My Newphew, On the Table and Looking for Trouble

“Children Act Fast.” Anyone who has young children at home knows that this statement is true. I have a 2 year old nephew who can empty the contents out of my entire purse and wallet in less than a minute. Turning your back for even a second, could put your child at risk, if you don’t have chemicals and medicines locked up. That’s why the National Poison Prevention Week’s theme is, “Children Act Fast . . . So Do Poisons.” Poison Prevention Week this year is March 14-20.

Did you know that most poisonings occur with children under the age of 5? Wondering why? Well, if you have a little one at home, just picture what their day is like. He or she may be crawling around and putting everything they encounter into their mouths. Think about the products in your house that may be within their reach. I personally keep all of my cleaners under my kitchen sink, and my nail polish and remover are under my bathroom sink. Once children begin walking, their access to other poisonous products, such as medicines in a bedside table, increases. Then the climbing begins, and they can open cabinets and drawers full of even more possibilities. You shouldn’t discourage your child from exploring, because they are still developing and it is how they learn. It is your responsibility as a parent or caregiver to protect children from poisonous products.    

According to the Upstate New York Poison Center, most poisonings are unintentional. They often occur:

• When a product is being used
• When a product is taken out of the original container
• When the product looks, smells or tastes like a harmless product

Do you have any suggestions for other parents? Are there cabinet locks that work well but are easy for an adult to open? Is there a better place to put cleaners besides under the kitchen sink? We value your input.

For more information visit: Upstate New York Poison Center