The Countdown to the Holiday Season

It’s not surprising that more accidents and injuries occur when parents and children are out of their typical routine. New surroundings, added decorations, family faces, and the hustle and bustle of the holidays can all cause distractions that could lead to an accident. Remember to keep an eye on your little one – even more closely than usual during this busy holiday season.

With the holidays in full swing, it’s time to deck the halls, trim the trees, and light the candles. While your kids are counting down the days until they can rip open the presents, consider doing a countdown yourself for an injury-free holiday season.

Day 10 – It’s Cookie Making Time!
Whether your kids are helping you bake a gingerbread house, holiday cookies, or just heating a cup of hot chocolate, establish some rules. Make sure they understand that they can only be a good kitchen helper when an adult is in the room; they should stay away from hot appliances and older children should be reminded to never to plug in electrical appliances with wet hands (younger children should not be allowed to plug in appliances). Be aware of pots and handles hanging over the edge of your stove. Always stress good hand washing after touching any food to avoid cross contamination.

Day 9 – Deck the Halls
Glass ornaments can easily slip from a tree and shatter into dangerous splinters. Help children create homemade decorations or use plastic and wooden ornaments. Smaller ornaments, or ones that have small parts that can easily break off should be eliminated, or hung higher up on the tree, out of reach of curious toddlers. Be aware of mantel decorations as well – especially those that may hold up a stocking. Children could pull on the stocking and pull down a heavy decoration on top of them.

Day 8 – Over the River and Through the Woods to Grandmother’s House we Go
While your home might be child-proofed, it’s more than likely that Grandma’s home will present some hazards. Be sure that medications, household cleaners, and alcohol are locked away. Consider bringing a portable gate and outlet covers to secure your child’s room away from home.

Day 7 – Mistletoe Mishaps
Unfortunately many of the plants associated with this time of year can be dangerous to children. The white berries bound in clumps of fresh mistletoe, holly berries, and boxwood are very poisonous. When ingested these plants can cause stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Artificial plants work just as well!

Day 6 – The Magic of Holiday Lights
Many of our holiday decorations, both inside and out, require electricity. Be sure that all electrical wires are taped to the wall or enclosed with cord shorteners. Secure outlets that are in use with outlet covers.

Day 5 – Trip to Visit Santa
Malls and stores are more crowded than ever during the holiday season. Many distractions such as carolers and, of course, Santa Claus entice children away from their parents. Be sure children know their home phone number and your cell phone number in case you become separated.

Day 4 – Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
Nothing is cozier than a roaring fire in the fireplace but make sure children are aware of the dangers of fire. Install a gate completely around the fireplace as glass and metal doors can burn a child. Keep matches locked away once the fire has been lit. Be mindful of the placement of candles. Place all candles out of reach of children and in holders with large diameters to contain any wax dripping.

Day 3 – Check Holiday Presents for Mom and Dad
Check all food gift baskets that you receive for choking hazards such as nuts, popcorn, peanut brittle, and hard candy. Pull these items out immediately and store in a secure place. Toiletry gift items such as perfumes and soaps can also be harmful to children if ingested.

Day 2 – … and Holiday Presents for the Kids!
Be sure that any toy your child is given is age appropriate. Children under 3 years of age should not be permitted to play with any toy whose parts are less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long. Always check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website www.cpsc.org for product recalls.

Day 1 – Home for the Holidays
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 placemats instead. Holiday punches and eggnog can look enticing to a toddler and child as well but can cause severe damage if even just a little is consumed. Be on the lookout for abandoned, half-empty glasses that might be within a child’s reach.

For additional safety tips, visit getonboardwithsafety.com.