Protect Infants From Common Poisons In Your Home
All parents and grandparents should make a conscious effort to protect their young children and grandchildren from common dangers around the home. Here are some tips to keep young children safe.
Utilize Locks
One of the most deadly, yet common household items are cleaning supplies. Be sure to assemble all of your cleaning supplies and store them in locked cabinets. Never assume that placing them in a higher cabinet will do the trick, young children can often be very resourceful.
Rinse and Remove
Once empty, make it a routine to dispose of household cleaner containers and other dangerous packaging materials in a garbage can outside of your home. For instance, never leave an empty bleach container in your kitchen’s waste receptacle, be sure to rinse it thoroughly and then remove it from your home.
Never Store Poisonous Substances in Old Food Containers
Younger children and babies will often learn very early on to recognize things such as juice containers or baby food jars as places to find great treats. Avoid using similar containers to store hazardous products as the child may not be able to make the distinction between good and bad.
Check Your Plants
There are many common houseplants that are poisonous, including philodendron, English ivy, holly, mistletoe, and hyacinths. While these plants may bring a sense of color and style to your home, it is always best to keep them well out of reach of small children.
Some Things You May Not Consider As Poisonous
Your cosmetics, over the counter medicines, vitamins, and mothballs can all be poisonous, so keep these locked up or out of the way. Make a point to read labels, so that you can regulate new items and substances that come into the house.
Preparation Is Key
If you’ve never had children before or a new grandchild has been brought into your life, keeping up with products that can be poisonous can be a challenge at first. Always be well organized and sort your household products accordingly, removing those that are dangerous. Also, be aware of the new products you are buying and look for things such as child safety caps and less harsh alternatives to common cleaning solutions. You may also look for substitutes such as utilizing olive oil to polish furniture and vinegar to clean your hardwood floors. These kinds of substitutions can make your home safer. And, finally, don’t forget to post your local poison control phone number near your phone. It could save a young child’s life.
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(5) Comments
Steve July 18th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
There are a lot of precautions you have to take when you have a newborn coming to the house. It took us a while to get everything together.
Shelly July 19th, 2012 at 10:56 pm
There are some good tips here, great post!
Alan July 19th, 2012 at 10:57 pm
I remember going through this when our son had his first children, can never be too careful.
Craig Johnson July 21st, 2012 at 2:22 pm
We like to recommend UV lights as a precaution. Some chemicals are not poisonous but cause extreme allergies. Good post.
Home Poison July 28th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Thank you for your highly informative article.