Easter Safety Tips for parents

Check out these egg-cellent safety tips from Enhanced Home Visitor, Kristin, to keep toddlers, pets and every member of the family safe and happy over the holiday. Read on for great basket stuffer ideas that are sure to delight any-bunny this Easter! 

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Egg Hunts (Toddler-Friendly) 

• Keep it simple and visible: Hide eggs in open, easy-to-spot places to prevent frustration or wandering 

• Use larger eggs: Avoid tiny plastic eggs that can be choking hazards 

• Set clear boundaries: Use a defined area so toddlers don’t run toward roads, water, or strangers 

• Stagger start times: Let toddlers hunt separately from older kids so they don’t get knocked over 

  
  

Candy & Treat Safety 

• Avoid hard or small candies: Jellybeans, mini eggs, and gum are choking risks under age 3–4 

• Cut treats into small pieces when possible or necessary 

• Watch chocolate intake: Too much can cause upset stomachs (and lots of sugar crashes) 

• Check labels carefully for allergens like peanuts, milk, or soy 

Real Egg Safety 

• Skip raw or undercooked eggs for little ones. 

• Limit “hunt time”: Eggs shouldn’t sit out for longer than 2 hours. 

• Refrigerate immediately after decorating or finding them. 

• Consider plastic eggs if you’ll be outdoors for a long time.  

Around pets & animals 

• Keep chocolate far from pets: It’s toxic to dogs and cats 

• Supervise interactions: Toddlers may unintentionally hurt animals (and get scratched or bitten) 

• Skip gifting live animals: Bunnies and chicks require long-term care, not just holiday novelty 

These chickens are cared for full-time by staff and volunteers on The North Grove’s Community Farm! Feel free to visit them with your family during the summer!

Outdoor & Spring Hazards 

• Dress for the weather: early Spring can still be chilly or muddy (especially in Nova Scotia) 

• Watch for slippery grass and mud to prevent falls 

• Be cautious with plants: some spring flowers can be toxic if touched or eaten 

Gatherings & Travel 

• Keep routines in mind: overtired toddlers = more accidents and meltdowns 

• Use proper car seats for any holiday travel 

• Have a quiet space at gatherings where toddlers can rest 

General Safety Habits 

• Constant supervision is key: Toddlers move fast and grab everything 

• Do a quick sweep of the area for small objects before activities start 

• Keep a basic first aid kit nearby for minor scrapes 

Easter Baskets 

• Choose safe fillers: Soft toys, books, or snacks instead of small loose items 

• Avoid plastic grass: Toddlers may eat it—it’s a choking and intestinal hazard 

• Check toy age labels to make sure everything is toddler-safe 

Here are some ideas for basket stuffers:

Soft & Snuggly Toys  

• Plush bunnies, chicks, or animals (no small detachable parts) 

• Soft dolls or sensory plush toys 

• Great for comfort and totally safe for little ones! 

  
  

Creative & Mess-Free Play 

• Play dough or foam (non-toxic, supervised use) 

• Chunky crayons, coloring books, stickers 

• Sensory toys (spinners, pop tubes) 

  
  

Learning Toys 

• Shape sorters and matching eggs 

• Busy boards (zippers, buttons, latches) 

• Simple puzzles or stacking toys 

  
  

Books  

• Board books (Easter, animals, spring themes) 

• Touch-and-feel or lift-the-flap books 

• Short bedtime stories 

  
  

Outdoor & Spring Fun 

• Bubbles or bubble machines 

• Sidewalk chalk 

• Mini gardening tools (watering can, shovel) 

  
  

Practical (Parents love these) 

• Easter pajamas or comfy clothes 

• Toddler toothbrush or bath items 

• Snacks they already enjoy (pouches, crackers) 

• Bath toys for after playtime 

  
  

What to Avoid

• Small items under 3 cm (choking hazard) 

• Hard candy, jellybeans, gum  

• Toys with magnets or button batteries 

• Plastic grass (often gets eaten by toddlers) 

Easter Safety Tips for parents shared by Kristin, Enhanced Home Visitor at The North Grove. 

Enhanced Home Visitors provide individualized support to families with children ages 0-3.