While parents and grandparents are busy during the holidays, our children can get into things. Even our dogs may get into foods they are not supposed to eat.
As pediatricians, we have spent hours in the emergency room caring for kids during the holidays. We’ve seen kids with burns, cuts, swallowed tree ornaments, and more.
Let’s keep our kids, pets, and homes safe as we approach the holiday season. Click here to read some guidelines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission on holiday decorations.
If you’re traveling, click here for tips that you may find useful from the American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Children website. Most important is to check that the homes you are visiting are safe for your children. You will want to check for possible hazards such as unlocked cabinets with cleaning products or an unfenced swimming pool. And, we don’t want your kids getting into someone’s backpack or purse where there are medications.
If you are taking a flight, place your young child in a car seat approved for airline travel. You will also need the car seat when you get to your destination. Click here to ensure your child is in the “Right Seat.”
Infants should be placed on their back for all naps and at night. Click here for important tips to keep your child safe while sleeping.
If your travel plans this holiday season include swimming, click here to review our water safety guide.
This year, we have seen large numbers of children injured in e-bike crashes. These bikes are faster, heavier, and more difficult to control compared to conventional bicycles. Many children are too young to understand the rules of the road and are simply not safe riding on e-bikes. Click here for Dr. Agran’s article, Are Electric Bikes (E-Bikes) Safe for Children? before you consider purchasing an e-bike for your child.
Be prepared and enjoy the season. We wish you and your family a safe & healthy holiday!
Chris Koutures, MD, FAAP grew up here in Irvine. He is a dual board-certified pediatric and sports medicine specialist who practices at ActiveKidMD in Anaheim Hills. He is a team physician for USA Volleyball (including participating in the 2008 Beijing Olympics); the U.S. Figure Skating Sports Medicine Network; Cal State Fullerton Intercollegiate Athletics; and the Chapman University Dance Department. He offers a comprehensive blend of general pediatric and sports medicine care with an individualized approach to each patient and family.
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