The Top 3 Ways to Safety Proof Your Holiday

The season of joy and good tidings also brings some potential safety issues for children of all ages. Dr. Matt Dougherty, pediatrician at South County Esse Health on Tesson Ferry, has some tips for keeping kids safe while celebrating.
 
1. Mind the Decorations
“The biggest safety issues for kids during the holidays involve fire hazards and having things in their environment that aren’t normally there,” Dr. Dougherty says. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to have the house set up in a fire-safe manner. Make sure all bulbs are intact on lights, cords aren’t frayed and things are grounded properly for indoor and outdoor use.”

To mitigate the potential hazards presented by holiday decorations such as ornaments, candles and breakable knickknacks, use common sense.
 
“When you put something out for the holidays, always keep in mind where it is placed and who will be around,” Dr. Dougherty says. “For example, ornaments with smaller parts that are easily removed or broken can present choking hazards. Put those ornaments higher on the tree and similar decorations outside of a child’s reach, and keep the softer ornaments lower. Even with these, you may not want to use hooks.”
 
2. Eggnog Anyone?
Obviously, lots of families entertain more frequently during the holidays, which means food and drink items that aren’t usually around may suddenly be within reach of young, curious children. “Kids aren’t discriminating about eating off a plate that’s left on table or drinking from someone’s glass, including beverages containing alcohol,” Dr. Dougherty says.
 
3. You Can Be Flexible - Sometimes
Visiting relatives may involve spending time in a home that isn’t baby- or child-proof. Dr. Dougherty says parents can do simple things like bringing electrical outlet covers along with them and being vigilant about making sure doors to basements are closed or locked.
 
“I also think it is the right of all parents to ask the questions to make sure they can keep children safe,” he says. “If you’re going to someone’s house, it’s appropriate to call and ask if there are medications in the house and request that they be put up high or in a locked bathroom.”
 
The obvious travel risks involve infections from being in public places like airplanes and airports or accidents on the road. “Be diligent about hand washing and consider wiping down tray tables and seat backs with hand sanitizer when on a airplane.”
 
When it comes to road trips, be flexible and consider the weather. “There’s lots of excitement about getting together with family, but if there’s bad weather, you need to be adaptable with your plans to maximize safety, even if that means canceling your attendance at an event,” he says. And of course, don’t relax the rules about car seats and seat belts just because it’s a holiday.
 
Still, Dr. Dougherty says there are some rules that can and should be relaxed during the holidays. “One of the most important things about having rules in a house is knowing when to be flexible with those rules,” he says. “In pediatrics, we encourage good nutrition and exercise and sleep routines, but it’s important to allow children to get outside those routines and have days when the focus is less on routines and more on fun.”

By Michelle Cox, contributing writer for SmartParenting