Keeping Kids Safe from Medicine

Child safety caps on medications keep children from getting into harmful medications and cleaners, right? An experiment conducted by Safe Kids and the Today Show, found that children as young as four years old could open child-resistant caps in as little as 3-seconds. To see the how easy the children were able to open the bottles, and their parents reactions click here. While these bottles meet regulations, it is up to parents and caregivers to keep children safe. Here are some tips of how you can keep your child safe.





Store Medications Safely

• Store medications out of sight from children. Make sure to move medications from easy to reach places, such as purses and nightstands.
• Move other potentially harmful products such as diaper rash creams or eye drops out of reach. 

Give Medicines Safely

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• Use the dosing device that comes with the medicine, kitchen utensils won't measure the same as the dosing device. 
• Take time to read the directions and label. 
• Don't give your child more than one medication with the same active ingredient 

Get Rid of Medications Safely

• Clean out your medicine cabinet to get rid of unused or expired medications. 
• Properly dispose of medications, don't just throw them in the trash

Talk to your Kids about Medication Safety

• Teach them that medicine should always be administered by an adult
• Don't refer to medicine as candy, as it may encourage them to take it on their own. To see just how similar medications can look to candy, play Pills vs. Candy.
• Teach older children how to properly read medication labels

Know the number for Poison Control

• Save the Poison Control Center's number (1-800-222-1222) in your phone or in another place where you can easily access it. 
• If your child does take something, do not induce vomiting or give them anything unless directed by a professional. 

For more information and tips, visit SafeKids.