Hey there, fellow parents! So, let me share a little story with you that might hit home. My 4-year-old, Max, has a serious sweet tooth. Every few minutes, I hear, “Is it time for dessert?” or “Can I please have just one tiny piece of candy?” It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin!
Naturally, when he had an ear infection, I thought it would be fine to give him some chewable pain relief, thinking it looked like candy. Little did I know, he would become fascinated with it. After all, what kid wouldn’t want to get their hands on something that looks like a treat?
I mistakenly thought our medicine cabinet, with its child-proof caps, was safe enough. Spoiler alert: I was wrong. A few days later, after an allergic reaction to the antibiotic he took, we had to give Max Benadryl. He loved those little purple pills so much that one morning, while we were still asleep, he managed to climb up and grab one for himself. Thankfully, he only snatched one (as far as we could tell), but it was a huge wake-up call.
After doing some research, I found out that I wasn’t alone in this. According to the CDC, accidental ingestion of medications is the leading cause of emergency room visits for kids under 5, with around 53,000 children going to ERs annually for unsupervised drug consumption. Even the most cautious parents can benefit from a refresher on how to keep those pesky meds out of reach. Here are four tips to help you out:
- Never Leave Kids Alone with Medications
It’s easy to think, “I’ll just grab my Aleve and text my partner,” but that’s precisely when disaster can strike. A curious toddler can make quick work of an unattended bottle, so always stay vigilant about where you leave your meds. - Put Away Medications Immediately
Once you’ve taken your meds, secure the cap and put them away right then and there. Even the few minutes it takes to wipe a toddler’s bottom can be enough time for them to get into something dangerous. - Check for Child-Proof Packaging
Not all medications come in child-proof containers. Those Benadryl pills I mentioned? They were in an easy-to-open pouch. Take a moment to ensure that everything in your medicine cabinet is secure and out of reach. - Store Medications at a Height Only Adults Can Reach
Kids are crafty little climbers! Even if you think your medicine is safe on the top shelf, they might surprise you. We moved our meds to a cabinet that’s so high up I need a stool to reach it. It’s a bit inconvenient, but it’s better than a trip to the ER.
Even with all precautions, accidents can happen. That’s why it’s essential to have the poison control number handy. And if you ever feel like something’s seriously wrong, don’t hesitate to call for help.
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Stay safe out there, and remember: safety first!
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