Preventative tips for grandparents to help keep children poison safe.

photo by Erik Van Der Neut with licensure rights at Creative Commons.com

Most grandparents live without children in their homes therefore they do not think about childproofing measures.

Without the constant reminder of little children, it is easy to leave loose pills or medication bottles on countertops, the nightstand, inside handbags, and in bathrobe pockets.

When grandchildren visit, it is easily forgotten what has been left out. It only takes a second for a toddler or infant to reach for the medications, put them in their mouth and swallow them. 

Children are curious; it is up to adults to help keep children safe. Below you will find preventative methods that help reduce the possibility of poisoning.  Please consider these suggestions:

• Take medicines out of the container only when using them, otherwise put them in a place that is out of reach and out of sight to young children.
• Avoid taking medications in front of young children. Children like to imitate adults.
• Use child resistant caps whenever possible.
• Refer to medicine by its proper name and never call it "candy".
• Protect your grandchildren from toxic household products and plants.

Remember that child-resistant does not mean child proof, but it does help prevent many poisonings.

However, even with precautions, poisonings sometimes happen.

Call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for help. 

This is a 24 hour, free hotline staffed by specially trained and highly skilled pharmacists and nurses.