Keep Kids Safe During the Holidays

Injury Prevention Specialist Urges Caution

Experts at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital want children and families to be safe as they celebrate the holiday season.

“Everyone wants to enjoy this time of year,” said Melinda Howard, injury prevention specialist, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and program manager, Safe Kids Greater Grand Rapids. “That excitement often translates to a variety of injuries including poisoning, burns and choking. Take time out to learn how to protect your little ones from the common holiday dangers, and you and your family can enjoy a safer season.”

Choking and Swallowing Hazards
Tree ornaments, light bulbs, icicles, tinsel and small toys are potential chokingf hazards for small children because they may block the airway. The general rule of thumb is that if it’s small enough to fit in the mouths of babies and toddlers, they shouldn’t play with it.

Common holiday foods such as peanuts or popcorn are potential choking hazards and should not be given to children under four years of age. The needles of trees can cause painful cuts in the mouth and throat of a child who swallows them. Keep small objects out of a child’s reach.

Fire and Burn Safety
Keep your tree secured in a sturdy stand so that it doesn’t tip over or isn’t knocked over by kids or pets. Place it away from all heat sources such as electrical outlets, radiators and portable space heaters. If you buy an artificial tree, be sure that it is labeled “fire-retardant.” Unplug all lights, both indoor and outdoor before you go to bed or leave the house.

Avoid using real candles on a tree because if the needles are dry they can easily catch fire. Never leave the room with candles burning. It takes just a split second for a spark from a candle to burst into flames. Keep candles away from windowsills and mantles and use only flame-retardant decorations when decking your halls. Don’t overload indoor or outdoor electrical outlets.

Accidents
The kitchen is often a busy place during the holidays with more cooking and baking than usual. There are a lot of opportunities for burns and scaldings. Keep pot handles turned away from the front of the stove and always keep the oven door closed. To prevent accidents, watch your children while you bake or cook. Kitchen appliances should be clean to prevent potential fires. Keep breakable ornaments out of the reach of young children or keep them off the tree until your children are older.

There is an increased incidence of car accidents and injuries to children during the holiday season. Parents should buckle children securely during car rides and not drive after drinking. In addition, be cautious when traveling at night on holidays such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, since there is a higher incidence of drunk driving on these days.

Poisoning
Plants such as mistletoe, holly, poinsettias and Jerusalem cherry are considered potentially poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of children. Symptoms of plant poisoning can include rashes, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect that your child has eaten any part of a plant, immediately call your doctor or poison control at (800) 222-1222.

“Bubble lights” containing methylene chloride can be poisonous if a child drinks the fluid from more than one light even if labeled nontoxic. Snow sprays may be harmful if the aerosol propellants are used improperly.

Alcohol poisoning is a common risk for children during the holiday season. Many parents host holiday parties where alcohol is served. Parents should remove all empty and partially empty glasses immediately following parties. Children often imitate adults and may drink the beverages they see adults drinking.

“More visitors, hectic schedules and decreased routine contribute to increasing the risk of injury this month,” added Howard. “It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season but slowing down in order to take these precautions will keep children safe and healthy.”

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a member of Spectrum Health, is a Grand Rapids-based hospital serving children throughout Michigan. A teaching hospital, it includes more than 150 pediatric specialty physicians with specialized training in providing medical and surgical care to children in more than 40 pediatric specialties. Visit devoschildrens.org to learn more or devoschildrens.org/2011 to learn about the new hospital opening in 2011.