By Dr. Alexandra Gorab
Contributing Columnist
As a pediatrician and mother of two young children, the holidays are such a wonderful time of the year. I understand why the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes!
Even with all the magic and wonder, safety is a top priority during the holidays. It can be a busy time of the year, so taking a few precautions can help families make the most of the season.
Fire safety
Keep candles and menorahs at least a foot away from anything flammable. Blow candles out before you leave the room and keep matches and lighters away from children. Remove decorations from fireplaces before use and never toss wrapping paper into a fire.
For families with Christmas trees, keep real trees well-watered and use flame-resistant artificial trees. Whether real or fake, trees should be away from heat sources.
Food safety
Delicious seasonal and special foods are among the best parts of the holidays – and involving children in preparing these meals makes them extra special.
To keep everyone safe from food-borne illness, wash hands before, during and after food preparation. To avoid burns, cook food on back burners and teach children to stay 3 feet away from the stove or oven at all times.
Pay attention to baking ingredients such as vanilla or almond extract and keep alcoholic beverages away from curious children.
Decorating safety
Inspect light strands for fraying cords or broken bulbs. Limit three strands per extension cord.
Reserve the top of the tree for breakable ornaments with metal hooks. Let children decorate the bottom of the tree with softer and less precious ornaments.
Be mindful of poisonous holiday plants such as mistletoe and holly. Poinsettias can cause tummy trouble and rashes. Keep the Poison Control Hotline (800-222-1222) handy, just in case.
Gifting safety
Fulfill wishes for safe, age-appropriate gifts. Check for small parts, button batteries, magnets and other choking hazards.
Ensure that gifts with wheels – such as bicycles, skateboards, or scooters – are used with properly fitted helmets and safety pads.
Travel safety
For families traveling this holiday season, remember that children ages 2 years and older need their own seat on an airplane. Also, it’s best to bring your own car seat, instead of relying on a rental car or car service.
Once you get to your destination, remember the location may not be child-proofed like your own home. Do a once-over when you arrive for stairways, furniture near windows, electric outlets and other hazards that could harm a child.
Holiday wishes
That’s my safety list – and I’ve checked it twice.
If your family sends holiday cards and has any extras, consider sending one to your pediatrician. There’s little my colleagues and I enjoy more than hearing from our patients and families this special time of year.
And with that, on behalf of Children’s Hospital of Orange County, I wish you and your families the happiest and safest of winter holidays.
Dr. Alexandra Gorab is a pediatrician in Children’s Hospital of Orange County’s Primary Care Network.
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