Parenting Today

December / January, 2012

'Tis the Season To Be Safe

By Leeza Solano

During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, potential dangers in and around the homes of families with small children are easily overlooked. As your family prepares for the season, be sure safety is a priority on your to-do list. Here are some guidelines to help ensure your holidays are the safest this year.

Tree: Buy flame-resistant trees, if artificial, or super-fresh trees if live. Keep the tree watered and away from heated areas. Vacuum needles frequently. Decorate only the top half of the tree or where little hands can't reach-better yet, opt for a gate around the tree.

Lights: Try LED lights (they don't get as hot as traditional ones); inspect and dispose of faulty lights. Avoid electric lights on metallic trees. Use outdoor and indoor lights in their respective locations only. Unplug all lights while away or at bedtime. Never unplug from an outlet by yanking on the cord; it could cause a spark and set your tree ablaze.

Ornaments/Decorations: Avoid using sharp, heavy, or breakable ornaments, or ones with small pieces or that resemble food. Consider skipping metal hooks and avoid long strings of any kind. Skip angel hair, tinsel, snow spray and genuine poinsettias.

Fireplace: Keep decorations away from the fireplace and keep "fire salts" and lighters out of reach. Use a gate around the fireplace and only burn wood.

Outlets: Cover all unused outlets with protectors and avoid overusing outlets.

Gifts: Select age-appropriate, battery-operated toys; read instructions and inspect for small parts or button-cell batteries; check for recalls. Keep balloons and strings away from children.

Visiting Guests: Clean up immediately after guests, putting away any small or dangerous items. Stick to child's normal routine to minimize anxiety. Bring Poison Control's phone number with you when traveling, and be aware that other people's homes may not be childproof. No matter how hectic the holidays are, never lose sight of your child.

Food/Beverages: Keep alcohol locked away and dispose of food that has been left out for longer than two hours. Keep candies, nuts, and hot beverages and foods out of reach.

Leeza Solano is the proud mother of a three-year-old son and one-year-old daughter. She has a B.S. in International Business and Management and is pursuing her MBA. She lives near the DTC area with husband Roberto.