Holiday Safety Hazards: What Grandparents Need to Know
Most grandparents agree that there is nothing is more exciting than having a little one in the house during the holiday season. Thanks to my siblings being spread out in age—and so our children and grandchildren being spaced out as well—we’ve never had a family Christmas gathering without a visit from Santa Claus. There’s something just magical about a small child’s joy at this time of year. Watching their eyes light up as they watch the candles being lit on the menorah brings new meaning to a cherished tradition.
Keeping your grandchildren safe from holiday hazards
While having your grandchildren in the house makes for magical holiday memories, it’s important to be aware of holiday safety hazards at home. No one wants to make a trip to the emergency room on Christmas Eve or in the middle of the preparing a Hanukkah feast! From the medication in your suitcase to the spiked eggnog you didn’t quite finish before you set it down, there are many potential dangers. Make sure you read and remember these safety precautions during the holidays. In alphabetical order:
Alcohol: Large holiday gatherings of family and friends often result in glasses of sweet tasting alcohol being left where a child can sample them. Remind adults to keep track of their drinks, and quickly clean up leftovers.
Button batteries and hearing aid batteries: These are more than just a choking hazard. If swallowed, these round, flat batteries can be fatal. Button batteries are found in everything from children’s toys to your car key fob. Make sure they are not accessible.
Choking hazards: The holiday home is usually filled with choking hazards. Anything that can fit through a toilet paper tube can cause a child to choke. Be vigilant about small toys, gift wrapping, decorations, button batteries, nuts, popcorn, hard candies, etc. Make sure children understand they need to completely remove the gold foil from chocolate coins!
Christmas tree: Grandchildren are understandably attracted to the Christmas tree. While you may not need to fence off the tree entirely, you do need to keep small and breakable baubles out of a child’s reach. Make sure you use a sturdy stand that can’t be tipped over. If you have a real tree, keep it well watered to minimize fire risk. Unplug tree lights at night and when you leave the house.
Fire: Flames are enticing to small children and burns happen fast. Children shouldn’t light the menorah until they are old enough to respect the danger of fire. Keep candles and matches out of reach, and gate off the fireplace or watch that baby like a hawk at all times. Never leave a child alone in a room with an open flame. Read more about preventing accidental burns here.
Gift Wrap: Wrapped presents left within the reach of a baby or toddler should be free of choking hazards. Make sure they don’t have jingle bells, small ornaments or candy tied on them. Even hanging gift tags can become lodged in a child’s airway.
Kitchen: A busy kitchen is never safe for small children, but during the holidays, cooks can be extra distracted. Make sure pot handles are turned away from the front of the stove and sharp knives aren’t left at the edge of the counter. Better yet, declare the cooking zone off-limits to kids and find a way to engage them in another room.
Pets: Holiday gatherings and small children’s excitement can be stressful for your pets. Even the most loving animal can react poorly if a child makes an unexpected move. Keep pets in a safe and quiet room during chaotic times.
Plants: While it’s a myth that poinsettias are poisonous, other holiday plants, like mistletoe, holly, and Jerusalem cherry are a danger to exploring babies and toddlers. Keep them out of reach.
Safety gear: If you are giving your grandchild a new bike, skates or scooter, make sure you provide safety gear. The only thing worse than getting hurt on your new bike? Being told you can’t ride it until you get a helmet.
Toys: Make sure toys are age appropriate: those suggested ages are often for safety reasons. Check for loose parts and choking hazards, and make sure any battery compartments can only be opened with a screwdriver. Want to know more about toy safety? Read our toy safety tips.
Viruses: This year, in addition to seasonal flu and Covid-19, cases of RSV are extremely high. Babies and toddlers are especially vulnerable to this serious illness. Take extra precautions to make sure everyone in the family is doing all they can to minimize the chance of exposure, and be understanding if parents decide gatherings aren’t in the best interest of their children this year.
Visitors bags: Purses, suitcases, and shopping bags are full of delights for an exploring toddler. They are also full of hazards, from medications to coins. Make sure any visitors’ bags are kept out of reach, and keep your medications where there is no chance a child can get to them. Up to 20 percent of pediatric poisonings involve a grandparent’s medication!
Enjoy peace of mind
Holiday gatherings are chaotic enough without worrying about a child being injured. Make sure safety is top of mind as you prepare for holiday gatherings. Being aware of the many holiday safety hazards is the best way to protect your grandchildren from those hazards. By taking the time to follow these holiday safety reminders your holidays memories are happy ones.
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