Are you deep into tinsel and mistletoe? A bit pre-occupied with your holiday to-do lists? Is all the sparkle distracting you and your little ones? Be sure to keep an eye out for trouble, your little ones can reap havoc with holiday décor. Whether you are singing "Feliz Navidad" or "Dradle Dradle Dradle," we can all agree this is one of the greatest times of the year. If parents aren't careful though, it can also be one of the most dangerous times. I checked in with the child safety experts at Boo Boo Busters to talk Santa safety to ensure that the holidays and New Year are filled with joy.
After all, you don't want to play the role of the Grinch!
1.The Christmas Tree or Hanukah Bush: We are all conscious of hanging the fragile or sharp ornaments up top to keep them out of reach of those curious hands, but have you thought about where you place your tree? Positioning is always important, think: fire safety. Keep your tree more than 48 inches away from any open flame (that includes candles and the menorah.). When decorating your perfectly chosen greenery, it's best to use plastic hooks instead of metal. Lastly, KEEP IT WATERED! A dry tree is a dangerous tree. Follow the instructions for watering the tree so it can last as long as your holiday season lasts. Also, consider buying a real live growing tree in a pot, it's a greener earth-friendly solution and the tree can become part of your family traditions.
2.Frosty's Scarves: A strangulation hazard is anything that can be made into a loop and placed around a child's neck, this includes scarves. Since your little elves need to stay warm, let's take scarves off the strangulation list by making them safe by simply tucking the ends inside your child's jacket. Oh so fashion forward and the scarf can't get caught on anything. Whew, problem solved.
3.Miniature Décor: Choking hazards are everywhere this time of year; they disguise themselves as decorations and holiday cheer. A good rule of thumb: a choking hazard is anything that can pass through a toilet paper roll holder unobstructed. Now is the time to scan the environment to see what's around each and every corner. Remember, it's not always just your house that needs your safety check. Visiting the grandparents, other family and friends who might be inadvertently unaware of what is or isn't safe for your kids. Say Ho Ho NO! to decorations within your child's reach. Snow villages, nativity scenes, and light up and display decorations with lots of small pieces, electrical cords and even batteries can easily be pulled out and end up in your cherub's mouth. Lighted garland adorning the staircase or the mantle where the stockings will be hung with care, can also create dangerous scenarios. Bowls of candies, nuts and little yummy things are often put out for grazing. Even though they are edible, it doesn't make it safe for a baby or small child. Place these delicious favorites higher than a child can reach. Lastly, although it may not be a choking hazard, put mistletoe on your priority watch list. This pretty little smooch maker may have fun motives but everything else about it says keep away. It's about as toxic as a plant can get, berries, leaves and all. No one knows what your kids can get into better than you do. So, put your Grinch hat on before the kids see the decorations, then you can put the Santa hat on once the wide-eyed wonders with busy little fingers enter the scene!
4.All That Glows: Okay parents listen up. We all have that part of us that wants to light the house up like Clark Griswald, but let's try to keep those little admirers in mind when powering up. Secure lights in place with clips, not left dangling where a child can reach. Using staples to attach lights can also be dangerous: they can cut through the cord without you even knowing it and cause a short or spark leading to a potential fire. Take extra care when using extension cords to power up those giant blow-up dradles or reindeer dancing in the front yard. Secure them with stakes so they can't create a potential tripping hazard. Put the lights on a timer so they turn on when you want them to and turn off around bedtime. Mother earth and your neighbors will both thank you. Nothing like a silent glow-free night.
5.Ringing in the New Year: Last but not least, New Year's Eve! Party favors, noisemakers and poppers are fun (and equally annoying) but can also be very dangerous. Check when purchasing noisemakers and party favors to see if they could be potential choking hazards. Poppers and silly string should be used with adult supervision. Poppers should never be popped in the vicinity of someone's face and silly string should never be used near an open flame.
Keep your head above the twinkle and remember this simple checklist. Santa's basic yule tide rule of thumb: if it looks like it could be trouble then put it on the naughty list and hide it away. Wishing you and your family a wonderful memorable holiday season and an amazing New Year full of safe and happy smiles!