In the frenzy of the holidays, it's easy to overlook safety hazards. But while you're busy wrapping the presents, lighting the candles, or trimming the tree, it's important to keep the following in mind:
Every little button and ornament is a potential choking hazard
You already know that toddlers will put almost anything in their mouths, so watch where you're leaving that bowl of tiny pinecones or potpourri. Wreaths, ornaments, Holiday scenes, and other decorations with unsecured pieces become choking hazards if left within reach of little hands. Be sure to keep seasonal decorations and dishes of holiday treats — especially nuts, candies with hard shells, and hard candies — well out of your child's reach on high tables or counters. Finally, clean up carefully when wrapping presents. Young toddlers love scrap pieces of tape, ribbon, and wrapping paper (especially shiny foil papers) and could choke on them. And you don't want your child getting his hands on scissors and other sharp tools used to cut paper and ribbon.
Candles and matches create a fire hazard
Young children are drawn to flames, so keep lit candles well out of your child's reach. Don't put lit candles on a tablecloth or anything else that your child could pull down or knock over. And always keep lit candles far away from your tree and never let a candle burn in an unoccupied room. Place lighted menorahs, or any type of live fire, in a safe spot.
Lights and other tree decorations can be dangerous
Strings of electric lights are as dangerous as they are attractive to young children, who can easily get wrapped up in the wires and risk being strangled or even electrocuted. And while tinsel can make a tree sparkle, it's also a choking hazard. If you use strands of tinsel or lights of any kind, hang them high and out of your child's reach.
Lead may lurk in unexpected places
Like nearly all appliance cords, most strings of Christmas tree lights are coated with plastic that contains lead. The amount of lead varies widely, and it's hard to say how dangerous it might be. To be safe, don't let your child handle the lights.
Lead is also a concern if you have an artificial tree that's old. Some of these trees may contain unsafe levels of lead and give off dust that can spread lead through the air. Throw out any suspect artificial trees and replace them with either the real thing or a modern imitation. When buying an artificial tree, check for lead warning labels.
Holdiay Plants
Although pretty and festive, some holiday plants may be poisonous to you and your children. Be sure to check with your local nursery before purchasing any holiday plants.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
How can I keep my toddler safe around holiday decorations?
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