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SAFETY FOR TODDLERS-PART II

It is advisable to keep medicines always under lock and key, preferably in the kitchen so that you can keep an eye on it. And remember never to store any inedible or toxic product in old medicine bottles or food containers. You may in times of hurry and stress forget the contents of the container and it can cause a disaster.

• Never refer to medicines as sweets, even to make a child amenable to take medicines.
• Double check correct dosage of a child’s medicine.
• Never mix the medicine with any thing else to make it more palatable for the child. If the child does not finish the drink you will have no idea how much of the dose has been taken.
• Have the child’s favourite drink ready to follow the medicine.
• You can also praise the child for co-operating.
• If the child really finds the flavour of the medicine unpalatable, it might be possible for the doctor to prescribe a similar medicine with a different flavour.
• If you have to take medicines, do not do so in front of your child. He could in your absence follow your example.
• Always keep a regular check on the expiry dates of the medicines and discard the medicines that have passed their expiry dates.
• In case you have some left-out medicines, don’t store them for any future use, return them to your chemist.
• Keep the labels of the medicines clean and intact; hence when you pour medicines, keep the label uppermost so that the label is not obliterated if a drop of the medicine runs down the side of the bottle.

Remember it is not necessary for a child to get hold of Potassium cyanide to poison himself. There are several common things found in our homes that can poison a child. Even medicines that might have been prescribed for you, particularly medicines for cardiac problems and depression and iron tablets can poison children if they swallow them. Even the commonly used analgesics like aspirin and paracetamol can cause problems.

Dishwasher, washing machine detergent, bleach, oven-cleaner, disinfectants and deodorants, insecticides and sprays can all cause poisoning. All such chemicals should be always kept in their original containers. They should be stored in a safe place. After use they should be kept back in their original place properly closed, especially if you go to answer the door or leave to go into another room. Children help themselves to anything that is left out.

In case you suspect that your child has taken something that may be harmful:
1. Try to remain calm, don’t panic.
2. Don’t try to treat the child yourself, this might cause more harm and may be unnecessary.
3. Take the child immediately to your doctor or hospital, whichever is quicker.
4. Remember to take, if possible, a sample of whatever you think the child has swallowed or the container it came in.
5. Do not induce vomiting, it can cause more problems if the swallowed substance is corrosive in nature.

While you may have taken due precautions to store medicines and other products safely, your relatives and friends may not be as careful. When visiting relatives, be extra vigilant, as those dangers that you have eliminated in your home may be present there. It is better if adults avoid holding or placing the child in the vicinity of hot liquids.

We would like to conclude on the note that a little care keeps accidents away.