Submitted by Danny Luna,
Miller Children’s Hospital
Once Thanksgiving is over, everyone is excited to see the holiday lights go up around the neighborhood. With all the shopping, dining and parties, everyone is busy this time of year. Unfortunately, this includes the emergency department. Keep the holiday season safe by watching out for common dangers and heeding these tips:
• Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. (Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger children.)
• Before buying a toy or allowing a child to play with a toy, read the instructions carefully.
• To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don’t give young children (under 10) a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.
• Remove all wrapping paper, bags, paper ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are opened. These items can cause fires and pose suffocation and choking hazards to a small child.
• Parents should store toys in a designated location, such as on a shelf or in a toy chest, and keep older kids’ toys away from young children.
• Common holiday foods such as peanuts or popcorn are potential choking hazards and should not be given to children under 4.
• Don’t leave young children alone with holiday trees. Tree needles can cause painful cuts in the mouth and throat of a child who swallows them.
• Tree ornaments, light bulbs, icicles, tinsel and small toys are potential choking hazards for small children because they may block their airway. The general rule of thumb is if it’s small enough to fit in the mouths of babies and toddlers, it’s too small to play with.
• Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, Jerusalem cherry plants and other plants are commonly used as decorations during the holidays. These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept out of reach.
Following these tips can help your family have a safe holiday. Visit MillerChildrens.org/healthnews for more safety tips. If you have any questions, contact your pediatrician or the national Poison Help Line at (800) 222-1222.
Danny Luna is an injury prevention coordinator for the Family Safety Coalition at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach
