Don't hurt yourself, Santa

By Julie Jordan
Published December 12, 2018

The holidays are a joyful time of gift-giving and celebrating with family and friends. But if you’re a parent, sometimes the season can seem like the culmination of multiple opportunities for not-so-merry mishaps. Putting together children’s toys, gift wrapping, decorating the Christmas tree and baking holiday treats, if done without precaution, may lead to tears. Use these tips for more smiles this season.

Toy safety:

  • Follow the instructions carefully, so that the toy is built correctly and is safe to use after assembling.
  • Do not leave pieces of toys scattered over the floor to help prevent falls.
  • Use these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and select age-appropriate toys to match the child’s abilities, skills and interest level.
  • Always be aware of the small parts toys contain that a child may choke on, like button batteries.

Gift wrapping safety tips:  

  • Stand at a work surface like a kitchen island or folding table to wrap gifts and avoid back pain caused by straining to reach something.  
  • Never leave scissors open or within reach of children.
  • Use bags which can be reused, rather than wrapping paper, to avoid paper cuts and to help protect the environment.
  • Clean up after yourself so that children and pets do not swallow any remaining ribbons or other gift-wrapping materials.

Christmas tree décor safety tips:

  • Water your Christmas tree daily to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Trees need approximately 1 quart of water for 1 inch of stem/trunk diameter.
  • Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat sources, like a fireplace, heat vent or candle to lower the risk of fire.
  • All lights should be marked with the UL safety test seal, otherwise they may cause a fire.
  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed to reduce the risk of fire.
  • Avoid using small tree decorations that can be swallowed by children.

Baking and food safety tips:

  • Say no to raw dough. Flour can contain germs like E. coli. The bacteria are killed when food made with flour is cooked. It unsafe to taste or eat when raw. Raw dough used for crafts and play clay can also make children sick.
  • Keep alcohol out of reach from children. Dispose of leftover drinks immediately to avoid exposing them to kids.
  • Remember clean, separate, cook, chill for all your holiday feasting.