Risky Christmas: Parents warned on festive perils to kids

Research shows that 70% of accidents involving children aged 5 years and under happen around the home, and experts in child healthcare say that admissions to Accident & Emergency rise at Christmastime.

Dr Alf Nicholson, head of the European Confederation of Paediatric Specialists and consultant at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital says that accidents indoors tend to peak at this time. He warns that people being cooped-up for long periods and the combination of alcohol, cigarettes and open fires can pose a serious risk to young children.

With the festive season underway and adults going out and leaving older children (teenagers) to babysit younger children, the Irish Red Cross and Domestos are again advising people to contact the Careline for a FREE copy of the Handbook for Babysitters and Parents.

This colourful and short guide quickly outlines the do's and don'ts of getting babysitters to mind children. Free copies are available from the Careline: 1850 650 651. (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm).

Well over 200,000 copies of the Handbook have already been given away and childcare specialists, teachers and parents have praised the Handbook. Based on research of over a thousand parents and 500 transition year students, the Handbook contains essential First Aid advice and safety guidelines.

The Irish Red Cross and Domestos take this opportunity to wish families everywhere a happy and safe Christmas.

Risky Christmas; Background & Safety Tips

Paediatric specialist, Dr Alf Nicholson says that this time of year can see more injuries as children remain cooped-up inside while parents and minders are distracted with other matters.

Chief amongst his concerns, is the threat posed by fire of any kind.

"Smoking and a few drinks and a real home fire can be dangerous - smoke alarms that are functional are very important," says the Head of the European Confederation of Paediatric Specialists and consultant at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.

And he continued; "The other main issues are hot scalds from tea or coffee being served to friends and relatives. Children can get badly scalded by tea and coffee for up to 20 minutes after it has been served, if the water was at boiling point."

New toys, that children are not familiar with can also pose a risk, particularly bicycles and roller blades and Dr Nicholson's message is to ensure that protective gear and helmets are provided to, and worn by any child getting this kind of gift.

Toddlers are particularly at risk from small parts, found in toys and particularly in Christmas crackers, he adds.

When it comes to leaving your child(ren) in the care of a Babysitter, the message from the Irish Red Cross and Domestos is to get a copy of the Handbook for Babysitters and Parents by calling the Careline now. Tel: 1850 650 651 (Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm). In the meantime here are six safety tips for a safer Christmas.

1. Make sure your babysitter has the right age and attitude to be a babysitter; that s/he is sufficiently mature enough to actually care about your children's welfare and will pay attention to what they're doing, eating or playing with.

2. Let your babysitter know of any hazards that you know about; does your toddler pull at the tree or try to eat the decorations?

3. Don't leave open fires or candles burning, remember you may be out late and your babysitter could fall asleep.

4. Don't expect your babysitter to cook a meal for your children, feed them yourself - and if possible - have them in bed or ready for bed before your babysitter arrives.

5. Make sure your babysitter has your contact details, those of a nearby neighbour/relative/friend who can be called upon in an emergency, and your full and exact address in case the Fire Brigade, Ambulance Service or Gardaí need to be called.

6. Make sure you agree with your babysitter what they're being paid and how they're getting home: Remember your babysitter, if s/he's under 18, is still legally a child and you have a responsibility for their safety. Don't rely on taxis and never drive your babysitter home if you've been drinking.

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