The holiday season is a time for families, for sharing, for celebrating and enjoying. It is also a time, however, when it is easy for accidents to happen. Think about these kid-specific safety issues as you go about preparing for the holidays.
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Holly and mistletoe berries are poisonous if eaten, and are a choking hazard for small children.
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Poinsettias are not poisonous, but they can cause skin irritations and stomach problems.
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Keep children under 4 away from popcorn, nuts and hard candies; they do not have enough molars to grind these foods, and they might inhale them.
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Be sure glass or ceramic holiday decorations, or those with sharp edges, are up high so crawling babies or pets don't knock them over.
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If you use a lot of candles during the holiday, make sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby at all times.
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Be sure your tree is secure in the stand. A baby or small child can pull on the branches and topple the tree.
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If you have a baby, don't use tinsel. It is easy to swallow, and it can get wound up in a baby's fingers, cutting off circulation.
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Place glass and small ornaments high on the tree. Use larger unbreakables on lower branches where kids can reach them.
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Artificial snow sprays can irritate lungs if inhaled. Keep children away when spraying.
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If your baby will be left alone near the tree for any length of time, place a secure multi-sectioned gate around the tree or even better, never leave the baby alone near the tree.
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Make sure to keep your Hanukkah menorah on a high surface, and not too close to the edge of a table.
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Don't use chemicals in the water to make your tree last longer. Plain water and a bit of sugar works almost as well and if your child drinks it, there are no ill effects.
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Never leave a child alone in a room with lit candles, and keep all candles in sturdy containers or candleholders.
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Make absolutely sure any weapons are securely locked away during parties. Children roam and explore. Never leave weapons in unlocked drawers, closets, cabinets or anywhere a child or young adult might discover them.
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Train your children never to touch any weapon they might find, and to immediately tell you of their discovery.
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Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and anyone touching a branch could be electrocuted.
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Tie back your daughter's long hair before you let her light Hanukkah or Christmas candles.
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Don't leave dreidels or Christmas decorations where children under 3 can find them and choke on them.
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Make sure that any "gelt" you offer is safe for your children to eat.
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Don't assume your baby is being supervised just because he is sitting in the middle of a room full of people. Designate caregivers, and always know who is watching your baby.
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Never allow well-meaning friends and relatives to offer children sips of wine or any alcoholic beverage. It does not take much for a child to become intoxicated.
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Make sure pets are kept away from your baby or small child. Even a loving family dog can become excitable or even uncontrollable with the loud noises and unfamiliar people during a party.
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If your child has special food needs or precautions let each guest know, so none will offer your child anything inappropriate.
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Never smoke -- or allow anyone to smoke -- around your children.
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Keep doors to bathrooms and stairways closed at all times, if small children will be present.
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When visiting other people's homes, ask the host if you can move small breakable and dangerous items to higher places.
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Use care with "fire salts" that produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that, if eaten, can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting.