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Small children will put just about anything in their mouths, and while a little dirt never hurt anyone, it?s all too easy for little ones to get their hands on a harmful substance. It?s estimated that accidental poisonings lead to three deaths in children under 14 and 900 hospitalizations for serious injuries every year. A lot of things you use every day can make kids very sick very quickly?vitamins, laundry detergent packs, plants and even mouthwash.
Read on to learn about the simple steps you can take to keep your kids safe.
Medications and vitamins

Did you know that medication is the leading cause of poisonings in Canadian kids" A small adult dose can be lethal to a tot. Keep any current prescriptions, over-the-counter meds and vitamins in their original containers inside a locked cabinet or box and out of sight. And keep in mind that a child-resistant cap isn?t always childproof?some kids are little Houdinis when it comes to popping off those tops. How you talk about medication is important, too. Make sure to never call medications or vitamins candy or any other names that would be appealing to kids. When you need to give your little one a medication, carefully read the label for proper dosage and always use the dosing device provided for liquid meds (never a kitchen spoon).
Also keep in mind that visitors could have a medication with them when they drop by (hi, grandma and grandpa!)?so make sure their purse, bag or jacket is up high and out of...