It’s the most wonderful time of the year – that is, until your adventurous crawler finds its way into grandma’s purse or big brother’s new toy full of very small pieces. Babies and toddlers love to explore, and you never know what dangers await them. This is especially true during the holidays when you’re hosting get-togethers or visiting friends and family in their not-so-baby-friendly homes. Unfortunately, thousands of children end up in the emergency room during the holiday season due to preventable injuries.

We even recently experienced this with my one-year-old, who showed us how quickly little ones can get into trouble when he pulled a plastic bag of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and gum out of a friend’s backpack during a recent outing. Luckily we were there and he was fine, but it was definitely scary how quickly things can happen.

You’ll want to be on high alert for the next few months and take a few extra precautions, says Darria Long, MD, an emergency room doctor, mom, and BabyCenter advisory board member. But knowing what to look out for before it becomes a safety issue will help keep your season merry and bright. Here’s what she says you should do to make sure your little ones are safe.

1. Do not put your baby to sleep in your crib

That’s right, if you’re coming home, don’t put your baby to sleep in the crib you grew up in, says Dr. Long – no matter how much your mom wants to see her grandchild in that vintage crib she pulled the attic out of! Crib standards have changed and improved significantly since 2011, so older cribs may have wide gaps between slats, drop sides or be made with lead paint.

Use a crib that is in good condition and certified by the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). How can you tell? Baby cots should have a sticker clearly visible on the side. You can also check the manufacturer’s website to be sure. Another idea? Use the package and play. If you fly and don’t want to drag others baby item with you, companies like BabyQuip allow you to rent all kinds of things for babies and babies such as cribs, cradles, strollers, baby swings and toys, says Dr. Long. That way, you can travel more easily, sleep better and know that your baby is safe.

2. Watch out for coats and purses

Older people in particular tend to keep pills and other medications in their purses or backpacks. Even a child-resistant bottle is no match for curious little ones. Any purse left on the floor is a tempting item for your youngest children who especially love to explore with their mouths. If they are taking adult medication, it can be very dangerous.

If you’re hosting a holiday party this year, have your friends and family put their purses and coats in a safe place out of reach of children, such as a bedroom with a locked door. Additionally, be sure to lock or secure your medicine cabinets with child-proof locks before the party begins.

A similar common danger, says dr. Long, is what she calls “pocket pills.” Great Aunt Sue might put her medicine in her coat pocket, planning to take it later, but then leave the coat where your little one can find it. “No pocket pills!” Dr. Long says. “Take the coats to a safe place, out of your child’s reach, and store them there, period.”

3. Beware of cards that play music

Those cards that play music when opened may look and sound cute, but they contain button batteries, says Dr. Long. These small, round batteries are also found in many common household items. (Think remote controls, thermometers, pendants, clocks, toys and ornaments). Thousands of children end up in the emergency room every year after swallowing buttons, which can cause serious injury and even death, she adds.

If a relative sends you a musical card this holiday season, don’t give it to your little one—and try not to buy it for others if they have young children, too. If your child gets one, remove the button cell battery and throw it away before letting them play with it. It’s also a good idea to check your favorite twinkling Christmas ornament as it probably contains a button battery. It is best to keep these items out of the reach of your little ones’ prying hands.

Holidays with young children are busy, fun and oh-so-magical… as long as you plan ahead and take some precautions.

– Darria Long, MD, ER physician and BabyCenter Medical Advisor

4. Keep children out of the kitchen – and protect the kitchen if you can

You will probably need to prepare a lot of food, especially if you are hosting a gathering. Instead of letting your baby play around your legs in the kitchen, keep her in her own safe space like a play yard, says Dr. Long. Then you can enjoy cooking turkey and baking gingerbread without the risk of burning or hurting your baby. It’s also a good idea to make sure big siblings and older relatives know not to put other toys or food in your baby’s safe space, says Dr. Long.

“Another thing to watch out for is keeping your pressure cooker or deep fryer on the counter with the cord hanging down,” says Dr. Long. Pulling on the cord can cause the entire device to topple off the counter. “They end up with the physical trauma of the appliance coming down on them, plus the hot temperature of the food being cooked.” Be sure to push small appliances all the way back onto the counter and do not plug them into an outlet under the counter.

Two final things when it comes to the kitchen: Always cook on the back burners of your stove so hot pots and pans are out of your child’s reach, says Dr. Darria. And always keep an eye on your oven if it’s low to the ground. Small children are much stronger than you think and can open doors.

5. Don’t buy these trendy gifts for big brothers and sisters

Some toys are always worth skipping for safety reasons, shares Dr. Long. Even if your teen begs for water beads, don’t bring them into your home. They may look harmless, but they are responsible for thousands of pediatric emergency department visits each year. according to the CPSC. Water beads look like tiny, colorful candies and are often sold in craft kits or as a sensory tool. If babies or young children swallow them, they can choke, suffer internal injuries or even die. When dried, the beads are almost undetectable, but grow up to 100 times their original size when exposed to water.

Magnetic balls are another popular gift for pre-teens and teenagers that pose a serious danger to young children. The CPSC recalled these toys a few years ago, but they are back on the market today. The toys consist of very small magnetic balls (about the size of earring studs) that all snap together. If a child swallows one or more of these magnets, it can cause damage to their interstitial tract and will need to be removed by surgery immediately.

6. Don’t forget about tree safety.

Although beautiful, your Christmas tree is a shiny new object that your child can’t wait to touch. It’s best to set up a play area or fence around the tree for the first few holiday seasons. That way, they’re not tempted to pull and tug on it, which could lead to them pulling the whole thing on themselves.

Ornaments can also pose a safety risk, so hang them up high and put the fragile glass heirlooms away until your little ones are older. If you’re used to decorating your Christmas tree with popcorn strings, maybe they should be off limits this year, as smaller children might get their hands on them, pull them and try to eat them (and that’s a choking risk). Even your lights can be dangerous in your baby’s hands. Before you hang them, make sure there are no broken bulbs or frayed wires. And try to plug them in an area your child can’t see so they’re not tempted to pull the plug out of the wall.

7. Don’t leave Fido alone with your baby.

If you are visiting a friend who has a dog, avoid leaving your child alone with him, suggests Dr. Long. She’s seen even the most loving family dog ​​bite a baby after being accidentally provoked (little hands can’t always help themselves!). Not to mention, dogs and cats can feel overwhelmed by all the extra stimulation during the holiday party.

If you’re hosting, keep pets in their room or crate to retreat to during the party. If you are staying at someone else’s house, politely ask your host if they can keep their dog or cat in a separate area. Then you won’t have to worry about your child around the animal – and Fido is also in a safe and comfortable place.

Holidays with young children are busy, fun and oh-so-magical…as long as you plan ahead and take some precautions, says Dr. Long. This way, everyone can be on the lookout for danger, and you can all enjoy the season.