Keep your child safe from poisoning
Although you may not have known, poisoning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in the home, and young children are particularly at risk. They’re too curious to pass up the chance to investigate, sniff and taste candy-colored but lethal liquids or pills – and the upshot is that each year more than a million under-5s swallow or otherwise come into contact with something that is poisonous.
Poisonproofing your baby once she gets on the move is a must, along with using that safety gate and installing those plug socket covers. Children under 3 are most at risk because they’re too young to know the difference between what’s safe and what’s dangerous and they’re also capable of climbing to reach something that catches their eye. Start teaching your child basic safety – but keep in mind that until she’s older, prevention and vigilance is the best defense. Follow these guidelines to keep your baby and toddler safe…
1 Know who to call in an emergency
If your baby or toddler comes into contact with something that could potentially be toxic, your local poison control center can clarify if it’s an emergency or whether you can take a wait-and-see approach and call your pediatrician for follow-up. Call 1-800-222-1222 if your child has consumed or come into contact with a substance you fear may be harmful. If she’s having seizures or having trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.
2 Know your poisons
Read the labels of any products you use in your home and if the label includes the words ‘warning’, ‘caution’, ‘poison’ or ‘danger’ keep it well out of reach of your child, preferably in a locked cabinet. The most dangerous substances are medicines – including vitamins – cleaning solutions, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, pesticides, gasoline and any kind of lamp oil. Store cosmetics safely too – face creams, shampoo, hair dye, hair removal creams, perfume and aftershave also can be toxic if swallowed. Alcohol and tobacco can also kill a young child if swallowed.
3 Be vigilant away from home
Be especially careful if you’re staying with a friend or relative, especially one who doesn’t have children, as they might be unaware of the safety risks posed by toxic substances and won’t have child-proofed their home. Ensure your child’s grandparents know to strore any medications they may take on a high shelf.
4 Store poisons properly
Store medications, household cleaners, paint, varnish and pesticides in their original containers. Avoid decanting potentially poisonous substances into a container or bottle that doesn’t include a warning in regard to toxicity, and never store them in old soda bottles. Clean up any spillages as soon as they occur.
5 Be careful with medications
Make sure medications are stored in childproof containers and safely discard any unused medication so your child can’t get hold of it. Be careful about medications you give to your child, too, Many accidental poisoning cases occur when parents give children the incorrect dose of medicine or give them a second medication that duplicates the active ingredient of the first one – for instance an acetaminophen-based fever reducer followed by a cough or cold medication that also contains acetaminophen. Never tell your child a medication is candy in order to encourage her to take it and, bearing in mind that young children tend to imitate, never take your own meds in front of her.
6 Install a carbon monoxide detector
It’s not just substances that can poison your child. If you use heaters, stoves and fireplaces, carbon monoxide is a risk. Install a detector and have your heating appliances regularly checked to ensure they are working properly and that any fumes are being vented outside. Never use a portable generator or barbecue grill inside your home.
7 Ensure craft materials are safe
Look for the Arts and Creative materials Institute (ACMI) seal on arts and crafts materials such as crayons, markers, paints, clays and glues. This indicates they’ve been tested for safety.
8 Be battery smart
The tiny batteries that operate small toys, wristwatches, and car and garage door openers are easily swallowed and can lodge in you child’s gastrointestinal tract. They contain toxic battery acid that can seriously harm or even kill her. Dispose of them responsibly.
9 Check house and outdoor plants
Poisonproof your yard too. Poisonous house and garden plants include philodendron, rue, privet, yew, laurel berries, oleander, arum lily, poinsettia, and foxglove. Brightly colored leaves and berries that resemble M&Ms attract young children and can be harmful.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 11/09/2008
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