As the holiday season approaches, festivities such as Christmas trees, parties, and toys bring joy to many families. However, doctors warn that this time of year also sees an increase in injuries among children. Dr. Trudy Hong, a pediatrician at Straub Benioff Medical Center, highlighted the potential dangers that come with holiday decorations and toys.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 10 deaths and over 154,700 children under 12 treated in emergency rooms last year for toy-related injuries. Some of the most common injuries include choking on small objects, ingestion of toxic substances like button batteries, burns from candles or cooking accidents, and accidents involving holiday plants like poinsettias and mistletoe.
To prevent these injuries, Dr. Hong advises parents to secure Christmas trees and furniture, keep breakable ornaments out of reach, place holiday plants away from children, blow out candles when not in use, and ensure that toys are age-appropriate. She also suggests scanning rooms for small objects that children may try to ingest, especially when visiting other households.
If a child does get injured, Dr. Hong recommends contacting a pediatrician immediately. In cases of serious injuries, she advises calling 911 or going to the emergency room. By taking these precautions and staying vigilant, parents can help ensure a safe and happy holiday season for their little ones.
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