“Children simply cannot protect themselves, so we as parents must do it for them,” Brown says. “Parents must educate themselves on the normal growth and development of small children and anticipate what they will learn to do next.”

When considering what dangers lurk in your home, think beyond the obvious medications and cleaning solutions. Keep in mind that mouthwash and cough medicines can contain very high levels of alcohol. Pesticides are not only poisonous if ingested, but harmful if inhaled or applied to the skin. Other products to hide include sunscreens, nail enamel, oils and automotive chemicals.

Here are some tips drawn from the American Association of Poison Control Centers and the National SAFE KIDS Campaign:

• Keep all household poisons and medicines in original, labeled, child-resistant containers.
• Lock poisons and medicines out of reach and sight of children.
• Be as careful with nonprescription medicines as with prescription medications.
• Do not refer to medications as “candy” or take them in front of children.
• Keep your purses and diaper bags as well as visitors’ bags out of children’s reach.
• Never leave children alone with household products or medications. If you’re using a product, take a child with you when stopping to answer the telephone or the door.
• Return household and chemical products to safe storage immediately after use.
• Know which plants in and around your home can be poisonous, and keep children away.
• Teach children about poisonous substances.
• Be aware of silent killers such as carbon monoxide and lead.

• If you fear your child has been in contact with a potentially poisonous substance, call the Poison Control Center immediately (1-800-222-1222). Keep emergency numbers on or next to your phone for crisis situations.
• For more information, visit the American Association of Poison Control Centers at www.aapcc.org or the National SAFE KIDS Campaign Web site at www.safekids.org.