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Keeping Little Ones Safe this Holiday Season
Written by
Katie Lawson
, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
Friday, December 16, 2005 — Amid the whirlwind of presents and parties while enjoying traditions and treats, make sure that safety doesn't take a holiday when you do. Whether decorating, entertaining, giving gifts or visiting with family and friends, the American Red Cross has tips to help keep little ones out of harm's way during this most wonderful time of the year.
Decking the Halls
Items used to deck the halls and trim the tree may be not-so-jolly for young children or family pets:
Although not poisonous as often portrayed, the winter poinsettia plant still will upset stomachs if ingested. Also, its milky sap can cause skin irritations. Better to be safe and place this and other decorative seasonal plants high up where they can be admired but not reached by children or pets.
(Photo Credit: Leigh-Anne Dennison/American Red Cross)
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- Boughs of Holly and Mistletoe As beautiful as the mistletoe and holly look for decoration, to a child's eyes any berries are food. While the live plant is toxic if ingested, even artificial versions can be dangerous as their berry-size and shape pose a choking risk. Other harmful seasonal plants include amaryllis, boxwood and juniper plants. The long maligned poinsettia plant, while not poisonous, still will upset tummies if eaten and its milky sap can cause skin irritations.
Better to be safe and place decorative seasonal plants high up (or use artificial varieties) where they can be admired but kept out of the reach of children. If a child shows signs of having eaten anything poisonous, call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. If the child is unconscious, call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Trimming a Tasty Tree While food-inspired decorations may look good enough to eat, they and any ornament or garland with small pieces can be a choking hazard for children. Consider hanging them higher on the tree or trim them from holiday dιcor altogether until children are older. Hard candy canes and gingerbread cookies hung on the tree are a tradition, but children need to know that even these edibles are only for decoration unless an adult says its the okay to eat them.
- "Howliday" Hazards Don't forget four-legged family members. Like children, pets may see tree decorations as a holiday buffet. Even shiny garlands and tinsel tempt cats and dogs alike, but the thin strands, if swallowed, can get tangled in their digestive tracks, causing serious harm. Also, some foods such as chocolate and mold-varieties of cheeses can make dogs sick. Be mindful of where candy dishes and serving trays are kept.
Also, remember that changes in surroundings and routines may excite or upset pets. Ordinarily docile animals may snap or lash out if tired, irritated or stressed out by the sounds, sights and crowds of holiday celebrations. Protect guests and pets by supervising animals at gatherings or securing them in another room, space or location until the party is over.
- All is Merry and Bright Whether adding a warm glow to a holiday buffet or lighting the Menorah or Kinara, never leave burning candles unattended. Keep candles safely out of reach of children and away from flammable materials like gift wrap, bows or seasonal greenery.
Making a List and Checking It Twice
Toys are probably the most anticipated gifts for children of all ages, but it is important to make sure the toy is appropriate. Last year, an estimated 140,700 were treated in hospital emergency rooms after toy-related incidents, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission. And, no one wants to spend the holiday in the emergency room!
Celebrate Good Times
- Spreading Holiday Cheer To many, the holidays mean dinner parties and gatherings with friends. When entertaining, be sure to clean up immediately. Younger children coming across leftover food wrappers may accidentally swallow and choke on them. When visiting with friends outside your home, realize that their house may not be childproof. Scan the area for hazards and keep children away from candles, sharp edges and any other potential hazards. Additionally, keep plastic bags used to carry food or gifts and shrink-wrap or plastic materials from inside gift packaging away from children. The plastic could block their nose and mouth, preventing breathing.
Add Safety to Your Wish List
- Safe Baby Orientation A great way to ensure a young child's safety is to be prepared and know what to do in an emergency. The Red Cross offers the new Safe Baby Orientation, a one-hour, hands-on orientation to infant CPR. This informative program teaches participants what to do when an infant is choking as well as the opportunity to practice the basics of infant CPR. Taught by a Red Cross certified instructor, the Safe Baby Orientation can be held anywhere from a baby shower to a classroom to your own home. For more information, contact your local Red Cross chapter.
- Pet First Aid Many Red Cross chapters now offer pet first aid classes, which teach valuable skills for animal caregivers such as recognizing a problem, what to do if an animal is choking and how to perform rescue breathing. Classes are available at select chapters throughout the country, and pet owners anywhere can purchase a copy of the Red Cross pet first aid book online or from their local chapter.
Everyone can enjoy a happy and safe holiday season by planning ahead and keeping a watchful eye on children and pets at all times.
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