The holiday season is a magical time for toddlers and children.  Presents, decorations, lights and food are all part of the magic that makes up the season.   These are also things that can present a danger to youngsters.  However, with a little planning and thought, parents can make it a fun-filled time for the entire family.  The following are a few safety tips that parents can follow to ensure children stay safe throughout the holiday season.

• Keep gifts for older children that might contain small pieces out of reach from younger children as they can pose a choking hazard.

• During parties people might leave their handbags on the floor in an area your child can reach.  Everything from medication to loose coins and perfume could be dangerous if ingested.  Be sure to keep all purses in a secure location.

• Candles are used more often than usual during the holiday season.  Be sure to keep them out of children’s reach along with matches and lighters.  Place all candles in holders with large diameters to contain any wax dripping.

• Elegant table settings can easily become a heap of china and crystal if a toddler inadvertently pulls a tablecloth off the table.  Use a festive runner in the center of the table with matching place mats instead. Make sure nothing hangs over the table.

• Holiday punches and eggnog can look enticing to a child.  During parties be on the look out for abandoned, half-empty glasses that might be within a child’s reach.

• Be aware that both poinsettias and mistletoe are poisonous plants.  Opt for silk alternatives that can be equally as festive.

• Secure Christmas trees to a wall to prevent them from toppling over.  Simply install heavy-duty screws into the wall and loop green ribbon through the branches to tie.

• Glass ornaments can easily slip from a tree and shatter into dangerous splinters.  Help children create homemade decorations or use plastic and wooden ornaments.  Additionally, keep the lower branches of the tree ornament-free so that your little one can’t pull them down.

• Be mindful of gift baskets full of food and desserts that might contain items that would pose a choking hazard to your child.  Carefully check for nuts, popcorn and other choking items before allowing your toddler to sample these treats.