Celebrating the holidays with a curious tot brings joy and laughter, but the safety concerns can be your holiday humbug. Check your home for common holiday hazards and see if it belongs on the Naughty or Nice list this year!
THE TREE
Naughty: What child wouldn’t risk life and limb to grab the precious angel at the top of the tree? Your precious angel can easily pull over a tree by tugging on an ornament or a string of lights. Those enticing lights also pose a strangulation and even electrocution hazard.
Nice: Use picture wire or twine with an eye bolt to anchor your tree to the wall, or consider a Play Yard to block your tree completely.
Additional Tip: Picking the Right Tree- If you buy a live tree, make sure it stays well-watered and keep away from heat sources such as fireplaces and radiators. When purchasing an artificial tree, check for the “fire resistant” label. Visit the National Fire Protection Agency for more information and safety tips.
ORNAMENTS:
Naughty: Think of your baby’s mouth as the “analyzer” where everything he or she is curious about is tested. Be aware of small ornaments, hooks, tinsel, and other intriguing holiday objects which could pose a choking hazard to your tot. Consider as well that many older ornaments may not pass today’s legal regulations regarding lead content. Ornaments are not the only lead concern you will have during the holidays- and year round; most electrical cords, including your string of Christmas tree lights, are coated with plastic containing lead!
Nice: Unless you expect your tree to appear on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens, bare is better on the bottom of the tree within your toddler’s arm’s reach. Storing questionable ornaments altogether, or at least locating them high on the tree may be a wise consideration as well. As for your electrical cords, use wire cover to conceal them.
HOLIDAY DECOR
Naughty: Do you know which plants make the naughty list? You may be surprised! They may be beautiful, but Holly, mistletoe, and Pyracantha (Firethorn) are on the naughty list as they pose a significant poisoning hazard for both your baby and your pets. Keep these plants out of reach! Other items to keep out of reach? Your menorahs and candles which are a sure attraction to kids of all ages.
Nice: Despite belief, a child would have to eat more than 500 Poinsettia leaves to be even potentially hazardous and even this is largely un-confirmed. The Poison Control Center states that although the leaves can cause an upset stomach, they are not dangerous.
THE HOLIDAY BOUNTY:
Naughty: For many families, the holiday kitchen is a whirl of hustle and bustle as the holiday feast is prepared. During this time, slow down and look around. Watch that your tot doesn’t wind up underfoot as hot food is dashed from the kitchen to the table. Setting the perfect holiday table can also be a challenge as the edge of a table cloth can represent a bright enticement for little hands to pull.
Nice: Use your back burners when possible and always turn your pot handles towards the wall. If you plan on using a tablecloth, consider securing it to the table with binder clips or something equivalent. In the kitchen set up your child’s play area away from the cooking area.
Take this holiday season to celebrate your child’s natural curiosity, but remain vigilant and watchful as she tests boundaries and explores new terrain.
THE TREE
Naughty: What child wouldn’t risk life and limb to grab the precious angel at the top of the tree? Your precious angel can easily pull over a tree by tugging on an ornament or a string of lights. Those enticing lights also pose a strangulation and even electrocution hazard.
Nice: Use picture wire or twine with an eye bolt to anchor your tree to the wall, or consider a Play Yard to block your tree completely.
Additional Tip: Picking the Right Tree- If you buy a live tree, make sure it stays well-watered and keep away from heat sources such as fireplaces and radiators. When purchasing an artificial tree, check for the “fire resistant” label. Visit the National Fire Protection Agency for more information and safety tips.
ORNAMENTS:
Naughty: Think of your baby’s mouth as the “analyzer” where everything he or she is curious about is tested. Be aware of small ornaments, hooks, tinsel, and other intriguing holiday objects which could pose a choking hazard to your tot. Consider as well that many older ornaments may not pass today’s legal regulations regarding lead content. Ornaments are not the only lead concern you will have during the holidays- and year round; most electrical cords, including your string of Christmas tree lights, are coated with plastic containing lead!
Nice: Unless you expect your tree to appear on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens, bare is better on the bottom of the tree within your toddler’s arm’s reach. Storing questionable ornaments altogether, or at least locating them high on the tree may be a wise consideration as well. As for your electrical cords, use wire cover to conceal them.
HOLIDAY DECOR
Naughty: Do you know which plants make the naughty list? You may be surprised! They may be beautiful, but Holly, mistletoe, and Pyracantha (Firethorn) are on the naughty list as they pose a significant poisoning hazard for both your baby and your pets. Keep these plants out of reach! Other items to keep out of reach? Your menorahs and candles which are a sure attraction to kids of all ages.
Nice: Despite belief, a child would have to eat more than 500 Poinsettia leaves to be even potentially hazardous and even this is largely un-confirmed. The Poison Control Center states that although the leaves can cause an upset stomach, they are not dangerous.
THE HOLIDAY BOUNTY:
Naughty: For many families, the holiday kitchen is a whirl of hustle and bustle as the holiday feast is prepared. During this time, slow down and look around. Watch that your tot doesn’t wind up underfoot as hot food is dashed from the kitchen to the table. Setting the perfect holiday table can also be a challenge as the edge of a table cloth can represent a bright enticement for little hands to pull.
Nice: Use your back burners when possible and always turn your pot handles towards the wall. If you plan on using a tablecloth, consider securing it to the table with binder clips or something equivalent. In the kitchen set up your child’s play area away from the cooking area.
Take this holiday season to celebrate your child’s natural curiosity, but remain vigilant and watchful as she tests boundaries and explores new terrain.
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3 comments:
Great information! With two little ones at home, it's nice to see how we can have a festive, AND safe holiday season.
They can co-exist!
Ah yes, I remember the top-heavy, half-decorated tree when my kids were smaller. These are great tips. I have to say that my 6 year old son STILL talks about getting shocked by the christmas tree lights when he was 2 years old so definitely watch those lights.
Thanks Michele for this information. Little ones are certainly curious and these tips will definitley help keep them safe.
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