‘Tis the season to deck the halls, which means trees go up, holiday decorations come out, parties get thrown, and many families travel far and wide. In all the (hectic) merriment it’s important to remember a safe holiday makes a happy holiday. Here are a few reminders to keep the kids safe and healthy this holiday season:
- Travel: Visiting Nana? Make sure her house is as childproofed as possible. Think gates on stairs, knick-knacks up high, locks on doors, and medicines kept far away from wee hands. Also, be sure any water hazards, such as pools, hot tubs, and rivers or lakes, are inaccessible to curious kids.
- Party Planning: There’s a reason many of us gain a few holiday pounds: It’s hard to resist the chocolate-, candy- and nut-filled bowls at parties. Kids under the age of six are most at risk for choking, and these tasty treats are prime candidates. Objects less than 1 ¾” in diameter are potential choking hazards, which includes non-sweet treats like carrot sticks, olives and grapes. And with all the holiday cheer going around, watch half-empty glasses of alcoholic drinks that little people could reach, or taste.
- Does Age Matter? Well, when it comes to toys it does. The recommended age labels are there for a reason, as many listed at 3+ have small parts that pose a risk to younger kids. Watch for eyes, buttons, batteries, and other small pieces that could easily come off a toy if it’s used, for example, to soothe teething troubles.
- Oh, Christmas Tree: If choosing artificial, makes sure the tree is fire retardant. Live trees should be fresh and in plenty of water so they don’t dry out. Also, lights are beautiful, but unplug them whenever you’re going out or off to bed, and put that outlet cover back on every time.
- Tree Trimmings: With all the shiny, sparkly decorations and lights, your Christmas tree is like a beacon to a toddler. Be sure to secure it so it can’t be pulled over, and keep breakable decorations, such as glass balls, out of reach. If you use tinsel, candy canes, and stringed popcorn on your tree, place them high enough to avoid any potential nibbling. As well, watch for decorations that look like food because non-edible is a tough concept for wee ones.
- Fire’s Burning: Candles make for lovely holiday ambience, but can be dangerous if left unattended or easily accessible to young children (try the flameless candles for a similar look, but safe alternative). Along with candles, watch fireplaces, especially if your child hasn’t been exposed to the flickering flames before.
- Oven Ready: Baking and cooking are synonymous with the season, so watch little ones around hot stoves and ovens, and keep sharp utensils well out of reach for those who can get hands to countertops. This is a great time to pull out that baby gate and block off the kitchen.
- Stockings Were Hung. . .Stockings look great on the mantel, but those heavy, metal hangers can easily be pulled down right on top of a little one’s head. Instead, choose holders that can’t be yanked off, such as hooks, or a less permanent option, the easy-to-remove-but-incredibly-strong adhesive hangers.
- Package & Parcel: As we all know the box a present comes in is often more enticing to a toddler than what’s inside. Keep any plastic or foam packaging away from little hands, and watch wrapping paper around fireplaces.
- Time For A Change: It’s the perfect time to change batteries on fire alarms, and to make sure your carbon monoxide alarms are in working order.
Here are some more tips and tricks to help get you through the holidays:
- Holiday financial game plan
- Setting boundaries and not over-extending yourselves during the holidays
- Staying fit (as a family) during the holidays
photograph from thephotographymuse