The holidays are a special, magical time for young children, but it's
important to be aware of the dangers that can lurk amongst all the
decorations, presents, and festivities. Help keep this season magical
for them with the following safety tips from the American Academy of
Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest
level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards
for younger children.
Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully.
To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don't give
young children (under age ten) a toy that must be plugged into an
electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.
Children under age three can choke on small parts contained
in toys or games. Government regulations specify that toys for children
under age three cannot have parts less than 1-1/4 inches in diameter
and 2 1/4 inches long.
Children under age 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated
or broken balloons. Remove strings and ribbons from toys before giving
them to young children
vWatch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.
Remember that the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots.
Keep a laminated list with all of the important phone
numbers you or a baby-sitter are likely to need in case of an emergency.
Include the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the
national Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222.
Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents,
shopping, etc., can all increase your child's stress levels. Trying to
stick to your child's usual routines, including sleep schedules and
timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and
Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames
when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause
intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them
away from children.
Get the kids to really smile. Instead of making them say "cheese," try to get a genuine smile by saying
a funny word or doing something goofy.
Get on the level. If the little
one is only 3 feet off the floor, move the shot down so that you are at her
Fill the frame with the family.
Try to get rid of all the empty space around the family.
Take notice of what’s in the frame.
Dirty dishes, cardboard boxes and other unsightly objects need to be out
of the shot. Include Christmas lights, snow coming down in the window and
Accept human imperfections.
Band-Aids, bruises and other flaws will make the photo memorable and real.
Choose comfortable clothes. Dress
clothes can look special but if the kids are scowling in their itchy wool
sweaters, consider alternatives. The matching pajama shot is a comfortable
and adorable look for the entire family.
Take a lot of pictures! Take as
many photos as you can to increase your chances of getting a shot with
everyone looking good.
Find the right lighting. Typically,
natural light is the best indoors. If you are trying to catch snowflakes
falling, use the flash. Experiment with candlelight and Christmas lights
beforehand. 400 speed film is better for low-light situations when you are
trying to get Christmas lights or candles in the shot.
Be prepared. Charge the batteries,
bring your charger and make sure there is plenty of room on the memory
card (or carry an extra roll of film). Bring the tripod if available.
Get the pets in the shot. The
furry friends will make the kids feel more at ease and make the picture
Juju Bands protect your child's healing umbilical cord and
can help calm the most finicky babies. By protecting the belly button as it
heals, you can prevent irritation and reduce the likelihood of infection. The
cute belly bindings can be worn up until the age of three months, allowing your child
to feel secure even when they're not being held.
In honor of the holiday season, we want to hear your best
tips for traveling with a baby. Send your tips to email@example.com. The
person 