Make Easter a happy, safe day for keiki

Advertiser Staff

Colorful eggs, chocolate rabbits, marshmallow chicks and bright centerpieces are tempting to all and irresistible to kids. But they might not always be safe.

KidSmartLiving, an organization devoted to children's safety, has developed some tips to make family Easter activities fun and worry-free.

Decorating and hunting brightly colored eggs tops every kid's Easter "to-do" list. The American Egg Board recommends preparing eggs by placing them in a single layer in a saucepan and covering with tap water to at least one inch above the eggs. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to the water to help the coloring dye adhere to the shell.

Cover pan and bring to just boiling, then remove from heat. Let eggs stand covered for 15 minutes, then immediately place in ice water or under cold running water to cool.

Aged eggs peel best

It's best to buy eggs for boiling several days before use, because fresh eggs can be difficult to peel. Select eggs with clean, uncracked shells, and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Boiled eggs should not be left at room temperature more than two hours, so instead of dyed eggs, use plastic or wooden eggs for long-term centerpieces and decorations.

And remember, both cooked and uncooked eggs have porous shells that bacteria can penetrate, so wash hands before and after handling.

Worry-free hunting

Because of their porous shells, Easter eggs can absorb germs and lawn chemicals. If an outdoor hunt is planned, consider preparing a second batch of eggs for hunting and later discard them, or simply hide plastic eggs filled with goodies.

Another egg-hunt danger to young kids and pets is shredded plastic "grass" basket fill. Instead, stuff safer, less-messy Easter baskets with colorful tissue paper.

Remember to bring plenty of insect repellent and sunscreen for outdoor Easter activities. The sun can be very strong even on slightly warm spring days, and in warmer climates many insects are out in force.

Many Easter goodies present choking hazards to children under age 3, including jellybeans, small wrapped chocolate eggs and marshmallow shapes. Instead, treat little ones to iced animal crackers, shaped sugar cookies with colorful sprinkles, and large chocolate figures. Many chocolate products contain trace amounts of peanuts, however, so it's best to avoid these around children with food allergies.

Welcome the bunny in style

Decorate a kid-tough Easter home using charming stuffed toys and durable wooden accents in areas accessible by young children.

Fragile items and springtime floral arrangements can be displayed safely out of reach on mantles, high shelves or decorative wall sconces.

Let toddlers participate in Easter decorating by sponge painting wooden eggs for display in baskets, or Mom can glue these onto wreath or topiary forms for a durable Easter centerpiece.

Setting a fancy holiday table this year? Quality unbreakable tableware made from polycarbonate plastic and high-impact acrylic blends create kid-tough tables with style. Plus, these long-lasting plastics really are dishwasher-safe, not just for the top-rack, so cleanup is a breeze.

Safety takes no holiday

Whether celebrating baby's first Easter or maintaining a home full of busy older kids, keep safety at the forefront at all times. With a little caution and creative planning, an inviting, safe and stylish home is easy to achieve any day.

On the Web:

• A variety of family-friendly home decorating and living ideas, projects and products are available on the KidSmartLiving Web site, www.kidsmartliving.com.