From finding the ideal gift for a loved one to sending out personalised Christmas cards, there’s a long list of factors that make up the perfect Christmas. For parents, though, the festive season can be daunting, especially with a young child or new baby whose main priority is probably putting things in their mouths.

To help parents keep their children safe around all the chaos, toy and decorations experts at cardfactory have partnered with health and safety experts at High Speed Training to reveal five of the top risks for children at Christmas, as well as how to protect against them.

Age-inappropriate toys

Choosing the perfect gifts for your child at Christmas is one of the most important tasks in the lead-up to the big day. But making sure those toys are age-appropriate can sometimes be overlooked, particularly by extended family and friends who may be treating your child to a present.

Tara Butler, senior buyer at cardfactory, said: “All toys should be marked with clear age restrictions, so always check the label and packaging before making a purchase. Anything marked as age-appropriate is safe to give to your child, but also consider what they will enjoy the most at each developmental stage. Soft toys are ideal for younger babies, whereas toddlers and older children may prefer more interactive options such as games.

Health and safety expert Natasha Blythe of High Speed Training added: “It’s important to make sure that friends and family who may be buying presents for your child are also aware of what is age appropriate for them. If you receive a gift for your child and you aren’t sure if it is suitable, check the safety information thoroughly before allowing your child to play with it. If you can’t find any information, it’s always best to play it safe and remove it from your child.”

Unreputable toy sellers

Another key thing to look out for when purchasing toys for your children is that they come from a reputable seller and meet the UK’s current safety requirements.

Tara said: “In the UK, all toys from reputable manufacturers should carry the European Standard CE mark or the British Lion mark, which proves they have been tested to the highest standards of both quality and safety. Make sure you are shopping for gifts from reputable sellers and, again, if you aren’t sure of the origin or safety standards of a gift someone else gives your child, confirm it carries a safety mark before giving it to them.”

Gift wrapping

Placing an intricately wrapped gift under your Christmas tree on Christmas Eve is a satisfying feeling, but if your child is going to be opening their own gifts it’s important to ensure that all gift wrapping paper, boxes and bags are safe for them.

Tara said: “Presenting gifts in an appealing way and adding on all the bells and whistles such as bows, ribbons and novelty gift tags, is all part of the festive fun - and it doesn’t need to stop when you have children around. You do, however, need to be aware of the potential risks and make sure that you supervise your children at all times when they are opening presents. Once gifts have been opened, make sure to recycle, reuse or dispose of all gift wrap, paying particular attention to making sure you’ve moved any strings, ribbons or bows out of harm's way.”

Hazardous materials

Once the presents are opened and the playing begins, it’s important to be on high alert for any hazardous materials, such as batteries and silica gel pouches which sometimes come in the packaging.

Tara said: “Some toys may be battery operated and whilst these toys will have passed rigorous testing to make them safe for the age range they are catered to, it’s vital to make sure that no additional batteries are left lying around within reach of children.”

Natasha added: “Batteries pose a health and safety risk, as they are both a choking and a poisoning hazard. Although it is unlikely for a child to ingest them, it’s important to know what to do if the worst happens. If you are concerned your child might have consumed a hazardous material, take them to A&E immediately.”

Christmas trees and decorations

While it’s important to be on alert for hazards on the day, let’s face it, the festive fun really starts the moment the tree and Christmas decorations go up. The good news is, that you can still create a seasonal haven that’s also child-friendly without compromising on any Christmas magic.

Amy Greenshields, party expert at cardfactory, said: “When you welcome a baby or child into your family, there’s no reason to compromise on your decorative tastes. All you need is to make a few small compromises to give you the best of both worlds.

“Look at all your Christmas decorations with a baby-proofing lens. If you have decorations with small pieces or that are made out of delicate materials such as glass, you may want to put those away for a couple of years. However, the majority of decorations can still be used as long as they’re kept out of the grasp of small hands!

“Baby proof your Christmas tree by opting for a tabletop option that children can’t reach or alternatively consider setting up a baby gate around it. Regardless of the option you choose, never leave small children unattended with a Christmas tree just in case.”