5 tips for preventing accidental poisoning in children

Published: Friday, March 24, 2023
Elaina Lee
Safe Kids Coordinator

Let’s be honest – sometimes kids eat things they shouldn’t, and we’re not talking about ice cream before dinner. Common household and personal care products can be harmful if within a child’s reach. Did you know that poisoning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury among children ages 1 to 19 years old?

Luckily, we’re here to provide you with poison prevention tips to avoid anything that could seriously harm your little ones. Check out our list below to ensure your home, and any surrounding areas, is safe from the risks:

  • Store household products out of children’s sight and reach.
    Young kids are typically eye-level with items in lower cabinets, and this includes cabinets that store household cleaning products. Be sure to move these items into higher areas that are outside of a child’s reach.
  • Keep household products in their original containers.
    Containers that are not the original may not have a child resistant lock/lid. While shopping for household products be on the lookout for products that already come in containers that are child-resistant.
  • Labels are important!
    Check for ingredients that could be harmful to kids if they come in contact with the product and avoid having that product in your home, if possible.
  • Review the products in your home.
    We become so accustomed to products in our home that we use almost daily! It’s important to check your home for products such as liquid laundry packets, plants, pesticides, medicines, and more to ensure they are outside of reach.
  • Save the Poison Control Helpline phone number in your mobile phone: 1-800-222-1222.
    You can also have this stored somewhere easily accessible, such as on your refrigerator, just in case. Specialists can provide free, confidential, expert advice 24 hours a day related to poison emergencies.

Has your child eaten something they shouldn’t?

Call the Georgia Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222

Learn more about Safe Kids

Have questions or want to learn more? Safe Kids has resources and more helpful hints! Go to nghs.com/safekids for more information.