Holiday Gear & Toy Safety: What Families Need to Know This Season
As we move into the holiday season, many families are settling into that familiar rhythm of cozy time indoors and active adventures outdoors. Winter visits with relatives are being planned, new toys are being wrapped, and kids are already dreaming about sledding hills and skating rinks. With all this excitement on the horizon, it’s a perfect moment to think about safety — especially when it comes to the gear and toys that support our children’s play.
This is a great time to make sure the toys and gear we buy — from baby gates to helmets to car seats — help keep kids safe. Here are some easy safety tips from Child Safety Link to help your family enjoy a fun, safe, and relaxing holiday.
🎁 1. Choosing Safe Toys This Holiday Season
When it comes to toys, safety starts right at the store shelf.
Pick age-appropriate toys.
Most toys sold in Canada have age recommendations printed clearly on the packaging. These guidelines aren’t just about developmental stages — they’re also about safety. Even if your child seems “past the stage” of putting things in their mouth, it’s still safest to keep small parts away until they’re truly ready.
A simple rule of thumb: If it can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it’s a choking risk for kids under three.
⚠️Be extra cautious with button batteries and magnets.
Button batteries — the small, coin-sized batteries found in remotes, musical books, key fobs, and greeting cards — can cause severe internal burns within just two hours if swallowed. If you have any toys or household items that use them, make sure the battery compartment is tightly secured with a screw.
High-powered magnets (often sold in building sets or desk toys) can be just as dangerous. If more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attract each other through intestinal walls and cause life-threatening damage. Any toy containing loose or easily accessible magnets should be kept far away from young children.
Other toy safety tips:
- Avoid toys with long strings or cords that can pose a strangulation risk.
- Buy from trusted brands and reputable retailers, especially online — some handmade or imported toys may not meet Canadian safety standards.
- If your child receives a gift that seems unsafe or not age-appropriate, feel free to thank the giver warmly and quietly put it away until your child is ready.
🏠 2. Holiday Visits: Keeping Kids Safe Indoors
The holidays often mean heading into new environments — homes that may not be baby-proofed or prepared for curious toddlers.
Baby gates and playpens can be incredibly helpful during visits. Choose a gate designed specifically for children (not pets) and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use. Baby gates are not only useful for keeping little ones away from stairways, but also items like Christmas trees, fireplaces or wood stoves and adult exercise equipment.
In unfamiliar homes, keep an eye out for:
- Decorated trees, breakable ornaments, and hot fireplaces
- Candy dishes, medications, or tobacco products left within reach
- Purses and bags that visitors place on the floor — these often contain items that can harm a child
If you're hosting, consider creating a “high spot” where guests can place their bags safely out of reach of little hands.
⛸🛷️ 3. Winter Helmets: What to Look For
New skates, sleds, and snowboards often make an appearance under the tree — and choosing the right helmet is one of the best ways to keep the fun injury-free.
Tips for choosing a helmet:
- Match the helmet to the activity. Skiing, skating, biking all require different types of sport helmets. The instructions that come with the helmet will specify which activity it is recommended for.
- Use the 2V1 rule for fit. A helmet should sit level, snug, and comfortable. The 2V1 Rule for proper fit means that you can fit only 2 fingers between your eyebrows and the front edge of the helmet, the straps should form a V under your ear, and the chin strap is tight enough that only 1 finger can fit between the strap and the chin.
- Look for a CSA or Canadian certification label. All helmets sold in Canada should have one — but be especially cautious when buying online.
- Skip the hat underneath. Hats can change the fit and reduce protection. Choose helmets designed for warmth or add warmth around the neck and face instead.
Unwrapping a helmet alongside winter gear is a great way to build safety into the excitement!
🚗 4. Car Seat Safety for Winter Road Trips
Holiday outings often mean more travel — whether across town or across the province.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Make sure each child is in the correct seat for their age, weight, height, and development.
- Avoid bulky coats and snowsuits in the car seat. They create dangerous gaps under the harness. Dress your child in thin, warm layers instead, buckle them in, and then place a blanket or coat overtop.
- Double-check installation. Even the best seat can’t protect properly unless it’s installed and used correctly.
And yes — car seats and booster seats make practical, meaningful gifts, especially for growing children or relatives who need a spare.
🎄 5. Choosing a Safe Car Seat or Booster Seat
If you’re shopping for a car seat this season, here’s what matters most:
- Look for the National Safety Mark, which means the seat meets Canadian standards.
- Choose a seat that fits your child’s current size and developmental stage.
- Review the expiry date, instructions, and any installation requirements before using the seat.
If you have more questions about car seats, visit our website at www.childsafetylink.ca for fact sheets, checklists and how to videos in many languages!
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday, from the Team at Child Safety Link 😊