Watch out for holiday poisons

Holidays can be a joyous time for children and adults alike. But often decorations, entertaining and other festivities can distract parents from taking child-safety precautions.

Be alert to potential dangers and take these steps to keep your children safe:

• Make sure guests' medicines are out of reach of children. Guests, especially grandparents, often carry medicine in their purses or suitcases where curious children might find them.
• Keep common baking ingredients such as vanilla and almond extract out of reach.
• They contain high levels of alcohol and may be harmful to young children if swallowed.
• Keep poisonous plants out of reach. Some dangerous holiday plants include: azalea, Christmas cactus, Christmas rose, crown of thorns, English and American ivy, and Jerusalem or jimson weed. Holly and mistletoe berries also are poisonous.
• Avoid using artificial snow sprays to decorate. They can cause lung irritation and should not be inhaled.
• Make sure alcoholic drinks and containers are out of reach. Holiday beverages such as eggnog that contain alcohol may be sweet and inviting to young children.
• Keep the Wisconsin Poison Center number, (800) 222-1222, by all telephones. In addition, let baby sitters know how to reach you if you go out to a holiday party.

Reprinted with the permission of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.