From Food to Fun: Winter Safety Tips to Keep Kids Safe

Winter is a season of togetherness, filled with family meals, lively gatherings, and opportunities to make lasting memories. But it also comes with unique safety challenges—especially for parents of toddlers and young children. As an RN and mom who's "seen it all", here are some of my tips ensure your child’s safety - which can require a little extra thought during this busy time of year.

In this guide, we’ll cover simple steps you can take to keep your child safe this winter season. Let’s explore ways to make this season memorable for all the right reasons!

Food Safety Tips for Young Eaters

Winter gatherings mean tables overflowing with delicious food, but they can also pose risks for toddlers and young children. Here’s how to keep them safe while enjoying the feast.

Prevent choking hazards

Young children are especially vulnerable to choking. Avoid giving hard candies, whole nuts, popcorn, or large chunks of meat or vegetables. Always cut food into manageable pieces and supervise mealtime.

Watch for food allergies

If you’re visiting family or friends, let them know about any food allergies your child has. Be cautious with baked goods or homemade dishes where allergens like nuts or dairy may not be obvious.

Refrigerate leftovers promptly

Toddlers—notorious grazers—may make many trips to the buffet table, but bacteria can grow in food that’s left out for hours. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours, and only reheat what your child will eat in one sitting.

Say no to risky raw foods 

Avoid giving toddlers raw cookie dough, eggnog made with raw eggs, or undercooked meat. Their immune systems are still developing, so even a small exposure to harmful bacteria can lead to illness.

Preventing Injuries and Fires

Between decorations, candles, and bustling kitchens, it's essential to create a safe environment—especially for toddlers and young children. Here are practical tips to keep your kids safe from injuries and fires during the holiday season.

Childproof Decorations

Curious toddlers may reach for shiny ornaments or tug at strings of lights. Remember, babies and toddlers love to explore their world—espcially inviting, shiny objects— with their hands and mouth. Keep breakable or small decorations out of reach to prevent choking and cuts. Consider using non-toxic, shatterproof options for tree trimmings or table displays.

Candle and Fireplace Safety

Open flames can mesmerize young children but pose serious risks. Place candles on high, stable surfaces, far away from children. Don’t place candles on tablecloths that little hands can pull and consider flameless LED candles instead. If you have a fireplace, use a sturdy screen and keep tools and matches safely stored. Teach children to stay at least three feet away from any heat source. Direct supervision is a must around any sort of open flame, such as fire pits or places. 

Kitchen Caution

Create a “kid-free zone” around hot stoves. Use back burners on the stove and turn pot handles inward to prevent little hands from pulling them down. And make sure hot appliances (like slow cooker) cords are out of reach, too! 

Electrical Safety

Avoid overloading outlets with extra lights and gadgets. Cover unused outlets with safety protectors, and ensure cords are tucked away to prevent tripping or chewing—yes, chewing… kids do the darndest things!

Keep Walkways Clear

Busy households mean more foot traffic, increasing the risk of tripping. Keep toys, cords, and bags off the floor, especially in high-traffic areas. This ensures safety for everyone, including loved ones who may have low vision or use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. 

By taking a few precautionary steps, you can create a safer environment where your family can focus on making memories—not worrying about mishaps.

Choosing Toys Wisely

Winter often means lots of new toys for your kid. Whether the new toy was a gift from you or a loved one, it’s important to make sure they’re safe for your toddler or young child. 

Make sure toys are safe with these key tips:

• Pick Age-Appropriate Toys: Always choose toys that are labeled for your child’s age. Avoid anything with small parts that could be a choking hazard.
• Choose Non-Toxic Materials: Look for toys made from BPA-free, non-toxic materials to ensure they’re safe for chewing and exploring.
• Check for Recalls: Look for safety labels and confirm the toy isn't on the CPSC recall list before giving it to your kid—especailly if the toy is a hand-me-down or thrifted gift.
• Avoid Long Strings and Small Parts: Toys with long strings or small detachable pieces can be a choking or strangulation risk. Stick to shorter strings and larger, secure pieces. As a rule of thumb, if a part is small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll, it poses a choking hazard. 
• Beware of Button Batteries: Button batteries, those tiny, coin-like lithium batteries commonly found in children’s toys pose a serious health risk. Not only are these small batteries a general choking hazard, they can cause chemical burns when mixed with saliva or moist skin. This is especially dangerous if your kid swallows a button battery. If you think your child may have swallowed a button battery, take them to the nearest emergency room. 

Winter Activity Safety

Winter activities can be a lot of fun for young children, but they come with unique safety concerns. Here’s how to keep your child safe while enjoying the season:

• Dress in Layers: Ensure your child is wearing warm, breathable layers. Make sure they have a hat, mittens, and boots to protect them from the cold.
• Use Safe Equipment: Choose age-appropriate sleds and outdoor toys, and avoid anything with sharp edges or hard surfaces that could cause injury.
• Supervise at All Times: Keep a close eye on your child while they play outside, especially around icy areas or on slippery slopes.
• Avoid Frostbite: Limit outdoor playtime if the weather is extremely cold, and bring your child inside for breaks to warm up.
• Stay Hydrated: Even in the cold, kids can become dehydrated. Make sure they have access to water during outdoor play.

The winter season brings lots of fun and family togetherness. But in all the excitement, don’t forget to be safe!

By keeping food safety in check, preventing injuries and fires, choosing the right toys, and taking precautions during winter activities, you can help ensure your child enjoys a safe, happy winter season.