The holidays can be a joyous and exciting time, especially for children. By following a few simple steps, families can help ensure the little ones enjoy the holidays happily - and safely.

1Practice road safety

Winter weather combined with the holiday season can make for tricky driving conditions. Use appropriate car seats, booster seats and seat belts to ensure children stay safe while traveling in vehicles. https://www.icbc.com/road-safety/safer-drivers/Pages/Child-car-seats.aspx

Dark and wet road conditions also reduce visibility so remember to dress children in bright clothing or use reflectors that help others see them when walking or cycling. We all need to pay extra attention to children in parking lots, crowded streets and busy sidewalks.

Remember not to drink and drive! Talk to older children about not getting into a vehicle with someone who has been drinking or using drugs.

2Wear helmets during winter sport activities

Winter sports can be a great way to spend time with children outdoors. All children should wear a helmet while sledding, skiing, snowboarding or skating, regardless of age or ability. A helmet made for winter sports such as skiing or hockey is ideal as they are made to withstand cold temperatures. Read more on helmets and winter sports.

3Supervise young children

There is a lot of excitement during the holidays and often many parties and distractions. Children need to be supervised throughout the house during parties, especially while in the kitchen. Make sure purses and bags are out of reach of curious hands, as well as alcohol and edible cannabis.

4Buy age-appropriate toys

New toys and gifts create a lot of excitement for children during the holiday season. However, it’s important to pay attention to age recommendations and labelling on toys. Toys designed for older children may contain small parts that can cause little ones to choke.

5Decorate safely

Bright lights and sparkly tinsel attract children’s attention. Use a sturdy tree stand to prevent the tree from tipping over should a child pull on it. Carefully inspect all holiday light strings and discard any with frayed, cracked or broken extension cords, lights or bulbs. Keep little hands off of smaller or fragile decorations by hanging them on upper branches.