'Safety Mom' Tips for Thanksgiving

"As parents, we are running around like nuts at the holidays and it's really easy to overlook something," says "Safety Mom" Alison Rhodes, a child safety guru.

Rhodes, who spoke at the Baby & Toddler Bonanza held at Shelter Rock Church, knows how difficult it can be to ensure the safety of children around the busy holiday season. It is when we are most distracted, however, that she says we must be the most vigilant.

Trade the tablecloth for a runner.

"You buy all this gorgeous china and it's like the magic trick, pulling the tablecloth from under the dishes. A toddler will grab the end of the tablecloth and pull. Use nice place mats or a runner instead." 

Use flameless candles.

"They're scented and do the exact same thing…Real candles can easily start fires, or hot wax can drip."

Either you're watching the kids or you aren't.

"If you're busy cooking, assign someone to watch your child. It's hard to keep an eye on a child and cook, entertain…" 

Cordon off the "Triangle of Terror."

"The sink/refrigerator/stove area.  

Lock up the coats.

"At holiday parties, you put all the coats and bags in one room. Children can get into medications, pill boxes, or find [an assortment of] choking hazards."

Put away the chachkas.

"…all those gorgeous ornaments," says Rhodes, can break and cut or choke a child. 

Be firm with your values.

"We face some peer pressure with parents who have different rules for kids. Have the self confidence to say you don't allow certain things in the house or certain foods." 

After losing her infant child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in 1997, Rhodes has become an author and public speaker, reaching out to parents and offering valuable information about child safety.