A few years back I was a doctor in emergency departments. I learnt to anticipate an increase in the number of children brought through the doors during the holiday season. Collectively as a society we also anticipate the tragedies we hear of in the news during the holidays. I am not sure about you, but whenever I hear about a family suffering the loss or injury of a child, as well as feeling profound empathy I take stock of my own children’s safety.  The business of the Christmas season, distractions, new environments, and weather all present families with challenges for keeping their kids safe. This article is simply my way of reminding myself, and others of what we should be aware of these holidays to keep our children safe.

Button batteries.

Button batteries are commonly used to power toys, watches and cameras. They are potentially fatal if swallowed by a child and in Australia alone there are approximately four emergency department presentations a week as a result of children swallowing button batteries.   Button batteries should at all times be kept out of reach of children. For more information on the dangers posed by button batteries visit “The battery controlled“.

Water safety

This is one that gets my heart a pounding. It only takes two minutes for a child to drown. Most often a child will slip silently underwater – there is no splashing or crying out. Even shallow water such as in paddle pools, bathtubs and water play areas can pose a risk to very young children.   Constant supervision is the only way to ensure children do not drown.   Unfenced pools pose a direct risk and families should be aware of this when visiting friends and relatives over the holiday season, or vacationing overseas in places (such as Bali) where pool fencing is not legislated. When visiting the beach swimming at patrolled beaches, between the flags is a must.

Sun protection

Part of keeping your children safe means protecting their future health. Sunburn in childhood (particularly blistering sunburn) is one of the most significant risks for developing the skin cancer melanoma as an adult. Sun protection means keeping your children out of the sun during the riskiest parts of the day (between 11am-3pm) applying high protection sunscreen regularly, and dressing them in protective clothing.

Do not leave your children in the car

Parents underestimate the risk to children of being left in a hot car – even for short periods of time. On mild days, with the windows wound down a car can reach dangerously hot temperatures. Being out of routine, distractions and sleep deprivation can all contribute to parents making a tragic mistake and forgetting their child in a hot car. NEVER leave your child unattended in a car, and before you vacate the vehicle check the back of your car to ensure you haven’t forgotten your child. For more information on this danger read the article “Think you wouldn’t forget your child in a hot car.  Think again”.

Road safety

The joy of the holiday season is shattered every year for scores of families involved in motor vehicle accidents. Ensuring your children are seated in age appropriate car restraints that meet national safety regulations is essential. Not driving when tired, taking frequent breaks when driving long distances, and of course, never drink driving will help to keep your family safe on the roads.  If you are based or traveling through NSW NRMA’s 22 MotorServe stores across the state will be offering
complimentary child restraint checks on January 16.

Blinds and cords

We are frequent travellers with our children and I am horrified at the risks I see posed by blinds and cords in holiday accommodation. Hanging blinds and cords present a real and present danger of strangulation to children, particularly if they hang into, or within reach of cots. In your own home, and if you are traveling over the holidays please make sure all blinds and cords are secured out of reach of children.

Choke risks

Kids receive a surplus of new toys at Christmas and every year we hear of toys that are being recalled because they pose a choking risk to young children. Rather than relying on recalls, as a parent, make it your priority to check your children’s toys for small parts that may pose a choke risk to young children, and remove them.

Food safety

It may seem unusual to talk about food safety in this context. As a specialist in public health medicine though, I am well aware of the spike in outbreaks of food borne illness we see around Christmas. Food safety involves storing food appropriately, ensuring food is thoroughly cooked before serving, and good kitchen hygiene practices. Anyone that is suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting should not handle or prepare food for two days after their symptoms resolve.

Safe sleeping for infants

Most parents of infants are aware of recommendations regarding safe sleeping environments to minimise the risk of SIDS. These include sleeping baby in a cot adhering to national safety standards that is free from toys, bumpers and bedding, and sleeping baby on their back on a firm mattress. Travelling with a baby may mean parents are placed in a situation where there are expectations they will sleep their baby in an environment that is less safe. Parents can improve their options, and the control they have over this situation by travelling with their own portacot adhering to national safety standards.

Poisoning

Once again, the holiday season brings families into new environments. This may be day visits or stays with family and friends, house sitting or staying in holiday accommodation such as campsites or hotels. Parents with young children should be aware that their hosts are unlikely to prioritise their children’s safety in regards to the storage of medication, alcohol, household cleaning products and other poisons. It is not uncommon for example for me to find paracetamol packets, or disinfectant within my toddlers reach when visiting family and friends. This should be addressed by increasing supervision of little ones outside the home environment, and by completing a safety survey of any accommodation you will be staying in over night.

For more information on child safety during the holidays and otherwise visit the Kidsafe website

About the author:

Danielle Esler is a GP and specialist public health physician.  Her emphasis professionally is preventive health.  She is also the mother of three young children who keep her exhausted, happy, and loved.

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