Easter Basket Safety Tips for Parents with Young Children
With Easter just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about filling those festive baskets. However, parents with children under the age of 4 should be cautious about what they include. Certain popular treats can pose choking hazards for little ones. According to an emergency medicine physician and BabyCenter medical advisor, here are some items to avoid and safer alternatives to consider.
Items to Avoid in Easter Baskets:
- Hard candies
- Jelly beans
- Small chocolates, such as mini eggs
- Marshmallows, taffy, or caramel
- Chewy gummy candies
- Coins (money)
- Tiny bouncy balls or marbles
- Toys with button batteries or small magnets
- Toys with small parts (like Kinder Surprise eggs with small toy parts inside)
- Water beads – These resemble candy balls, swell and expand, and are toxic if ingested.
Safer Alternatives for Easter Baskets:
- Hollow chocolate eggs or chocolate bunnies that can break into pieces
- Large plastic eggs
- Board books
- Plush toys
- Stacking blocks
- Noise makers, such as maracas
- Coloring books
- Yogurt melts
- Cereal
- Crackers that easily dissolve
- Stickers
- Temporary tattoos
By choosing these safer options, parents can ensure their children enjoy a fun and safe Easter celebration. For more detailed advice on Easter basket safety, visit BabyCenter.