Protect Children During Holidays

Visiting with friends and family is a joy of the holiday season, but a festive get-together can pose dangers for young children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests these safety tips:

• If you're a host, clean up right away so young children can't get into leftover tobacco products, alcohol or food.
• Loved ones' homes may not be childproof, so watch for cluttered stairways and unlocked cabinets, etc.
• On the way to the festivities, make sure kids wear seatbelts or use age-appropriate car seats.
• The holidays can be stressful for children, so stick to your usual routine as much as possible, and make sure the kids get enough sleep.