Diwali 2025 safety alert: Doctors share tips to protect kids from burns, allergies, accidents

With lights, sweets and celebrations all around, Diwali brings joy and togetherness but the festivities also present potential hazards, especially for children. It is a known fact that burns, allergies are common during Diwali hence, parents will have to exercise caution when it comes to their kids.

Is your child safe this Diwali?

Firecracker-related injuries are a significant concern during Diwali. A study conducted by the Department of Burns, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, India, analysed firecracker-related injuries over a period of three days around Diwali from 2002 to 2010. The researchers found that patients attended the burn casualty during this period, with the majority being between 5 and 30 years of age. The injuries ranged from minor burns to more severe cases requiring hospitalisation.Eye injuries are another concern during Diwali festivities. According to a 2001 study published in the Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, injuries in children presented with firework-related ocular injuries during the study period, ranged from minor irritations to more severe cases requiring surgical intervention.

In an interview with the Times of India, Dr Akshay Mehta, Senior Consultant - Neonatology and Paediatrics at Motherhood Hospitals in Greater Noida, echoed that Diwali can also bring unexpected dangers for children and shared, "Diwali is a time of joy, togetherness and bright lights but amid all the celebrations, children are often at a higher risk of burns, allergies and small accidents.

Sometimes, the celebration can unexpectedly turn into a nightmare.

The excitement of crackers, diyas, new clothes and sweets can sometimes lead to mishaps if safety takes a back seat. From skin burns caused by fireworks to respiratory allergies from smoke and even accidental injuries at home, parents must stay alert. Taking certain precautions can go a long way in ensuring that your child’s Diwali remains filled with happiness, not hospital visits."It is no secret that the burning of firecrackers during Diwali leads to a significant increase in air pollution.

This increase in air pollution can trigger respiratory issues, especially in children. On the other hand, Diwali celebrations often involve the consumption of various sweets and foods but studies have often pointed out that certain ingredients in sweets can trigger food allergies in children hence, it is crucial for parents to be aware of potential allergens in children's diets, especially during festive seasons when the consumption of various sweets increases.

Parents should be vigilant about the ingredients in sweets and monitor their children for any signs of allergic reactions.

Tips to keep children safe this Diwali

Dr Mehta suggested some simple precautions that can help ensure your little ones enjoy a safe, joyful and accident-free festival. Encouraging parents to adhere to these tips right away and ensure the child’s safety, he said, "Never allow young children to light or handle crackers on their own.

Always have an adult supervise, and ensure they are standing at a safe distance. Use open spaces and avoid lighting fireworks near houses, vehicles, or power lines.

So, be careful and make sure the child is safe. Parents should pay attention to the child’s clothing. Dress children in well-fitted cotton clothes, as synthetic fabrics can catch fire easily. Long, flowing outfits should be avoided during cracker time.

Keep a basic first-aid kit nearby containing burn ointment, sterile gauze, antiseptic and a bucket of sand or water. In case of a burn, pour cool (not cold) water over the area and seek medical help immediately."He cautioned, "Avoid home remedies, like applying toothpaste, butter etc. For serious burn injuries, instead of trying to treat them at home, take the child to the hospital without any delay. If your child has asthma or respiratory allergies, limit their exposure to smoke and dust.

Use masks, keep windows closed, use air purifiers indoors and avoid firecrackers. The child shouldn’t be exposed to smoke. Focus on the child’s well-being too.

"Highlighting that festival sweets may contain nuts, artificial colours or preservatives that could trigger allergies and infections, Dr Mehta advised, "Check for expiry dates for sweets and follow storage protocols. It is necessary to give homemade sweets to the child instead of the readymade ones.

Place diyas and candles out of children’s reach and away from curtains, furniture and electrical wires. The child should be taught to keep a distance from the diyas and firecrackers.

One can apply a light layer of aloe vera or moisturizer on the child’s skin before heading outdoors. It helps prevent dryness and minor burns. Moise from the crackers can be harmful for small children and pets. Use ear muffs for toddlers.

For the environment, per say use eco-friendly options for celebrations. Lastly, save emergency contact numbers (paediatrician, ambulance, nearby hospital) on your phone and ensure older children know how to reach out in case of emergencies."The use of diyas and candles during Diwali increases the risk of home fires. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Burn Care & Research reported that almost a third of all Diwali-related burns were caused by diyas, with "burning diya left on floor" being the main reason for these injuries.

Bringing her expertise to the same, Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine at Gleneagles Hospital in Mumbai's Parel, said, "The joy during Diwali can turn into worry and stress as there can be an increased risk of burns, allergies and accidents when it comes to children.

Parents are advised to take the necessary precautions and ensure safe Diwali for the child. It will be imperative for parents to keep the child away from fireworks.

It is not advisable to give sparklers to children aged 2-3. When giving sparkles to children aged 4-7, make sure to supervise them. Burst fire crackers in open spaces and make sure they wear cotton clothes, as synthetic fabrics catch fire easily. It is better for parents to be attentive when it comes to the child’s health."Additionally, she recommended, "Children aged 7-10 shouldn’t be given firecrackers like bombs, rockets, or those that make loud noises as these are unsafe and can cause serious injuries like burns or even accidents.

The safer option for children can be sparklers, flower pots, and chakris under adult supervision. To avoid any accidents, don’t ensure the child maintains a safe distance from the candles or diyas near the kids.

Moreover, kids should also stay away from electric wires and decorations that can lead to accidents. For those with allergies, avoid exposure to smoke, and keep doors and windows open for ventilation. Children can wear masks to prevent allergies and infections. So, parents, try to make sure that you adhere to the tips. Diwali is the time when everyone comes together, especially children are enthusiastic when it comes to eating sweets and bursting crackers. So, just be cautious."Let this Diwali be about joy, love and togetherness instead of accidents, emergencies, or infections. Celebrate responsibly with your children and make beautiful memories like every year.