How To Keep Your Child Safe During The Holidays

The winter holidays are upon us. And while they were not created expressly for the benefit of children, youngsters take great delight in the festivities surrounding this magical time of year.

However, the magic can quickly turn to disaster by simple oversight or poor planning. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is our concern for their safety.

Well Planned Decorations

Decorate your house with children in mind.

* Avoid room decorations that are sharp, easily breakable, or very small.

* Avoid trimmings or decorations that resemble candy or food. Children could mistake them for the real thing.

* Keep small ornaments, tinsel, small figurines and other decorations out of reach of young children.

* Place breakable ornaments, or those with small detachable parts, on upper tree branches.

* Keep lighting wires away from young children. Push the wires into the tree branches and clip the securely to the branches. Never allow children to play with light strings or other electrical decorations.

* Trim lower tree branches to prevent eye injuries.

* Keep candles, matches and lighters out of reach.

* Make sure all electrical decorations are safety tested. Look for the UL Label.

* Keep toddlers away from electrical fixtures. Use large outlet covers on electrical sockets that are not in use.

* Secure electrical cords so children can't pull or trip over them.

Well Chosen Toys

* Be sure the toy matches the age, skills, abilities and interest of the child.

* Avoid toys that have sharp or metal edges, glass, cords and strings, or sharp points.

* Buy toys for infants and toddlers that are too large to fit in their mouth. Here's a valuable rule of thumb: If a toy or part can slide through an empty toilet-paper roll, it's too small for small children.

* Be sure eyes of dolls and buttons on stuffed animals are securely fastened.

* Do not allow children under age six to blow up a balloon, or be alone with one. Balloons are the most dangerous "toy" for small children.

* When purchasing toys for older children, consider the possibility they may fall into the hands of younger children.

More Precautions

* Carefully supervise youngsters during holiday activities and parties.

* Keep toddlers away from the kitchen when cooking and baking are in progress. If they must be present, keep them in high chairs or play pens.

* If you build a fire, use a fireplace screen. Do not leave young children or the fire unattended.

* Keep "fire salts" that produce colored flames on wood fires away from children. They can make a child sick if swallowed.

* Keep round, hard foods and candies such as candy cane pieces, mints, nuts and popcorn out of reach of children under age five.

* Keep holiday plants away from children. Some are toxic. Call the poison control center if your child eats part of a plant.

* Keep alcoholic drinks and containers, baking ingredients with alcohol, and cigarette butts out of reach.

* Post poison control center and emergency phone numbers by all phones.

* If you travel to the house of a relative or friend, perform an immediate safety check. Look for such things as visible prescription drugs or poisonous products, unguarded appliances and stairs, toxic products under sinks, and unprotected electrical outlets.

* Keep a close eye on your child. If it's someplace you go frequently, take along necessary safety devices for temporary use.

* When shopping with small children, sew or pin their name, address and phone number inside their clothing in case you become separated.

Some of this information courtesy of Safe Kids USA.

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