Gifts for Christmas - babies and young children

Picking the right gift for kids or family can be quite challenging. Here's a different take on the usual "what to buy" lists ... In addition to all the toys and games you may want to give children for Christmas how about buying presents that help protect them from injuries at home, at play or on the road.

Here are some ideas:

* A car booster seat. Jazz it up and let their imagination run wild (e.g. tell them it's a rocket ship or a fairy chariot!). Kids are safer in a booster seat until they're big enough to fit an adult seat belt properly. The easiest way to tell: If your children are under 148cm or 4'10" tall, they still need a booster seat.

* A cycle helmet. If Lance Armstrong uses one, your kid can wear one too. Let them pick their own helmet and while you're at it, get one for yourself and walk the talk.

* Smoke alarms. If you've noticed that someone in your family doesn't have a smoke alarm in their house, buy one as a present (and throw in the batteries as well). What better gift than one that could save their lives in a fire.

Some examples of what NOT to buy for young children:

* Toys that are choking hazards. If a toy can fit inside the hole of a toilet roll, it is a potential choking hazard for babies and toddlers.

* Baby bath seats and rings. Bath seats and rings give a false sense of security, and using one can be dangerous as babies can slip or get trapped underwater.

* Baby Walkers. There is a reason babies can't walk until a certain age ... before that it's just not safe for them to move about the house by themselves.

This information was provided by Safekids.