|
By Melissa Tennen, HealthAtoZ writer
The house looks picture-perfect. The wreath hangs on the front door. The Christmas tree glimmers. The lights along the roof sparkle. It's a warm feeling, but that holiday spirit doesn't mean it's a safe environment for very young children.
Parents, family and friends need to keep an eye out for dangers at all times - especially when visiting other people's homes.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Christmas tree lights, tiny ornaments and pine needles can be choking hazards. Be sure to clean up pine needles when they fall.
- Don't use glass ornaments that can break and cut children.
- Those pretty ornaments look like toys to young children. Many have sharp edges or can break easily. Keep these high above a child's reach.
- Watch where you put your candles so they won't be within reach of young children.
- Perfumed candles and oil lamps, especially ones that smell like food, are attractive to young children. The oils, if ingested, can cause severe aspiration pneumonia, which is an inflammation of the lung. Your best bet is not to use these items at all.
- Keep your child away from the water for your tree. It can harbor bacteria.
- Keep your child away from the tree so they don't pull it down on themselves.
- Your holiday plants can be dangerous for your young child. Holly can cause skin inflammation and an upset stomach. Mistletoe can harm the heart, and poinsettias can cause stomach upset.
Going away from home can be even riskier. Follow these tips when traveling:
- Family members and friends who welcome you and your children to holiday gatherings should make sure their homes are safe. Chances are, these homes do not have the same safeguards you use at home - such as cabinet locks and outlet covers. An adult should be with the child at all times.
- At the homes of elderly relatives, check to make sure medications are not within the reach of children. These medications may not have child-resistant caps.
- When flying, use a car seat, particularly for children who weigh 40 pounds or less. The seat is needed once you land because state laws require that kids be restrained while riding in cars.
- When driving, don't allow your child to play with toys with hard edges. Soft toys are best in case you have to stop suddenly or if you get into an accident.
|
Related Articles
|
|
External Source
 |
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
|
|
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
Return to the previous page
|
