Poisoning
Poisoning is a significant risk for children under 6 years of age. A major portion of your childproofing efforts should go into ensuring that poisonous substances are keep out of your child's reach. Long after the baby gates have been stored in the attic you will still have to be careful about the risk of poisoning. Following are some points to consider as you go about making your home safer for your baby.

Poison Control Center: Make sure you have the number of your local Poison Control Center. Call them immediately if you know or suspect that your child has been exposed to a potentially poisonous substance. Any medication can be toxic to a young child. Iron-containing-vitamins are the leading cause of fatal poisonings in children under 6. You may want to keep syrup of ipecac and/or activated charcoal on hand, but neither of these should be administered except under the advice and direction of the Poison Control Center or a physician.

Medications: By medication we mean prescription medication, over the counter medicines, herbal remedies and vitamins.

1. All Medications Should Be In Child Resistant Packaging. Note: the packaging is deemed to be child resistant - NOT childproof. This means that some children may be able to open the packaging fairly quickly. Consider this packaging your 2nd line of defense. Medications should be kept out of the reach of children.

2. All medications should be stored in an area the child cannot reach. This does not mean on the bathroom or kitchen counter. You'll be surprised one day to find your toddler has climbed onto the bathroom counter top.

3. Never, ever, refer to medicines as candy. You don't want you child to view medications as candy.

4. Avoid taking medicines in front of your child. Children love to mimic their parents.

5. Make sure house-guests are aware of your child proofing rules. Often a grandparent or older guest may keep medications in non-child-resistant packaging and / or in a purse or bag your child may have access to.

Other Substances:
Many, many, common household substances can be toxic or fatal to your child. Not all poisons need to be ingested, they can also be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Any substance that presents a hazard to your child should be placed out of his or her reach. Some items are so toxic they should not even be kept in the house - and remember to place items in a garage or basement out of your child's reach too. A list of some (but certainly not all) of the most common poisonous substances are as follows:

1. Paints, paint thinners, paint strippers and other types of "Paint Related" chemicals. This also means nail-polish remover!

2. Antifreeze and Windshield wiper fluid are very poisonous. There are less poisonous mixes available that will fit the bill - ask for them at an auto supply store. Better yet, never keep these items in your home, garage or workshop.

3. Pesticides, bug sprays and fertilizers (lawn chemicals) are all items that should be kept far, far away from children. A notable thing about pesticides is that many can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled so it is not actually necessary for your child to consume them to become ill. If you care about the environment, limit your use of these items - they really do damage the environment.

4. Household Cleaners, Bleach, Detergents and Soaps can all present poisoning problems for your child. Always keep these items out of the reach or your child. Never, ever, mix cleaning fluids or store them in other containers. Some household chemicals, when combined, can create toxic fumes that kill - no kidding!

5. Caustic cleaning products such as, drain openers, toilet bowl cleaners, oven cleaners, rust and lime removers etc….

6. Petroleum based products -- including paint thinner, gasoline, lighter fluid, turpentine, kerosene, furniture polish

7. Indoor & Outdoor Plants - - some are toxic others are not. If your child has ingested a part of any plant contact the poison control center immediately and they will advise you. Wild mushrooms are some of the most dangerous & you should watch for and remove them from outdoor areas your child plays in. Your local Poison Control Center will also have a list of common household plants that contains information regarding their toxicity.

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Disclaimer: Note, these lists are provided to start you thinking about safety. We guarantee that these lists ARE NOT COMPLETE! You will have to evaluate your own home. No list can anticipate every circumstance. The personal health of yourself , your spouse, children or other factors may dictate that you take precautions not listed here, or that you ignore suggestions made here. Ultimately, you are responsible for your child's safety. When you are unsure or have questions always consult an appropriate professional. We have made every effort to check the accuracy of our information, but we do not guarantee it to be accurate or complete. Use your own judgments and always seek the advice of a physician when appropriate. These lists are intended only to help you identify potential problems. Read our TERMS OF SERVICE for additional information about the conditions and terms under which this list is supplied.