It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to see their child accidentally ingest poison. Whether it’s a household cleaner or a medication, it’s important to act quickly to ensure their safety and prevent serious harm from occurring.

Here’s what you should do if your child accidentally ingests poison.

Step 1: Stay Calm

It’s natural to panic when you realize your child has ingested poison, but it’s important to stay as calm as possible. Panicking can make it harder to think clearly and take the necessary steps to keep your child safe.

Take a few deep breaths and focus on taking action.

Step 2: Call Poison Control

Call your local poison control center immediately if you suspect your child has ingested poison. They can provide expert advice on how to handle the situation and tell you if you need to take your child to the hospital or not.

They may ask you questions about the type of poison, the amount ingested, your child’s age and weight, and any symptoms they’re experiencing.

Step 3: Take Action

While you wait for help to arrive, there are a few things you can do to help your child:.

Related Article What to Do If Your Child is Poisoned

• If your child has poison on their skin or clothing, remove it and wash the affected area with water.
• If your child has ingested poison and is conscious, try to get them to spit out as much of the poison as possible.
• If your child has ingested a household cleaner or other corrosive substance, give them milk or water to help dilute the poison.
• If your child is unconscious or having difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.

Step 4: Seek Medical Attention

Even if your child seems fine after the ingestion, it’s important to seek medical attention to ensure they are not experiencing any internal damage or long-term effects.

The poison control center will advise you on whether or not you need to take your child to the hospital, but it’s better to err on the side of caution if there is any doubt.

Step 5: Prevent Future Incidents

Prevent future incidents by keeping all household cleaners, medications, and other toxic substances out of reach of children. Store them in locked cabinets or high shelves where children cannot access them.

Make sure all containers are properly labeled, and never store toxic substances in food or beverage containers.

Conclusion

Accidentally ingesting poison can be a terrifying experience for both you and your child, but taking swift action can prevent serious harm from occurring.

Stay calm, call poison control, take action if necessary, seek medical attention, and take steps to prevent future incidents.