The holiday season brings unique hazards for children — holiday plants, decorations, toy safety, food allergies, and the general disruption of normal routines. Most holiday emergencies are preventable with a few simple precautions. Keep the Poison Control Center number accessible (1-800-222-1222), ensure smoke detectors are working, and be mindful of small parts, holiday plants, and changes in your child’s environment.
Family gatherings, special traditions, delicious treats — the holiday season may be the most wonderful time of the year, especially for kids. Unfortunately, for emergency room doctors it’s also one of the busiest.Learn how to protect your little ones from some common holiday dangers, so you and your family can enjoy a season that’s happy and healthy.
Poisoning
- Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, Jerusalem cherry plants, and other plants are commonly used as decorations during the holidays. Like many plants, these are considered potentially poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of kids. Symptoms of plant poisoning can include rashes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect that your child has eaten any part of a plant, immediately call your doctor or the National Poison Center: (800) 222-1222.
- “Bubble lights” containing methylene chloride can be poisonous if a child drinks the fluid from more than one light (even if labeled nontoxic). Snow sprays may be harmful if the aerosol propellants are used improperly.
- Alcohol poisoning is a common risk for children during the holiday season. Many parents host holiday parties where alcohol is served. Take care to remove all empty and partially empty cups as soon as possible. Because kids imitate adults, many may drink the beverages they see adults drinking. Children become “drunk” much more quickly than adults, so even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous.
- Food poisoning is another potential holiday hazard. Practice food safety by washing hands, utensils, dishes, and anything else that comes in contact with raw meat, including poultry and fish, and raw eggs before and after use. Don’t contaminate a serving dish with raw meat. Store leftovers properly and heat them thoroughly before serving.
Choking and Swallowing
- Tree ornaments, light bulbs, icicles, tinsel, and small toys are potential choking hazards for small children because they may block the airway. The general rule of thumb is that if it’s small enough to fit in the mouths of babies and toddlers, it’s too small to play with.
- Common holiday foods such as peanuts or popcorn are potential choking hazards and should not be given to children under age 4.
- The needles of holiday trees can cause painful cuts in the mouth and throat of a child who swallows them.
- Angel hair (made from finely spun glass) and ornament hangers may cause cuts, skin irritation, or eye damage if touched or swallowed by children.
Fire
- Keep your tree secured in a sturdy stand so that it doesn’t tip over (or isn’t knocked over by kids or pets) and keep it away from all heat sources, such as electrical outlets, radiators, and portable space heaters. If you buy an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled “fire-retardant.” Unplug all lights, both indoor and outdoor, and extinguish all candles every night before you go to bed.
- Avoid using real candles on a tree because if the needles are dry, they can easily catch fire. Never leave the room with taper candles or menorah candles burning — it only takes a minute for a spark from a candle to burst into flames. Keep lit candles away from windowsills and mantles and use only flame-retardant decorations when decking your halls.
- Circuits that are overloaded with lights, decorations, and accessories can start a fire. Don’t overload indoor or outdoor electrical outlets.
- Have your fireplace inspected before you light your first fire of the season. A chimney professional can clean your fireplace and ensure that it is safe to use. You can protect your family by using a sturdy fireplace screen when burning fires. Never burn paper or pine boughs, since those materials can float out of the chimney and ignite a nearby home or your own roof.
- Practice fire safety, have a family emergency plan in the event of a fire, and check smoke detectors before you put up your holiday decorations. These steps will ensure that your family can celebrate many holiday seasons to come.
Accidents
- A lot of cooking goes on during the holiday season, so there are many opportunities for burns and scaldings. Keep pot handles turned away from the front of the stove and always keep the oven door closed. To prevent accidents, watch your kids while you bake or cook. Kitchen appliances should be clean to prevent potential fires.
- Keep breakable ornaments out of young kids’ reach — or keep them off the tree until your children are older. If one does break, clean up the pieces quickly.
- Car accidents and injuries to children increase during the holiday season. Prevent a holiday ER visit by making sure that kids are buckled up securely during car rides and don’t drive after drinking alcohol. And be extra cautious when traveling at night on holidays such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, when there is a higher incidence of impaired driving.
- Sledding accidents can be very serious. Young kids should be supervised and should avoid dangerous sledding areas, such as rocky areas, steep hills, and crowded sledding hills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holiday plants are toxic to children?
Common toxic holiday plants include: mistletoe (berries can cause nausea, vomiting, and in large amounts, heart effects); holly (berries cause vomiting and diarrhea); poinsettia (mildly irritating, not highly toxic despite reputation); and amaryllis (causes vomiting, abdominal pain). Keep all holiday plants out of reach of young children. If you suspect ingestion, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I watch for with holiday toys?
Look for age-appropriate toys — toy labels list age recommendations for safety, not just developmental appropriateness. Avoid toys with small parts for children under 3 (choking hazard — any part smaller than a toilet paper roll tube is too small). Watch out for button batteries in toys and remote controls — they can cause severe internal burns if swallowed. Avoid loud toys that could damage hearing.
How do I manage my child’s food allergies at holiday gatherings?
Bring safe foods your child can eat. Brief the host about your child’s allergens. Read labels carefully on all dishes and be cautious about cross-contamination. Carry your child’s epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) at all times. Alert family members who may offer food to your child. Know the signs of an allergic reaction and what to do.
Are holiday lights and decorations safe for young children?
Keep tinsel, small ornaments, and breakable decorations out of reach of young children — these are choking and injury hazards. Use flameless candles rather than real candles around young children. Check lights for frayed wires and do not leave lights on when no one is home. Secure the Christmas tree so it cannot tip over.
How do I keep holiday routines from disrupting my child’s sleep and behavior?
Consistency in sleep routines matters even during the holidays. Try to maintain regular bedtimes — overtired children have more behavioral difficulties. If your child will be off schedule for several days, plan for extra patience, meltdowns, and recovery time afterward. Protect nap time for toddlers and younger children.
