Safety
Poison Prevention & Safety
Over 300 children are treated in ERs daily for poisoning. Peak age: 1-3 years when children are mobile and explore by putting things in mouth.
Common poisons: medications (even vitamins - iron), cleaning products, laundry pods, batteries, plants, cosmetics, essential oils.
Save Poison Control number: 1-800-222-1222 (call immediately if poisoning suspected).
What to Do
- Save Poison Control in phone: 1-800-222-1222 (works nationwide, 24/7, free)
- Lock ALL medications in high cabinet (even vitamins - iron is toxic)
- Store cleaners in original containers in locked cabinet
- Use child-resistant caps on medications (but remember: child-resistant ≠ child-proof)
- Keep purses/bags out of reach (often contain medications, coins, gum with xylitol)
- Remove toxic houseplants or keep out of reach (philodendron, dieffenbachia, pothos)
- Lock up cosmetics and personal care items (makeup, nail polish remover, mouthwash)
- Store laundry/dishwasher pods in locked cabinet (highly toxic, attractive to kids)
- Button batteries: Lock away and tape battery compartments shut (burn through esophagus)
- Essential oils: Lock up - toxic if ingested and concentrated
- Install carbon monoxide detector on every floor
- Know what's poisonous: If unsure, call Poison Control before emergency
When to call a doctor
If baby ingests poison: Call Poison Control immediately 1-800-222-1222. DO NOT induce vomiting unless instructed. For severe symptoms (unconscious, difficulty breathing, seizure), call 911.