Preventing poisoning

Every young child puts things in their mouth to taste, suck, bite and swallow. So if you have children around, they should not be able to get hold of anything dangerous, from medicines to cleaning products.

Toddlers are most at risk: curious and too young to be careful. In a flash, they can chew pills or swallow liquids that are within their reach.

One in five New Zealand families with pre-school-age children experience at least one poisoning every year. Adults and teenagers can also be poisoned by accident, mishandling chemicals, or using medications inappropriately.

Protect children by locking away or removing potential poisons. Protect teenagers and yourself by being careful, sensible and knowing the risks.

Helpful tips

• Well before your child starts crawling, make sure ALL dangerous items are way out of their reach or locked away.
• Use child-resistant containers as well.
• Never store detergents, paint thinners and other hazardous liquids in empty soft drink or juice bottles.
• Be very careful if you go on holiday, move house, visit friends, or have guests over.
• Make sure friends' handbags are out of children's reach, as these may contain medicines.
• If your child is taking medicine, read the instructions, measure carefully, and always supervise it.
• If you are at all unsure about medicines, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.