As your trusted pediatricians, PANW wants to ensure this holiday season is full of merriment and good cheer.
These simple tips to prevent common holiday injuries can help everyone have a peaceful, stress-free holiday and New Year!
PANW’s Holiday Season Safety Guide For Parents & Caregivers
Kid-proofing and child-safety features are the norm for most households. However, once the holiday season kicks into gear, which often includes the addition of decorations, candles, or other features outside of the norm, we recommend taking a fresh look at your holiday-themed household through a “safety first” lens.
Here are some simple steps you can take to enjoy a safe, accident-free holiday. Many of these tips are most important during those first few years, when babies and toddlers are less discerning about what they reach for, grab, and put in their mouths.
1. Do your best to avoid common colds & flus (even if it means a quieter season at home)
Mid-winter is also peak cold-and-flu season here in Portland and the surrounding areas. We know it’s tempting to ignore minor cold and flu symptoms to keep up with family traditions and avoid missing out on gatherings. However, the risk simply isn’t worth it.
Un-RSVP and schedule a video version of a holiday meet-up if anyone in your family experiences:
- Fever.
- Stuffy or runny noses.
- Congestion.
- Cough/sneezing.
- Sore throat.
- Unusual lethargy.
- Decreased appetite or upset tummy.
There will always be other years to join in on the fun, but our families and communities fare best when we honor their well-being by staying home when we’re sick.
2. Use silk, rather than real, traditional holiday plants
Many of the most common plants we associate with holidays – like poinsettia, mistletoe, holly, amaryllis, Jerusalem cherry, and lilies – are toxic. When kids are young, it’s best to swap the real thing with silk versions to eliminate the risk. Otherwise, make sure these colorful and compelling plants are well out of reach of babies, toddlers, and young children who might not be able to resist berries and tempting leaves and blooms.
If you suspect your child has ingested a toxic plant, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate help on what to do next.
3. Consider flameless candles (especially around holiday trees, wreaths, or greenery)
Lit candles are gorgeous, and nothing beats the real thing. However, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)) reports an exponential increase in house fires and fire-related injuries during the holiday season. Open flames are one of the most common risks. If you have real candles in your home – during the holidays or otherwise, always make sure they are at least 12 inches away from the nearest object.
While your children are young, swap real candles with flameless substitutes to eliminate any risk. Also, if you only use the fireplace for holiday ambiance, make sure to have a secure fire guard in place, and never leave a baby or toddler alone with a fire or wood-burning stove. Be especially vigilant in your home – or in the homes of others – if you notice open flames around trees, greenery, or other flammable decorations.
4. Keep fragile or small ornaments out of reach
Holiday ornaments are extra intriguing due to their colorful, shiny nature and their status as a brand-new “potential toy” on the scene. Unfortunately, smaller or broken ornaments also put young children at risk for choking, lacerations, or puncture wounds.
It may be worthwhile to hold off on breakable ornaments and decorations small enough to fit in a child’s mouth. If you can’t resist, then make sure they are not within reach of a child’s curious hands – and that includes those that can be reached by climbing on the couch, a chair, an end table, etc.
5. Optimize holiday tree safety
There’s nothing like the scent of a fresh cut conifer in the home to add wintery holiday cheer inside the house. However, trees (real or fake) can present their own risks. To optimize your holiday tree’s safety:
- Water real trees thoroughly and regularly to prevent dry needles that are more prone to catching on fire.
- Keep smaller or breakable ornaments packaged away until kids are older, or hang them high out of reach.
- Make sure the tree stand is well on flat, solid ground to prevent the tree from toppling over.
- Balance the weight of ornaments to make the tree more stable.
- Keep the tree away from potential fire hazards, like radiators, electrical outlets, or space heaters.
Finally, work to maintain a household culture of a “touch-free tree,” once the tree is completely decorated. Helping children appreciate the magic of a look-but-don’t-touch holiday tree can help prevent tree-related injuries associated with it.
6. Inspect all decoration-related electrical cords
Some of our favorite holiday decorations may be those passed down through the generations. However, this might also lead to older, outdated, or frayed electrical cords. Wires can also become worn or torn from prolonged storage.
Minimizing the risk of electrical fires is as simple as:
- Inspecting all wires before plugging them in to ensure they are intact.
- Using safe extension cords and surge protectors.
- Putting lights, illuminated decorations, and other electrical decorations on timers so they automatically turn off at night when unattended.
- Unplug all electrical decorations when you’re out of town or away from home for long periods of time.
- Never overload electrical outlets or circuits.
7. Honor game and toy age recommendations
There’s nothing more exciting than getting a new game or toy, but to prevent choking or other injury-related risks, ensure your child meets the manufacturer’s age-specific recommendations. These guidelines are there for a reason, and your child’s safety is one of their top concerns.
Also, keep a close eye on babies and toddlers when presents are being unwrapped to ensure they don’t choke on ribbons, bows, or torn wrapping paper.
The PANW Team Wishes You a Safe, Joyful Holiday & New Year
The team here at Pediatric Associates of the Northwest wishes you and your family a safe and joyful holiday and New Year. We hope this guide to preventing holiday injuries supports Portland-area parents and caregivers.
Don’t forget that our pediatric nurse advice line is available 24 hours a day and we have urgent care appointments 365 days a year – including holidays. Feel free to give us a call anytime at (503) 227-0671 to address your child’s medical concerns and have instant advice on what to do next.
