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Top parenting stories this week
Surprising Holiday Hazards
Are poinsettias poisonous? Is your Christmas tree safe? Learn how to keep your child safe this holiday season.
by: Nancy Ripton
In This Article
Holiday Hazards
- Mistletoe berries can be toxic to your infant or toddler.
- Poinsettias aren't poisonous, but many other plants you might bring home for the holidays are, including holly and boxwood.
- Most strings of Christmas lights are coated with a plastic that contains lead.
- Live spruce or pine tree needles can cause painful cuts in the mouth and throat if swallowed, so water your tree to keep needles from dropping.
- Vanilla extract contains ethanol and can cause respiratory distress if your child drinks it.
s parents, we don't want to make like the Grinch and steal all the Christmas cheer, but we don't want our children to get hurt during the holidays either. Unfortunately, holiday hazards can creep up where you least expect them. Here are four surprising holiday health hazards and how to protect your children from them:
1. Are poinsettias and mistletoe poisonous?
Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias aren't poisonous. So while you don't necessarily want your child to munch on a red leaf for lunch, an accidental nibble won't kill him. The same can't be said for other holiday plants. Holly, Jerusalem cherry, boxwood and various species of yew are all poisonous, so keep them out of reach. As for mistletoe, we suggest giving it a miss until your children are at least three years of age. If eaten, mistletoe can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and can even be fatal. And it doesn't take much–just three mistletoe berries can be toxic to your child.
