Toddlers love to explore. They open things, grab things, and put things in their mouths. This curiosity is part of how they learn, but it can also become dangerous when medicine is within reach. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Poison Control, many medication-related accidents involving young children happen at home and can often be prevented through safe storage and proper handling. Here are some easy tips to help keep your child safe.

Store Medicine Up High and Out of Sight

The best thing you can do is put medicine where your child cannot reach or see it. Even child-proof caps are not always enough. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), child-resistant packaging can help reduce risk but should not be considered childproof.

• Keep all medicine — even vitamins — in a high cabinet. A lock is even better.
• Never leave medicine on a table, counter, or in a bag a toddler can reach.
• Put medicine away right after you use it. Do not set it down and walk away.

Watch Out for Visitors' Bags

When family or friends come to visit, they may have medicine in their bags or pockets. Many kids get hurt this way. Poison Control reports that children can gain access to medications brought into the home by visitors. Ask guests to put their bags up high or in a closed room. It keeps your child safe — and guests will understand!

Always Give the Right Amount

When your child is sick, it is easy to want to give more medicine to help them feel better fast. But too much medicine can hurt them, even medicine made for kids.

• Read the label every time before giving medicine.
• Use the cup or dropper that comes with the medicine — not a kitchen spoon.
• Never give adult medicine to a toddler.
• Not sure how much to give? Call your doctor or pharmacist first.

Never Call Medicine Candy

Some parents call medicine "candy" to get their child to take it. This is not safe. If your child thinks medicine is candy, they may try to find it and eat more on their own. Tell your child that medicine is medicine. It helps us feel better, but only a grown-up can give it to us.

Know What to Do If an Accident Happens

Even careful parents can have accidents happen. If you think your child took medicine they should not have, act fast:

• Call Poison Control at 1.800.222.1222. They are open all day, every day.
• Call 911 if your child cannot breathe, will not wake up, or is shaking.
• Do not make your child throw up unless a doctor tells you to.

Visit Clinicas

Keeping a toddler safe is one of the hardest jobs a parent can have. It is okay to have questions — about medicine, dosing, or anything else. You do not have to figure it all out alone. Clinicas del Camino Real, Incorporated is here to help. We offer Primary Care and Health Education, checkups for your little ones, parenting support, and more. Reach out to us today. Your family deserves to feel safe and supported.