It's ironic that even as the holidays approach – with all their fun and festivities – risks for children increase. "The highest incidence of household injuries occur at party times and during times of increased family activity," says Dr. Kate Perkins, medical director of the Children's Health Clinic at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

"During the holidays and especially at party times, kids are excited and parents are distracted," says Dr. Lloyd Brown, associate director of the Pediatrics Residency Training Program at Cedars-Sinai and medical director of the C.O.A.C.H. for Kids Program. "Kids are home from school and reacting with lots of energy and excitement to the magic of the season. Whether you're celebrating Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas or any other holiday, it's in your children's best interest for you to be aware of special risks and of how to prevent accidents."

Both doctors offer the following tips for protecting kids this holiday season:

Virtually all of the major autumn and winter holidays, including Hanukkah, Thanksgiving and Christmas, include candles in the decorations or services. Because little ones are attracted by candles and fire, take extra precautions to be sure these items are out of reach of climbing toddlers who might be burned by the flame or the hot wax or who may even start a house fire by tipping the candles over. And never hold a candle while carrying a baby. Many holiday ornaments and decorations are made of glass, which can break and cut tiny fingers or even be ingested. In addition, many ornaments are "miniaturized," which means they can pose a choking hazard to little ones. Even ornament hooks can come off and be swallowed. Be sure to place small or breakable ornaments high enough to be out of reach of children. If it's a tree you're decorating, put the larger, unbreakable ornaments on the lower branches. It just seems like holiday tradition for the family to gather around a snapping fireplace. Never leave children alone in a room with a burning fire, and be sure to keep a sturdy screen in place that will help prevent toddlers from falling into it. Also, have a screen that won't fall on top of your child if he or she grabs it.

Avoid burning gift-wrapping paper in the fireplace, as it can ignite very quickly, resulting in a "flash" fire. Be sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed at night. Make sure, too, that your fireplace and chimney are clean and in good working order so that smoke does not enter the house, which could result in the build-up of deadly carbon monoxide.

A holiday tree is almost irresistible to small children. Because it is so attractive, they may try climbing it and inadvertently pull it over onto themselves. Be sure the tree is stable. If it is a real tree, be sure it is well hydrated to reduce fire danger. And when you go to bed at night or leave the house, be sure the lights are off. If your child has food allergies, it pays to be extra vigilant during the holidays, and to let your hosts know ahead of time so they don't offer foods to which your child is allergic. Because many holiday treats, candies and breads served at parties contain nuts or nut products, your child can inadvertently consume foods that may result in a severe reaction. For example, your child, who is allergic to peanuts, may be unaware that the fudge she is given at a party contains peanut butter or that the deep-fried turkey was actually fried in peanut oil.

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