From Candles to Candy and Ornaments to Allergies

14 Tips for Protecting Children from Holiday Hazards

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5

It just seems like holiday tradition for the family to gather around a snapping fireplace. Never leave children alone in a room with a burning fire, and be sure to keep a sturdy screen in place that will help prevent toddlers from falling into it. Also, have a screen that won't fall on top of your child if he or she grabs it.

Avoid burning gift-wrapping paper in the fireplace, as it can ignite very quickly, resulting in a "flash" fire. Be sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed at night. Make sure, too, that your fireplace and chimney are clean and in good working order so that smoke does not enter the house, which could result in the build-up of deadly carbon monoxide.

A holiday tree is almost irresistible to small children. Because it is so attractive, they may try climbing it and inadvertently pull it over onto themselves. Be sure the tree is stable. If it is a real tree, be sure it is well hydrated to reduce fire danger. And when you go to bed at night or leave the house, be sure the lights are off. If your child has food allergies, it pays to be extra vigilant during the holidays, and to letyour hosts know ahead

of time so they don't offer foods to which your child is allergic. Because many holiday treats, candies and breads served at parties contain nuts or nut products, your child can inadvertently consume foods that may result in a severe reaction. For example, your child, who is allergic to peanuts, may be unaware that the fudge she is given at a party contains peanut butter or that the deep-fried turkey was actually fried in peanut oil.

Many children who have severe reactions to peanuts don't even know ahead of time that they are allergic, so be aware of the signs of a severe allergic reaction (wheezing, trouble breathing, severe itching of the nose and throat, swelling of the area around the eyes), and contact a physician immediately or call 911 if you believe your child may be suffering from a severe allergic reaction, also called anaphylaxis.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5

Want to see more?

Comments

There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to

Post As:

Enter your comment below:

Title

Comment Text

CAPTCHA

Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.

SAH Mom	Working Mom
SAH Dad	Working Dad
Adoptive Parent	Grandparent
Parent of Twins	Special Needs Parent

www.dadstoday.com -

From Candles to Candy and Ornaments to Allergies

14 Tips for Protecting Children from Holiday Hazards

Want to see more?

Comments

who are you?

we have specific content just for you!