The following are some safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Please feel free to excerpt these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics or use them in their entirety, with proper attribution, for any print or broadcast story dealing with holiday safety.

Toy Safety

• Follow recommended age ranges on toy packages. Toys that are too advanced could be a safety hazard for younger children.
• Check the size of the toy and make sure there are no parts that could be swallowed.
• Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully. If the toy is appropriate for your child, show him how to use it properly.
• Children under age 3 can choke on small parts contained in toys or games and balls with a diameter of one and three-quarters of an inch or less.
• Children under age 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons.
• Watch for strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.

Outdoor Fun

• Make sure your child's gloves and shoes stay dry. If either becomes wet, change your child into a dry pair.
• Sledding on or into the roadway should be prohibited. Look for shallow slopes that are free of obstacles, such as trees and fences.
• Most skiing and skating injuries involve twists, sprains and strains. Prevent injuries by providing your child with competent instruction, proper equipment and appropriate supervision.
• Cutting down your own tree for the holiday may start a wonderful family tradition. Young children can pick out the tree while an adult does the chopping.

Food Safety

• Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Fully cook meats and poultry, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits.
• Wash your hands frequently, and make sure your children do the same.
• Never put a spoon used to taste food back into food without washing it.
• Always keep raw foods and cooked foods separate, and use separate utensils when preparing them.
• Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, never on the countertop.
• Foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours.

Warm, Bright and Safe

• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially outside each bedroom.
• Use a sturdy fireplace screen to prevent sparks from igniting newspapers, carpeting, curtains and upholestry.
• Only use the fireplace when you're home and awake. Extinguish the fire when you go out or at bedtime.
• Make sure all electrical cords are in good condition. Replace them if they're frayed. Never run cords under the carpet.

Happy Visiting

• Remember to clean up after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.
• When you go out to parties, be sure the sitter knows where you can be reached, the number of the police and fire department and your pediatrician, and how to contact the poison control center.
• Remember that the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots.

Have a safe and happy Holiday!