Poison Prevention for Babies and Toddlers

Medications account for over 40% of child poisoning cases:

• Store ALL medications (including vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies) in a locked cabinet
• Never leave medications on counters, nightstands, or in purses on the floor
• Do not call medicine "candy" to encourage a child to take it
• Close the cap tightly after every use — even mid-dose
• Use child-resistant caps, but remember they are not child-proof
• Dispose of unused or expired medications at drug take-back events
• Most dangerous medications: iron supplements, heart medications, diabetes pills, opioids, and sleep aids — even one pill can be fatal to a toddler

• Store all cleaning products in locked cabinets (not under the sink)
• Keep products in original labeled containers
• Laundry and dishwasher pods — store in a locked container; the concentrated detergent can cause chemical burns, breathing problems, and eye injury
• Drain cleaners — extremely caustic; cause severe burns on contact
• Oven cleaners — store locked and away from food areas
• Antifreeze — sweet-tasting and attractive to children; fatal in small amounts
• Never mix cleaning products (bleach + ammonia = toxic gas)
• Buy products with child-resistant packaging when available

Button batteries are one of the most dangerous household hazards for young children:

• A swallowed button battery can cause fatal internal burns in as little as 2 hours
• They are found in remotes, key fobs, hearing aids, toys, greeting cards, and watches
• Secure battery compartments with tape if the cover is loose
• Keep loose batteries locked away
• If you suspect a child swallowed a button battery: go to the ER immediately — do not wait for symptoms
• While traveling to the ER, give honey (2 tsp every 10 minutes for children over 12 months) — this has been shown to reduce injury severity

Common houseplants and yard plants that are toxic if ingested:

• Houseplants: pothos, philodendron, peace lily, dieffenbachia, English ivy, ZZ plant, rubber plant
• Outdoor plants: oleander, foxglove, lily of the valley, azalea, rhododendron, daffodil bulbs, castor bean
• Berries: holly berries, mistletoe berries, pokeweed berries, nightshade
• Either remove toxic plants or place them completely out of reach (not just on a high shelf a climber could access)
• Teach older toddlers: "We never eat plants unless a grown-up gives them to us"

• Essential oils — many are toxic if ingested; some cause chemical burns; store locked
• Alcohol — even small amounts can cause dangerous low blood sugar and seizures in children
• Hand sanitizer — contains 60-95% alcohol; keep out of reach
• Cosmetics — nail polish remover (acetone), perfume (alcohol), hair dye
• Tobacco and nicotine products — cigarettes, vaping liquid, nicotine gum/patches
• Carbon monoxide — install CO detectors on every floor; have furnace inspected annually
• Lead — test paint in homes built before 1978; check for lead in water

1. Stay calm — quick action saves lives
2. Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7, confidential)
3. Have ready: the child's age and weight, what was swallowed, how much, and when
4. Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically told to — it can cause additional injury
5. Do NOT give milk, water, or food unless instructed by Poison Control
6. Call 911 immediately if: the child is unconscious, having seizures, difficulty breathing, or you suspect a button battery was swallowed

• Poison Control number saved in phone and posted on fridge: 1-800-222-1222
• All medications in locked cabinets
• Cleaning products in locked cabinets (not under the sink)
• Laundry/dishwasher pods in locked containers
• Button battery compartments secured with tape
• Toxic houseplants removed or placed out of reach
• Essential oils locked away
• Carbon monoxide detectors on every floor
• No medications left in purses, diaper bags, or on counters
• Guest belongings checked for accessible medications
• Alcohol stored out of reach