Doctor In Festive Dangers Warning

Poisonous berries, battery shock and unattended candles are common Christmas hazards which are easily avoided, a senior doctor has said.

The festive period can be a magical time but the cocktail of excitement, exhaustion and alcohol can risk serious injury for children in the home, according to Dr Donald MacGregor.

The consultant paediatrician from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in Scotland said he regularly sees burns, broken bones and other ailments over the holidays and has advised families how to prevent accidents that could ruin Christmas.

Falls are the most common type of accident and account for 44% of all child injuries.

Whether it is a slip on an icy path or a tumble from a new bicycle or roller skates, many youngsters end up in A&E with sprains and fractures.

The chance of toddlers hurting themselves in a fall in the home can be reduced by putting up a stair gate, boarding up large gaps between bannisters and keeping chairs tucked under tables.

Every year more than 28,000 children in the UK receive treatment for poisoning or suspected poisoning.

Most cases involve medicines, household products and cosmetics but seasonal berries can also be a hazard.

Dr MacGregor said: Some poisonous berries appear in our gardens in winter months, so discourage children from eating anything they see outside.

Just last year I saw a child who was severely sick because she ate mistletoe berries. While mistletoe isn't deadly, the wee girl had a very poorly tummy which really did ruin her Christmas.''

Babies and young children can also swallow or choke on small items and toy parts that fill homes on the 25th.

The consultant said: They love to put things in their mouths, ears and up noses, so it's important to watch closely and keep tiny objects out of reach.

To prevent a Christmas trip to A&E, choose toys designed for the age of your child and try to keep toys for older children away from them.

It's also important to ensure batteries are secure in toys or out of reach when not needed.

I've seen numerous children licking the end of batteries to test them, 'just like Dad'. This might sound trivial but can be extremely dangerous, causing shock or, rarely, death.''

Dr MacGregor added: Burns from fireplaces, candles or hot appliances are also very common over the Christmas period as kitchens are busier and inquisitive hands do wander.

I will see around one or two children every day with burns because they get too close to a fire, boiling pots and pans or even cups of tea in the kitchen.''

He stressed that parents should ensure that all candles, lighters and matches are out of reach of children and toddlers should be kept well back from kettles, saucepans and hot oven doors.