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Safe celebrating during the holidays

How to protect your preschooler from holiday hazards

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Originally published in Today's Parent December 2007

Along with the warm fuzzies they create, the traditional holiday trappings — decorated trees, shimmering lights, candles and goodies galore — pose some dazzling dangers to the littlest members of your family. And with our seasonally strained attention spans (“What? You’ve got a nut allergy?!”) and hectic schedules (“Just light the fireplace already!”), safety isn’t always top of mind. So you don’t forget anything, here’s a rundown of what you need to watch out for this festive season.

Safe toys

As a parent, you know to buy age-appropriate toys, but friends and relatives may assume the recommended age label is only a suggestion. In fact, it means that the toy has met safety standards set by Health Canada for a particular age, says Linda Ward, programs coordinator and nurse at SafeKids Canada in Toronto. For example, toys designed for the under-three crowd don’t contain tiny parts, which are potential choking hazards for those oral explorers. (Warning labels are usually printed on the side of toy packaging.)

Lend your friends and family a gift-giving hand by letting them know what items to avoid. Toys containing tiny magnets, such as those in Magnetix building parts, alphabet magnets and the clothing of Polly Pocket dolls can pose a risk to kids under age three. Though uncommon, if a child swallows more than one magnet, they may become attracted to one another while travelling through the intestines and cause damage.

Gift guidelines
• When a toy part can fit through the inside of a toilet-paper roll, kids under three can choke on it. Always keep older children’s toys out of reach.

• Give gifts a once-over: Check for potential choking hazards and age-appropriateness.

• Make sure lids on battery compartments screw into place. Besides being choking hazards, batteries, when chewed, can cause serious burns. Always supervise young children when playing with “power” toys.

• Metal costume jewellery is a big no-no. It’s a choking danger and sucking on it may result in lead poisoning.

• Beware of antique or vintage toys, which may not meet Health Canada’s safety standards.

• Before passing along the Santa wish list, check Health Canada’s website, hc-sc.gc.ca for juvenile product recalls.

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