Protecting kids during Christmas celebrations

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Christmas time means lots of chances to enjoy the season - and take part in special events and holiday gatherings.

But some of those fun activities can pose a risk to kids.

"There's some indoor and outdoor risks that can come with visiting friends and family for the holidays," said Dr. Beth Garrett, pediatrician.

Pediatrician Dr. Beth Garrett says that starts with enjoying Christmas lights.

"Enjoying some of the community things that we have, like parades and things like Sparkle in the Park, and we want to make sure that we're keeping kids warm and using appropriate coats and gloves and just appropriate winter gear. However, when we put the kids back in the car seat, we want to make sure that we are putting them in car seats without their coats underneath the straps," said Garrett.

She says that coat can interfere with the protection of a car seat in the event of a wreck.

Also, when you're visiting someone for the holidays, make sure the house is childproofed.

"We're in a hunting community, so it's always a good idea to ask, are the guns locked up? Kids touch first and think later. Also want to ask if medications are put up. Also want to think about where purses and bags are. Kids love purses and bags. Gum is in there, candy is in there, so are medications," said Garrett.

Even unfamiliar Christmas decorations could pose a risk.

"There may be things on the tree that aren't safe, baubles or decorations, and even breaking off pieces of the tree and causing esophageal lacerations. The other thing we want to think about choking hazards," said Garrett.