Giving Your Children a Safe and Happy Holiday
Holiday time can be magical for children. Their world will be filled with lights, music, family traditions, school vacation and the anticipation of new toys. This can also be a dangerous time of year. The tragedy of a childhood injury or death during the holidays can be especially painful for families.
Some of the plants that are commonly used as decorations during the holidays are poisonous. Mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias should be kept out of reach of children. As always, the phone number for the Poison Control Center should be easily accessible: 404-616-9000.
Plants are not the only hazardous holiday decorations. Since small children like to put everything in their mouths, they can choke on tree ornaments, light bulbs, icicles, and small toys. Christmas tree needles, ornament hangers and angel hair can cut little mouths and hands. Therefore, babies should not be allowed to play near the Christmas tree.
Fire hazards are another holiday risk for your family. Make sure your smoke detectors have fresh batteries and your family has practiced your fire evacuation plan. Keep the Christmas tree away from all heat sources. Unplug the lights and extinguish all candles when you go to bed or leave home. Be careful not to overload circuits with holiday decorations.
Even holiday cooking can introduce dangers to the home environment. There is lots of opportunity for burns or scalds when curious little ones are around. They can quickly touch a stove top or pull a hot beverage off a table while cruising around the kitchen and dining area. Alcohol poisoning is a potential risk when holiday partiers leave partially empty cups or tasty alcoholic punch around. Even a small amount of alcohol can be dangerous to children.
Each year a quarter of a million children will be treated in emergency departments because of toy related injuries. Some will not survive. In an effort to ensure safety, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) closely monitors and regulates toys. Toys typically go through numerous tests that are designed to recreate wear and tear by an active child. Developmental and safety experts determine which toys are appropriate for each age group so read the label and choose toys that are judged safe for your child. Recalls are used to warn parents about unforeseen dangers that were not discovered until after the toy reached store shelves.
Look for toys that are well made, free of toxins like leaded paint, and age recommended for your child. For children under 3, there should be no small parts or sharp edges on toys. Older children must keep their more hazardous toys picked up to keep little siblings safe. Avoid toys with long cords or strings that can tangle around a toddler’s neck. Electric toys should have labeling that states the toy is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved and should be used only as directed.
If your child is getting a new bicycle, skates, or scooter, make certain that you also give a properly fitting helmet and other safety gear. Most sporting goods stores can help you ensure the correct fit for this equipment. BB guns and pellet rifles should be reserved for older, responsible adolescents. Rules for their use should be strictly enforced. The most dangerous toys include fireworks, walkers, trampolines, and toys that are so loud that they can cause permanent nerve damage to the ear. Use good judgment and proper supervision to keep your children safe.
Cobb Pediatrics wishes you safe and enjoyable holidays. We hope your holidays bring happy memories that your family will treasure for a lifetime. As always, we will be available in the office or on call to help our parents raise healthy children.
