Keeping Toddlers Safe during the Holidays
Lights, streamers, hordes of visitors, lots of food, gifts and games are all characteristic features of a holiday season. If you have a toddler around, you need to pay special attention to these safety tips to have a happy, stress-free celebration this year.
Safety at home:
At home, check that there are no open wirings or cords or decorative lights within your toddler’s reach. The beautiful twinkling fairy lights might seem very attractive to your child and he might get tempted to go and grab them. Let them know it is highly dangerous to touch any electrical stuff with bare hands. Ensure that the tree is stable. The decorative tinsels or the cute and tiny golden stars can all be highly fatal if your child puts them in his mouth or trips over them accidentally.
Remove all small items which can put your toddler at a risk from choking or suffocation. There would be plenty of time to hang them up once he is older. Do not use anypoisonous holiday plantsfor decoration till your child is old enough to understand the danger. While tidying up before your guests arrive, ensure that all chemical detergents and other products are kept out of your child’s reach. If you are entertaining, keep alcoholic drinks or lit candles away from your toddler’s reach.
New toys:
If your child has been giftednew toysby friends or relatives, ensure that the toy is age-appropriate and safe before letting him play with it. As a parent, you would always pay attention to your child’s safety before buying him any new toy, but if your guest has never been around children before, he might simply not have any idea about safety features or age-appropriateness of toys. Ensure that there are no small, sharp, pointed or detachable parts, the toy is non-toxic and the batteries are secured and in good condition. Small, loose magnets are also highly dangerous. Loud, noisy toys should also be avoided as it can be harmful to younger children. Keep the same tips in mind while buying gifts for other children. Call for emergency medical help immediately if you fear that he is havingtrouble breathing.
Out shopping:
When you go out shopping thisholiday season, always keep an eye on your children as it is very easy for them to get lost in crowds. Never leave them alone at a mall, in the parking lot or in changing rooms, even if it for just a minute. Make them understand that is important to hold your hand at all times. Teach them your name and if possible, your cellphone number to be on the safe side. Carry drinking water with you so that you do not have to depend on other sources.
While visiting:
If you are out visiting, always keep an eye on what your toddler eats to ensure that it is safe and hygienic. If that house has not been baby-proofed, open medical cabinets or hanging cords might all be potential safety hazards for your toddler. Ensure that he is in a closed space with no open doors or balconies where he can wander out. A toddler might be naturally curious in a new place and might be tempted to walk out. If you are not able to stay with him all the time, leave an older sibling or relative with him at all times. Do not assume that someone will pay attention to him, without being explicitly asked to do so. Bring along a few toys to keep him occupied.
Check that all water tubs are covered and restrict their access towards swimming pools or other open water bodies. Do not let him play in the kitchen or pull anything from table tops. If he is not used to using the stairs, you will again have to be extra-cautious as your toddler is surely bound to find it highly enjoyable to go up and down in a new place. And always accompany him to a new bathroom, even if he is used to going alone at home. Keep an eye on him when he is playing with their family pets, even if he has played with them before.Your daily routine might go for a toss in the holidays, but try to keep to it as much as possible so that it easy for your toddler to adjust without any tantrums. Ensure proper clothing during winter to keep him warm and secure. Give the highest importance to your child’s safety at all costs and help your toddler enjoy this holiday as much as you do!
