Safety Tips: “Keep all Medicines Out of the Reach of Children”

Have you ever wondered why the declaration “Keep all Medicines Out of the Reach of Children” is always written on every medicine packet you buy from the pharmaceutical shops? I never use to take it seriously until one day I observed my 2 years old baby picked up a bottle filled with Vitamin C syrup and was about consuming it, thankfully, it was in my presence and so, I had to salvage the situation.

Children, mainly those that are aged from 1 to 3, like to explore the world around them, put things in their mouths, and mimic adults therefore they are at extreme danger of being poisoned by medicines.

When medicines are not in their normal place, that is when they are kept within the reach of the children, it could likely result to poisonings when accidentally used. For example, when the medicines are about to be used or have just been used, and the adults are unfocused or multi-tasking, or leave the room for a moment etc.

All medicines, can cause problems if taken accidentally by children

PRECAUTIONS:

Whether you have children in the house or visit children, it's difficult to keep an eye on them all the time. Nevertheless, it is possible to stop them getting hold of your medicines.

Keep all medicines out of sight, and at least 1.5 metres above floor level. Merely putting them in a high place where they are visible is not enough, because young children, especially 3 and 4, are very ingenious when it comes to exploring ways of climbing up to get something or exploring the world around them.

Remind yourself to take your medicines by putting up a reminder note rather than by putting them in a prominent place.

Avoid taking medicines in front of young children, because they like to copy 'big people'.

When giving medicines to children, put the medicine in a safe place immediately afterwards.

Replace child-resistant lids on medicines properly, otherwise they're useless. Also, remember that child-resistant doesn't mean child-proof. Child-resistant packaging only makes it harder for most children to open it. You still need to keep the container out of reach and out of sight.

Keep handbags in a safe place, especially when visiting homes where there are young children.

Do not store medicines in the fridge door. Keep medicines that have to be refrigerated in a plastic container with a tightly fitting lid, and place them at the back of the fridge, but not next to the cooling element, which could freeze them.