HEALTH & SAFETY
Child Poisoning Prevention: Lock It Up
The products families often overlook, safer medicine habits, and exactly whom to call after a possible exposure.
Lock more than medicine
Medicines, vitamins, cannabis products, nicotine liquids, cleaners, laundry products, pesticides, alcohol, and personal-care products all require secure storage. Child-resistant packaging is not childproof. Purses, backpacks, pill organizers, bedside doses, and visitors’ belongings are common access points.
Use and store every dose safely
Read the label in good light, use the supplied dosing device, and assign one adult to each dose. Relock and put the product away immediately rather than leaving the next dose out. Keep products in original labeled containers and use approved medicine take-back options.
- Locked and out of sight
- Original labeled container
- One adult per dose
- Correct measuring device
- Poison Help saved in every phone
Call before symptoms appear
Do not wait, induce vomiting, or give food, drink, or a home remedy unless Poison Help directs you. Have the container, child’s age and weight, possible amount, time, and symptoms ready. Outside the United States, use the local poison center and emergency number.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
A simple plan to begin
- Save 1-800-222-1222 in caregiver phones
- Move hazardous products into locked storage
- Return everything to original containers
- Use a one-adult medicine log
COMMON QUESTIONS
Helpful answers before you go
Should I make my child vomit?
No. Inducing vomiting can cause more harm. Call Poison Help or emergency professionals and follow their case-specific instructions.
Can I watch because the child looks fine?
No. Some poisonings have delayed symptoms. Call Poison Help immediately for individual instructions.
TRUSTED SOURCES
Official guidance and product information
Product specifications can change. Confirm current details with the manufacturer before buying.
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