Holiday Safety
by Houston Family Magazine
Everybody looks forward to the holidays. It’s a time for family and friends, parties and gatherings, treats and delights.
But let’s not forget about safety.
Here are a few things you and your family should watch out for this holiday season.
Overindulgence
Too many sweets plus not enough sleep makes kids cranky and parents far from jolly.
Children, especially toddlers, love to graze. At holiday gatherings, they’ll wander from table to table, nibbling and sampling as they go, filling up on empty calories.
A good way to combat this is to eat a regular meal first, then decide how many treats they can have at the party—and stick to that limit.
When it comes to juice or punch, water it down by half.
It can be hard getting kids to eat a healthy meal and drink their milk when temptation is all around. Entice your kids by making their food more fun over the holidays—serve it on a special plate, dress it up with colorful condiments or toppings, pour milk into festive cups, or offer funky holiday straws.
Also, try to stick to your family’s regular sleep schedule and don’t cram too many events or gatherings into too few days. Pick which ones you want to go to, set a limit on how many you will attend, and stick to that limit. It will be much easier to get back to your family’s regular routine if you don’t stray too far out of it.
Poisons
It’s usually the things that look fun, pretty, or tasty that get children into trouble.
Mom’s festive glass of eggnog spiked with rum, Grandpa’s candy-colored medications, fluffy fake snow blanketing the nativity scene, bright-hued plants in red and green—all of these things can be tempting but dangerous to children.
Most people think poinsettias are toxic to children and pets, and while eating a few leaves can certainly make you feel ill, it’s actually mistletoe that’s the biggest culprit. Some forms of the plant contain a toxin that can cause blurred vision, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes death. Holly berries are also dangerous. One or two berries isn’t very harmful, but as many as 20 can cause death.
Artificial snow can cause breathing problems.
Anytime a child ingests something poisonous or dangerous, call poison control immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
Fire
Most people love a blazing fire during the holidays, but that’s also the time of year when more fire-related accidents occur. That being said, this is a good time to go over your family’s fire escape plan.
When choosing an artificial Christmas tree, look for one labeled “fire resistant.” If you choose a live tree, keep it properly watered. Turn the lights off at night and when you’re not at home.
Do not throw wrapping paper into the fire place. It can cause flash fires.
Also, children should never be allowed to hold sparklers or launch fireworks. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 8,500 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework-related injuries last year, and the highest risk group for injuries is children ages 10 to 14.
Injuries
Ornaments that look like food or candy are tempting to toddlers, so keep those high on the tree. The risk of choking, whether it’s on food, small toy parts, or decorations, is greatest in kids ages 5 and under.
If you can raise the tree itself, a child is less likely to accidentally pull it down. If it can’t be raised, consider some kind of barrier, like baby gates.
Also, watch out for heavy, decorative stocking hangers. They can fall off the mantle when a toddler is pulling on his stocking, leading to cuts, abrasions, and a trip to the ER for stitches.
Even though it’s the holidays, call your pediatrician’s office anytime your child is sick or injured. They should have an after-hours service and can tell you where to go or what to do next. Pediatricians have connections to emergency rooms and can call them in advance to let them know you’re coming. Hopefully we won’t have to see you there at all—let’s do our best to keep the happy in the holidays this year!
Additional Information
How to have a safe party:
- keep hot foods out of reach
- keep dips chilled by placing them in a bowl of ice
- place hand sanitizer throughout the house
- clearly mark which drinks contain alcohol
- clean up immediately after the party, so Junior doesn’t get into something harmful in the morning
How to be a good guest:
- teach your children not to double-dip
- supervise your children
- arrive on time and leave on time
- if your child is sick, stay home
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
