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December Tips of the Month: Holiday
Parties/Visits
Don't assume your baby is being supervised just because she is
sitting in the middle of a room full of people. Designate
care-givers if you will be running errands or cooking. Always
know who will be watching your children. Consider hiring a
baby-sitter when going to or hosting a party. A babysitter will
allow you to focus on your guests while someone is concentrating
on keeping an eye on the little ones. Keep small candies and
nuts out of reach of young children as small items can pose a
choking hazard. Alcohol can be poisonous for little ones and a
babysitter can ensure that your children don't sample drinks not
meant for them or left around by the party goers and help
entertain them as well. After the party, make sure all glasses
are cleaned up so that in the morning there is no worries for
unintentional consumptions of any left over drinks. Remember
that the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye
out for danger spots. Ask your host if they have a gun before
sending your children off to play. If the answer is yes, you
need to make absolutely sure that all guns are stored unloaded
and locked, ideally in a gun safe, with ammunition locked
separately. Include the question along with other things you
might normally discuss before sending your child to someone's
house. Keep a laminated list with all of the important phone
numbers you or a babysitter are likely to need in case of an
emergency. Include the police and fire department, your
pediatrician and the Poison Control Center.
The Poison Control Center
number for this area is 1-800-222-1222.
If you are hosting the
party have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests. Arrange
for an official designated driver for your party who will not
drink at all. Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from
your body. Never drink and drive.
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