Season of Safety: Essential Holiday Tips for Families

Safe Toys Mean More Joy

Holiday Kitchen Smarts

Presents are often the highlight of the holidays for kids, and seeing their excitement is one of the best parts of the season. But as adults, we also need to think about safety when picking out gifts or checking what children have received. Look for toys that fit your child’s age, interests, and abilities. For little ones under three, steer clear of toys with small parts or loose pieces—these can be a real choking hazard. Magnets and button batteries are especially risky if swallowed, sending hundreds of kids to the ER every year, so it’s best to avoid them for young children. If you’re giving bikes, skates, or ride-on toys, include a helmet that fits just right—your child’s head will thank you! And remember to check for recalls or safety alerts on the CPSC website, where you can also report any issues with a toy. For more helpful tips on picking safe toys, visit Nemours KidsHealth in the button below.

Holiday meals and treats bring families together, but little ones need extra safeguards in the kitchen and at the table. Always keep hot pots, sharp utensils, and small foods out of reach. Reduce the risk of illness by washing hands, cleaning surfaces often, and cooking meats to safe temperatures. Be mindful of common allergens – when sharing dishes or homemade treats, label anything with nuts, eggs, dairy, or other allergens, and check with other parents before letting kids snack. Children under five face higher risks from foodborne illness, so it’s worth taking extra steps with food storage, prep, and serving. If kids help out in the kitchen, choose age-appropriate tasks, supervise closely, and teach basics like handwashing and cleaning up after cooking. Safe, supervised kitchen time can be great for learning and creating holiday memories! Visit HealthyChildren.org below for more tips.

Bright Ideas: Safe Decorating for the Holidays

Twinkling lights, shiny ornaments, and festive greenery bring joy to this time of year, but they can also pose risks – especially for curious kids. Keep your celebrations safe with these key ideas:

On the Go: Winter Travel Safety

Winter Weather, Safe Adventures

Holiday travel often means busy roads and winter weather. Make sure everyone is buckled, and double-check that car seats are secure before you go. Pack your car’s emergency kit with cold-weather essentials like blankets, snacks, water, and a flashlight. Check your tires, wipers, and fluids, and let a friend or family know your travel plans. Always drive distraction-free, never drive impaired, and be sure you’re prepared for the challenges of winter driving. When visiting family and friends, take a quick scan for hazards, as not all homes are childproofed. Check out this Holiday Travel Safety Checklist from Safe Kids Worldwide, and see even more tips from HealthyChildren.org below!

Outdoor play keeps kids healthy all year, even in winter! Dress your child for the weather – warm layers, hats, mittens or gloves, and waterproof boots. Before heading to the playground, check for ice, snow, or anything slippery, and avoid metal surfaces that can get dangerously cold. Watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia – little ones lose heat faster than adults, so make sure they take breaks to warm up indoors, even if they say they’re okay. Keep an eye on the weather: stick to outdoor play in the “green zone” for temperature, and head inside when it dips into “yellow” or “red.” Check out the video linked below for more on these temperature zones.

In Virginia, winter weather is just the beginning. Big storms, flooding, and sudden power outages can pop up when you least expect them, so a little planning goes a long way. Start by checking your local risks with the Know Your Zone tool or the FEMA National Risk Index, and talk together as a family about where you’ll shelter if severe weather strikes. Making sure everyone knows the plan – for everything from snow days to hurricane alerts – helps keep things calmer, even in a pinch.

Don’t forget to keep a stash of essentials like flashlights, snacks, water, and blankets in an easy-to-find spot. Practice your plan as a family so kids feel confident (not scared), and see if there’s anything you want to tweak. A little preparation now means you’re ready for whatever the season brings, with less stress and more peace of mind.

For easy checklists and more expert advice, check out our recent blog post full of emergency preparedness tips for families.

Warm, Safe, and Buckled In

Safe Sleep While Traveling

From infants to big kids in boosters, keeping your child safe in the car takes a little extra thought in the winter months. Bulky coats or snowsuits should never be worn under car seat harnesses – the extra padding can compress in a crash, leaving the straps dangerously loose (grown-ups should skip the puffy coats with seatbelts, too!). Instead, buckle your child in snugly without thick layers, and tuck a blanket or use a thin jacket over the harness for warmth. Double-check your car seat installation and make sure you’re using the right seat for your child’s age and size; visit our website for helpful guides on proper car seat selection and installation. For older kids using booster seats, be sure the seat belt fits low and snug across the hip and shoulders, without any bulky coats in the way. For even more practical advice – and a simple winter coat check you can try at home – visit Safe in the Seat below.

Safe infant sleep matters all year, whether you’re at home or on the go. Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep on a firm, flat surface with nothing else – no blankets, pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals. Keep your child’s sleep space in the same room as you, if possible, and make sure the temperature stays comfortable and the environment remains smoke and drug-free. Even when routines get busy or you’re away from home, sticking to these basics lowers the risk of SIDS and SUID and helps your baby rest easy. See our Safe Sleep Coffee Chat Q&A with Dr. Megan Prior for more safe sleep tips. If a crib isn’t available when traveling, a pack-and-play or even an empty dresser drawer can work in a pinch, but car seats are never a safe option outside of the car. For more expert safe sleep guidance, visit Safe Sleep Academy and the Safe Infant Sleep section of our website!

Finding Your Balance This Season

Find Child Care All Season Long

When life gets hectic – especially around the holidays – it’s easy to put your own well-being on the back burner. But caring for yourself isn’t just good for you, it helps your whole family thrive! If you’re feeling overwhelmed of just want to recharge, try our free course, From Burnout to Balance: Self-Care that Fits Your Life. You’ll find practical, doable strategies to reduce stress and reclaim your calm, even in the busiest season. Want more support for your parenting journey? Register today to see all of our available courses for parents and caregivers.

If changing routines or winter schedules have you looking for child care, we’re here to help you identify child care options that meet your family’s needs! Reach out to us for personalized help discovering high quality child care options near you.

• Conduct your own search and access child care options 24/7 via our online self-search portal.
• Call (866) 543-7852 option 2 for our customized referral service
• Visit our website below to submit an online Child Care Referral Request Form