Poison and Medication Safety at Home: Protecting Your Kids
Most accidental poisonings don't happen in dramatic ways. They happen in ordinary moments — a purse left on the couch, a pill that rolled under the counter, a bottle of gummy vitamins that looks a lot like candy to a two-year-old. The good news is that the same everyday awareness that prevents most of them is easy to build into your routine.
Here's a straightforward guide to keeping the little ones in your home safe, plus what to do if something does happen.
Save this number now
Before anything else, put the Poison Help line — 1-800-222-1222 — in your phone, and post it on the fridge. It's free, available 24 hours a day, and staffed by experts who can tell you in minutes whether you're dealing with an emergency or a non-issue.
Program it in every caregiver's phone: both parents, grandparents, the babysitter. When something happens, you don't want to be searching for a number.
Store medicine up, away, and locked
Medications are the most common cause of childhood poisoning, and it's often the ones we don't think of as dangerous — vitamins, iron supplements, and adult prescriptions a child gets into.
Keep all medicine up and away — out of sight and out of reach, ideally in a locked or latched cabinet
Store everything in its original child-resistant container, and relock the cap every single time. Remember: child-resistant is not childproof. It buys time; it isn't a guarantee.
Never call medicine "candy" to get a reluctant kid to take it. Kids remember.
Be extra careful with gummy vitamins and supplements — they look exactly like the treats children are told they can have
Watch the in-between moments: pills in a purse, a nightstand, a coat pocket, or a pill organizer on the counter are among the most common ways kids get into medication
The household dangers parents overlook
Medicine isn't the only risk. A few items send more kids to the ER than most parents expect:
Button batteries — the small coin-shaped batteries in remotes, key fobs, greeting cards, and toys. Swallowed, they can cause serious internal burns within hours. Keep battery compartments taped shut and loose batteries locked away, and treat a suspected swallow as an emergency.
High-powered magnets — the tiny, shiny "desk toy" magnets. If a child swallows more than one, they can pinch the intestines together. Keep them out of any home with young kids.
Laundry and dishwasher pods — bright, squishy, and exactly the size of something a toddler wants to bite
Cleaning products — store them high, never under the sink, and never transfer them into unlabeled cups or bottles
Liquid nicotine and vape products — even small amounts are dangerous to children
Cannabis edibles — often packaged to look like ordinary candy or snacks; lock them away as you would any medication
Essential oils and antifreeze — both can be harmful in small amounts, and antifreeze tastes sweet
Don't forget other homes
Grandparents' houses, a friend's home, the cabin — these often aren't childproofed, and they're where daily medications tend to sit out on counters and nightstands. Before your child spends time somewhere new, take two minutes to look around at their eye level. It's the fastest way to spot what needs to move.
If you think your child got into something
Stay calm, and act based on what you're seeing:
If your child is unconscious, not breathing, having a seizure, or struggling to breathe — call 911 immediately.
If your child is awake and alert but you think they swallowed, touched, or inhaled something they shouldn't have — call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 right away. They'll walk you through exactly what to do.
A few important don'ts: don't wait for symptoms to appear before calling, don't try to make your child vomit, and don't use ipecac syrup — older advice that's no longer recommended. Let the experts guide you.
Clean out what you don't need
The safest medication is the one that isn't in your house anymore. Every so often, go through your cabinets and safely dispose of expired or unused medicines — many pharmacies and local law enforcement offices offer take-back drop boxes. Fewer bottles around means fewer chances for a curious kid to find one.
We're here for the questions, big and small
Childproofing can feel like a moving target as your kids grow. If you're not sure what to lock up, what to worry about, or what to do about a specific product in your home, ask us at your child's next visit — whether that's a well-child checkup, a back-to-school or sports physical, or a sick visit. That's exactly the kind of thing your family practice is for.
Have a pediatric care question or need to schedule a visit? Call Burds Family Practice in Peosta at (563) 588-6659, or send us a message to request an appointment. See everything we offer on our services page.
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for medical advice. In an emergency, call 911 or the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Poison Control number?
The national Poison Help line is 1-800-222-1222. It's free, confidential, available 24/7, and staffed by experts. Save it in your phone and post it at home.
What are the most common causes of child poisoning at home?
Medications — including vitamins, supplements, and adult prescriptions — are the most common. Other frequent culprits include cleaning products, laundry pods, button batteries, liquid nicotine, and cannabis edibles.
Should I make my child vomit if they swallow something?
No. Do not try to induce vomiting or use ipecac syrup. Call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 or 911 and follow their guidance.
Why are button batteries so dangerous?
If swallowed, a button battery can cause serious internal burns within hours. Keep battery compartments secured and treat a suspected swallow as an emergency — call 911 or Poison Control right away.
How should I store medicine with young kids in the house?
Keep all medicine up, away, and out of sight — ideally locked. Use original child-resistant containers, relock caps every time, and never refer to medicine as candy.