Help kids have a fun and safe holiday season

Jaqwiana Baker, MD

Pediatrics

With bright lights, gifts and sweets, the holiday season is exciting for everyone, but it’s also a time when kids can be at risk for injuries. Jaqwiana Baker, MD, offered some tips on how to help kids have a fun and safe holiday season.

Be aware of fire hazards

Here are a few tips to stay safe:

• Engage older kids in cooking and teach them how to cook safely. Teach them to never leave the kitchen while they’re using the stove or oven, to use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot items and show them how to operate a microwave safely.
  
• Ensure that potholders and food wrappers are a safe distance – at least 3 feet – from warmed surfaces.
  
• Always position the handles of cookware so they face inward.
  
• If you decide to fry your turkey, keep the fryer outside and away from walls and free from moisture. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.

Also, make sure your smoke alarms are installed and have fresh batteries for backup. Install a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas, and keep them at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.

Have a safe sleepover strategy

If you’ll be spending the night somewhere other than home, make sure your baby has a safe place to sleep such as a portable crib. While you’re at it, check that there are smoke and carbon monoxide alarms present and working. Have an exit strategy. In hotel rooms, fire escape routes can be found on the back of a room’s door.

Never combine bulky winter coats and car seats

If it’s cold, cover your child with a blanket after they’re strapped securely into their seat. Bulky winter clothes and coats can keep a car seat from doing its job. The harness or seat belt needs to fit snuggly close to a child’s body to keep them in the correct and safest position in the car.

Keep medicines out of reach

Be sure to talk with your hosts about keeping medications up and away. Grandparents and other relatives may not usually have small children in their home, so a quick reminder will help keep your kids safe while visiting.

Stay safe while you enjoy time with family and friends this holiday season.