Suspected poisoning is one of the most common reasons for young children to be taken to A&E. Swallowing medicines like painkillers found in handbags or bedside drawers are the most common way for children to be poisoned.
- Keep medicines and cleaning products up high and put safety catches on cupboard doors
- Liquid laundry tablets are extremely dangerous - keep them locked away or stored up high
- Keep blister packs of tablets out of reach - a 3-4 year old can open them in seconds
- 'Child-resistant' caps are not child proof - keep them out of reach
- Clear away any glasses with alcohol dregs in them as even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful to young children
- Teach children not to eat anything picked from outside as a poisonous berry can look appetising
- Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm fitted - you can't see, smell or taste it but it can kill
Read more in our home safety blog.