn off all lights.
Safe Decorating
Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Keep lighted candles away from trees or any other evergreens. Choose decorations that are not sharp or breakable, especially if you have small children in the house. Also stay away from ornaments with moveable parts as these present swallowing/choking hazards. Keep in mind when choosing ornaments and decorations to stay away from those that resemble food or candy as an infant or toddler will put most anything in their mouths, especially if it looks like a snack! Keep paper wrappings, bows, tinsel, and assorted goodies away from the fireplace area after everyone has opened their gifts. These objects pose the threat of suffocation and choking and can also ignite flames if left near a fire.
Toy Safety
When toy shopping for your child or other youngsters, choose toys suitable for their age, abilities, skills and interest level. Read instructions for all toys you purchase before letting your child play with them. If your child is under the age of ten, do not give them a toy that has to be plugged in for fear of burns and electrical shocks. Battery-operated toys are much safer. Children under age 3 should not have toys or games with small parts as these pose a choking hazard. If your child is under the age of 8, balloons can cause choking or even suffocation. Be sure to remove strings and ribbons before giving them to a child. Pull toys with strings more than 12 inches long could be a strangulation hazard. Watch Out!
Safety Around The Fireplace
The fireplace is a cozy place to gather around with the family on Christmas morning to check out what Santa dropped off but it can be dangerous if you aren’t safety-conscious. Before lighting your logs, clear the area of all greens, boughs, paper or any other ignitable decorations and make sure the flue is open. Burning wrapping papers in the fireplace is not a good idea as a flash fire may result and suddenly burn out of control.
Food Safety
Having a cup of hot chocolate, tea or coffee may be a family tradition to top off your Christmas feast but if you leave your drink near the edge of a counter or table, a child will curiously want to see what it is. Keep hot liquids pushed back to prevent scalding burns. Also, make sure everyone uses proper hand-washing techniques. This can cut down on lots of germ transmission and stomach eruptions. When thawing frozen meat, place it in the refrigerator rather than the counter top.
Keeping your family safe and healthy is a priority for all new parents. These are just a few reminders and recommendations for you to keep in mind this holiday season!
Happy Holidays!
