Deck the Halls
But Be on the Safe Side and Bag the Holly
Go ahead and deck your halls with poinsettia plants this season. Just leave out the boughs of holly.
Contrary to popular belief, poinsettia plants pose little toxic threat, even to kids who taste-test the leaves, says Melissa D. Klein, MD, a pediatrician in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s.
Dangers more likely to land your child in an emergency room include:
Holly Berries
Just two holly berries have been known to cause nausea, Klein says, and a handful of berries could lead to severe stomach problems, or worse.
Mistletoe:
Romantic, maybe, but certain varieties can be toxic. Most children who ingest small amounts of berries can be treated at home for nausea or diarrhea.
Toys with Small Parts
There’s a reason toys have age recommendations right on the packaging. Small parts can be choking hazards, especially for kids ages 4 and younger. Follow age recommendations and supervise children at play.
Magnets
Toys with magnets require extra caution. Medical complications from swallowing magnets can be extreme. If not treated quickly, magnets can stick to each other across the bowel wall and cause an obstruction or perforation and require surgery.
“The holidays are a fun and happy time for many families,” Klein says. “But some of the festive and traditional things we bring into our home can be harmful to our children.”
With a few precautions, she says, holiday memories can be good ones.
If you have a question for the pediatrician, email us at youngandhealthy@cchmc.org. The Drug and Poison Information Center has a 24-hour hotline that could save you a trip to the hospital. Call 1-800-222-1222.
