WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Dec. 25 (UPI) -- As the madness of the holiday season descends on your household, don't neglect the little ones in the family. Parents stretched thin by entertaining and multitasking can often forget their children's safety, and that can lead to unwelcome holiday mishaps, said Dr. Laura Fitzmaurice, a pediatric emergency-medicine physician at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.
"You might be thinking clearly during a regular time ... but this is not a normal time of year," said Fitzmaurice, who regularly patches up wintertime injuries. She recommends parents take these precautions to ring in a happy 2007:
-- Keep tabs on poisonous substances. Kids can eat mistletoe, holly, poinsettias and even alcohol and cigarettes left out after having a party. Children who drink alcohol experience very low blood sugar, a dangerous condition, Fitzmaurice said. Eating just one cigarette butt is also very toxic to a child. Grandparents who come over may also leave pills out, so parents should always ensure a safety cap is on any medication, even if the bottles are kept in cabinets.
-- Purchase only safe toys. Read the labels to make sure they match the child's age. Look out for strings that could be wrapped around parts of the toy. Avoid magnets and little parts -- kids under 6 often swallow them. Also steer clear of projectile toys or products with battery chargers, which can electrocute prying little fingers. Kids who take apart electronic devices can get shocked as well.
-- Keep foods out of reach. If you're cooking in a chaotic kitchen, ensure there are no pot handles with hot dishes near edges of tables or counters. Also be careful giving a young child food to carry: Fitzmaurice has treated burns from ramen noodles, as kids splash the steaming liquid on the way back to the table.
-- Take a kid's-eye view. Walk around on your knees on the floor and see what your house looks like from this level. Remember, tiny fingers can pick up everything -- even a bit of stray birdseed under the fridge.
-- Check for carbon monoxide. Poisoning can occur easily, especially since the gas is odorless and tasteless. Monitor any kerosene or gas heaters in the house, as well as any kept in the in garage. You can purchase carbon-monoxide detectors that are similar to smoke detectors. If family members are getting big headaches or feeling nauseous, they should be taken to the doctor.
-- Buddy up the kids. If you're stressed dealing with family, make sure a child is supervised. A buddy system, in which a bigger kid pairs up with a smaller one, can provide peace of mind during nerve-wracking family gatherings.
-- Be wary of flammables. Fitzmaurice sees kids with burns from space heaters, hot liquids, lights and candles. Candles may look pretty, but kids can grab them and knock them over. Fitzmaurice recommends buying the sturdier models with broad bases.
If a celebration does go awry, take a deep breath and practice basic first aid. If there's a burn, take away the source of the burn, and don't use ice. If you're still concerned, take the child to the hospital.
Also, remember to slow down. All too often, "we get so stressed, we forget to enjoy it!" Fitzmaurice said.
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For more information:
cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07032.html
nsc.org/library/facts/holseasn.htm
