Tree Terrors | Light Nightmares | Ornament Obstacles | Toy Trouble | Candle Catastrophes | Food Frights | Wretched Wrappings | Plant Pitfalls | All Holiday Hazards
Families with twins, triplets or other multiples must be extra cautious to carefully childproof their homes. However, the holiday season brings hidden hazards. Make sure your happy holidays aren't ruined by accident or injury. Follow these simple guidelines and tips to ensure that your holiday toys are safe and secure.
- More than 100,000 children visit hospital emergency rooms each year due to toy-induced injuries.
- Any toy can become hazardous in the hands of a child too young to play with it properly.
- Avoid toys with sharp edges, points, or strings longer than seven inches.
- Follow manufacturer age recommendations on toy packaging. They are there for a reason.
- Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website for news about recalled or dangerous toys -- and avoid those products.
- Don't give your preschool twins or other multiples any toys with small or metal parts. The CPSC suggests that any toy small enough to fit through a 1 1/4-inch circle or is smaller than 2 1/4 inches long is unsafe for children under four years old.
- Beware toxic toys. Although new legislation has been passed to prevent the presence of harmful substances in toys, older products may still be on store shelves.
- Don't give your children latex balloons. They are an extreme choking hazard. Instead, provide mylar balloons. (They're prettier anyway!)
- There are many, many electronic toys on the market, and some of them are probably on your childrens' wish lists. These items can present hazards such as shock or burns. Supervise your children when playing with these toys. Follow manufacturer recommendations for age appropriateness and proper use.
- Never let children play with batteries. Aside from being a choking hazard, they're toxic if swallowed.
More Holiday Hazards -- Next: Candles
