Poison prevention should be the concern of everyone at home especially since poisoning is considered the 2nd leading cause of accidental death in the home. It becomes even more important however when there is a baby at home.
Poison Education
A baby becomes especially prone to the danger of poisoning when it starts to crawl. Naturally, you would want to keep your baby safe in a crib or playpen but accidents can still happen if your baby manages to crawl out. You would also want to give your child an occasional and safe run of the house for a little play variety.
Poison can be anything that can be taken orally, inhaled or put on the skin or eyes and cause damage to parts of the body. Begin educating your crawler even before he reaches the toddler stage by firmly telling him where he is or is not allowed and which substances are bad.
Post Numbers
Know the numbers of your hospital, gas company and all other emergency facilities by heart. You should however also put them in writing and position the numbers near the telephone. Inform all the house occupants and your baby sitter about the numbers and who to contact in case of poisoning.
Gas Checks
If you are using gas powered equipment, always ask technicians to check fireplaces, stoves, heaters and all other related equipment at least once a year for leaks and damages. It would also help however to have gas or CO detectors installed near the nursery and other rooms the whole year round. Inform house occupants of the sound a detector makes in case of elevated CO levels. If you smell gas, simply turn off all gas powered equipment, leave the house and call a technician.
Secure Poisonous Items
Cleaning agents, bath items and cosmetics are all poisonous. Never leave any of these items on floors especially when your attention is called away by the ringing phone or the door bell. Keep these items away from food storage cabinets and do not transfer poisonous substances in old baby food containers. Keep baby safety caps on and keep them under lock and key or in cabinets with baby safety latches. It would also help not to remove original labels. Most cleaning agent labels will give you first aid tips on what to do in case of accidental ingestion and the doctor may need the labels to treat poisoning.
Clear Your Pockets
Babies do not just get attracted by shiny keys and coins in your pockets and purses. Medicines may also look like something nice to put in their mouths. Put safety caps on all bottled medicines and remove them from your pockets and purses. Secure all medications and related equipment in locked or latched drawers and cabinets. Immediately dispose of expired medication.
Garage Chemicals
Pesticides, fuels and garden products should be kept under lock and key in overhead cabinets in the garage. If you have been using a chemical extensively, change your foot wear before getting back into the house. Close and store products immediately after using and clean up any accidental spills right away.
Plant Watch
Some indoor plants can be either poisonous or can be choking hazards for your baby. Either keep your house plant free or hang plants out of reach instead.