One of the ways young children learn is by putting things in their mouths. Many household products can be poisonous if swallowed, if in contact with the skin or eyes, or if inhaled. It takes only seconds for a poisoning to occur. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following to eliminate potential poisonous hazards:

• Keep harmful products, including alcohol, out of your child’s sight and reach.
• Buy medicine and household products in child-resistant packages. Always replace the safety caps immediately after use.
• Keep products in their containers. Never put inedible products in food or drink containers.
• Read product labels with care.
• Teach children not to drink or eat anything unless it is given by an adult.
• Do not take medicine in front of small children. Children tend to copy adult behavior.
• Never call medicine “candy.”
• Check your home often for old medications or substances and discard them.
• Be alert for repeated poisonings. Children who swallow a poison are likely to try again.
• Keep these telephone numbers by every phone: the poison control center, pediatrician, police, fire department, emergency medical services and a neighbor.