Poison Prevention: Keeping Your Child Safe

Every year, poison control centers receive over 2 million calls about potential poisonings, and more than half involve children under 6. Young children explore with their mouths, and their small bodies are more vulnerable to toxic substances. The good news is that most childhood poisonings are preventable with proper storage and awareness.

Understanding the Risk AAP

Children are naturally curious and learn about their world by touching and tasting. They can't read warning labels, don't understand danger, and often mistake medications for candy or household products for drinks. Toddlers are at highest risk because they're mobile, curious, and developmentally driven to explore.

Why children are vulnerable:

• Small body size means smaller amounts cause bigger problems
• Developing organs are more susceptible to damage
• Children can't recognize danger
• Many poisons look, smell, or taste appealing to children

Peak poisoning ages:

• 1-3 years old (highest risk)
• Under 6 years overall
• Teen years (intentional exposures)

Common Household Poisons Poison Control

Poisons are everywhere in the typical home. Knowing what's dangerous helps you prioritize safety measures.

Medications (leading cause):

• Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Cough and cold medicines
• Vitamins (especially iron supplements)
• Prescription medications
• Sleep aids and sedatives
• Heart and blood pressure medications
• Diabetes medications

Cleaning products:

• Laundry detergent pods (highly concentrated)
• Bleach and disinfectants
• Drain and oven cleaners
• Dishwasher detergent
• Furniture polish
• All-purpose cleaners

Personal care items:

• Hand sanitizer (high alcohol content)
• Mouthwash
• Nail polish remover
• Perfume and cologne
• Essential oils
• Hair dye products

Other dangers:

• Button batteries (can cause severe burns if swallowed)
• Alcohol
• Pesticides and rodent bait
• Antifreeze
• Windshield washer fluid
• Plants (some are toxic)
• Carbon monoxide (install detectors)
• Lead paint (in older homes)

Prevention Strategies Safe Kids

Prevention is always better than treatment. These strategies can dramatically reduce poisoning risk.

Storage rules:

• Store all medications, cleaning products, and chemicals in original containers
• Use cabinets with safety locks or store items up high and out of sight
• Never leave medications on counters, nightstands, or in purses within reach
• Return items to safe storage immediately after use
• Don't store chemicals near food or in food containers

Medication safety:

• Choose child-resistant packaging (but remember it's not childproof)
• Keep track of how many pills you have
• Dispose of unused medications safely
• Never call medicine "candy"
• Take medications out of children's sight
• Be aware of medications in visitors' bags and purses

Cleaning product safety:

• Store all cleaners in locked cabinets
• Keep products in original containers with labels
• Never mix cleaning products (can create toxic gases)
• Buy products with child-resistant caps when possible
• Consider less toxic alternatives for cleaning

Special considerations:

• Secure button batteries—they're everywhere (remotes, toys, key fobs)
• Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level
• Test your home for lead if built before 1978
• Keep alcohol secured
• Be aware of toxic plants indoors and outdoors

Teaching Children About Poison Safety AAP

Even with the best prevention, education matters. Start teaching poison safety early.

What to teach:

• Only eat food given by trusted adults
• Never eat or drink anything without asking first
• Some things that look like food or drink are dangerous
• Medicine is only safe when given by parents or doctors
• Even vitamins can be harmful if too many are taken

How to teach:

• Use simple, clear language appropriate for age
• Practice scenarios ("What would you do if...")
• Point out poison warning labels
• Explain without creating fear
• Repeat lessons regularly

What to Do If Poisoning Occurs Poison Control

If you suspect your child has been exposed to a poison, act quickly but calmly.

Immediate steps:
1. Remove your child from the source if safe to do so
2. If the substance is on skin or in eyes, flush with water for 15-20 minutes
3. If inhaled, get to fresh air
4. Remove any remaining substance from mouth (don't induce vomiting unless told)

Call Poison Control immediately:

• National number: 1-800-222-1222 (available 24/7)
• Trained experts can guide you
• Have the product container ready for information
• Know your child's weight

Do NOT:

• Do not induce vomiting unless specifically told to by Poison Control
• Do not give ipecac syrup (no longer recommended)
• Do not give milk, food, or other substances to "neutralize"
• Do not wait for symptoms to appear

When to call 911:

• Child is unconscious, not breathing, or having seizures
• Child swallowed button battery or magnet
• Child was exposed to extremely dangerous substance
• You can't reach Poison Control

Button Battery Emergency AAP

Button batteries deserve special attention because they're extremely dangerous if swallowed.

The danger:

• Batteries can become lodged in the esophagus
• Chemical burns can begin within 2 hours
• Severe injuries or death can occur even from "dead" batteries

If a button battery is swallowed:

• Do not induce vomiting
• Do not give food or drink
• Go to the emergency room immediately
• Call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline: 1-800-498-8666

Prevention:

• Secure battery compartments with tape
• Keep spare batteries locked away
• Dispose of used batteries safely
• Check toys, remotes, and devices regularly

Special Situations

Grandparents' homes:
Grandparents may have more medications and may not have childproofed. Before visits, ask them to secure medications and hazards, or do a quick sweep yourself.

Visitors:
Ask visitors to keep purses, bags, and medications out of reach. Guests often carry medications in easily accessible pockets or bags.

When moving to new home:

• Check for lead paint if home built before 1978
• Identify existing hazards
• Install carbon monoxide detectors
• Check for toxic plants in yard

Creating Your Safety Plan

Prepare now:

• Save Poison Control number in your phone: 1-800-222-1222
• Post the number visibly in your home
• Keep activated charcoal only if directed by Poison Control
• Know the location of the nearest emergency room

Regular safety checks:

• Walk through your home looking for hazards monthly
• Check that safety locks are still working
• Verify medications are stored safely
• Dispose of expired medications

The Bottom Line

Poisoning is preventable. By storing hazardous substances safely, teaching your child about poison dangers, and knowing what to do in an emergency, you can protect your child. Remember the Poison Control number: 1-800-222-1222. Save it in your phone today.

Clara is here to help you keep your child safe from household hazards!