ALERT: HSE issues warning of poison risk to children during busy Christmas

The HSE has issued advice to parents on how to protect children this Christmas.

Dr Abigail Collins said, “Christmas is nearly upon us and children across the country are counting down the days. It’s a magical time of year, but behind the scenes there are lots of things for parents to consider ahead of the holidays. Taking some things off your ‘to do’ list, preparing for visits to relatives and trying to keep everyone safe and well can help make Christmas a little easier and more enjoyable for all.”

The HSE warns parents when visiting other homes during the holidays "which are not child-proofed" to "supervise your child at all times. Children may be able to access dangerous items in handbags, kitchen cupboards, bathroom cabinets and sheds. For example, sharp objects and matches."

Poison risks, according to the HSE, can include "medicines, household cleaning products, and alcohol left over in glasses and cans. Products such as essential oils and reed diffusers can be highly toxic if ingested, even in small amounts. They can cause also harm to the skin and eyes if exposure occurs. Seasonal plants including poinsettia, holly, ivy and mistletoe are potentially poisonous."

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Parents are urged by the HSE to keep these items out of reach of children at all times. 

HSE advises to call the Poisons Information Line on 01 809 2166 if you think your child has been exposed to poison.

The service is available from 8am to 10pm every day, including Christmas Day. It gives urgent tailored advice to members of the public on whether medical treatment is needed following accidental poisoning. Outside of these hours, contact your GP or hospital. In an emergency, call 999 or 112.

The HSE advises caution around newborn and premature babies who are at particular risk from RSV and other viruses circulating at this time of year. This is because their immune system hasn’t had much time to develop. You might feel awkward, but it’s a good idea to ask ahead if anyone is unwell with cold or flu symptoms and reschedule if they are.

"It’s okay to ask people to wash their hands before coming in to contact with the baby. If someone has a cough or cold, ask them to not kiss or cuddle your baby this time," according to the HSE.

Teresa O’Dowd, Specialist Registrar, “No one wants to miss out on the fun of Christmas because they picked up a virus. To reduce the risk, encourage children to cough and sneeze into the elbow or a tissue and to keep their hands clean. If you are sick with an infection such as RSV, flu, COVID-19, vomiting or diarrhoea it is important to stay home. 

“If giving your child an over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol, follow the instructions that come with it. Avoid inadvertent overdosing by keeping a note of how much your child had and when. You’ll find advice on mychild.ie about coughs, colds and viral infections in children.”

Toys suitable for young children include toys that are:

• Right for the child’s age and developmental stage – be aware that older children may share unsuitable toys with a younger child.
• In good condition as broken toys can be dangerous
• Have the CE quality mark – this shows they have met the required safety standard
• Not a choking risk for children aged under 3 – watch out for small objects, particularly round-shaped, that could block your child’s airway. For example, marbles, beads, coins, marker caps and bottle tops
• Don’t have parts that are sharp or detach and break easily – any part that comes loose should be too large for a child to swallow
• Don’t have magnets – swallowing magnets can cause serious injury
• Don’t have strings as they are a strangulation risk
• Stored out of the way when not being used so they don't cause trips or falls
• Stored somewhere a child doesn’t need to climb to reach.