27/03/2026
Take a good look around your home – do you think you have any dangerous poisoning items that would be attractive to a child ❓❓❓
Just because you know they are dangerous doesn’t mean your child does
Things that are dangerous often come in brightly coloured plastic bottles or squidgy, sensory feeling capsules or packets that make a nice noise when you scrunch them – why wouldn’t a child want to touch or taste them
Laundry
Laundry capsules are usually colourful and feel nice to squeeze but are full of dangerous chemicals if swallowed – most often we keep them where it is convenient next to the washing machine, but are they in a safe container away from little fingers❓
Medication
The most common cause of poisoning in children is medication – the packets make a nice noise when you scrunch them and the tablets are often brightly coloured like sweets. Keep medication locked away in a high place wherever possible, if they are in your bag put them in a separate, closable purse or pouch and always know how many are currently in the pack in case of emergency
Cleaning products
Is the bleach in your bathroom right next to the toilet❓ Do you often have your baby/child in the bathroom with you when taking a shower or getting ready for the day❓
Cleaning products usually have safety caps but we all know adults find them harder than children to open. Put them on a high shelf or in a closed cabinet to prevent accidental access
Never decant cleaning products or chemicals into unlabelled containers
If you suspect any type of poisoning go straight to your nearest Urgent Care centre taking the product with you
Sources: CAPT, NHS, ROSPA
