Poisoning
As any parent will tell you, babies and young children love to explore the world by putting things in their mouth. While most of the time this behaviour is harmless, occasionally they get hold of something dangerous. Just as small objects can cause choking, an alarming number of young children still end up in hospital after swallowing something poisonous.
From medicine to cleaning products there are plenty of harmless-looking things around the house that can be dangerous if your child accidentally ingests them. There are plenty of steps you can take to keep your little ones safe from poisoning.
Household cleaning products
While most of us are aware that cleaning items like bleach should always be kept out of the reach of children, there are some items that you might not have thought about, for example, the liquid laundry capsules that you pop in your washing machine.
As ever, supervision is one of the best ways to prevent this kind of accident – something we know isn’t always easy to do. However, the following steps can also help give you peace of mind:
Keep all household chemicals – including liquid laundry capsules – out of the sight and reach of children, preferably high up in a locked cupboard
If you need to use lower cupboards, use cupboard locks to keep small children away from potentially dangerous products
Always store household cleaning chemicals in their original containers
Replace lids and put all products away immediately after use
Dispose of unwanted household cleaning products safely.
Remember: If children have accidently ingested medication or household chemicals then medical treatment should be immediately sought.
Medicines
From a spoonful of cough syrup to a course of antibiotics, medicine is part and parcel of most childhoods. However, because young children like to copy grown-ups, it’s important to keep all medication well away from little hands.
Bedtime can also be a time when medicine is taken by children. Lock it away afterwards so it’s not in reach - even if it does have a child resistant cap
Be aware of adult medicine too. Tablets in your handbag can be tempting for an inquisitive toddler.
Remember: Keep all medication out of reach, preferably in a locked cupboard.
Gardens
While children love playing outside, it’s important to remember that there are a number of poisonous substances that young children can get
their hands on:
Common garden chemicals, such as slug pellets, solvents, paint or plant food, can all be deadly if swallowed by children. Be sure to put away all chemicals when you’ve finished with them. A locked shed is the safest place
Some garden plants, such as bright red yew berries, laburnum pods and foxgloves, are especially attractive to small children. They’re also incredibly toxic and can even lead to death.
Always read the label carefully if you’re buying new plants. If you’re unsure about the existing plants in your garden, visit a flower shop or garden
centre for more advice.
Other things to watch out for
There are countless items in our homes and garden that can poison children. Here are some to be especially watchful for:
Alcohol: Remember, children love to copy grown-ups and their bodies will be less tolerant of alcohol, so treat alcohol like any other poisonous chemical – store high up or locked away
Raw meat – be careful with anything they might fish out of the bin. Keep bins out of reach
Liquids used in electronic cigarettes and vaping products are powerful neurotoxins. Tiny amounts whether ingested or absorbed through the skin can cause vomiting and seizures and even be lethal. All vaping and e-cigarette products should be stored securely out of children’s reach.