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California Poison Control System (CPCS), the largest single provider of poison control services in the country, observes Baby Safety Month 2022 during the month of September by sharing tips to keep baby safe at home.
“Babies and toddlers require constant supervision. When babies begin to reach out with their hands, they can quickly get into trouble, and even more so when they become mobile. Get down on the floor, and crawl through the house, garage and yard yourself to see where possible dangers lurk,” said Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of California Poison Control System (CPCS).
Parents understandably focus on household items under the kitchen sink and in bathroom cabinets, usually protected with baby locks, but other risks may not be as apparent. “Ant poison treatments hidden in corners, the dog’s heart medicine placed in the pantry and dangling cell phone cables all pose risks parents might not have thought about until they get down to baby’s level,” Dr. Vohra said.
Dr. Vohra cites 10 overlooked baby dangers for parents to consider:
- Dishwashers hold knives and detergent pods. Put a lock on it.
- Bathroom trashcans may contain medications and chemicals. Think before you toss.
- Refrigerator magnets pose a heavy metal and choking hazard. Store them away for now.
- Never leave infants/babies unsupervised with pets. Don’t bring pets into the baby’s room.
- Bedding such as comforters and blankets can suffocate a baby during sleep.
- “Hand me down” toys could be recalled. Check before use at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls.
- Child resistant caps do not prevent accidents; they just slow babies down. Store up high.
- Almost 500 children drown each year. Infants under age 1 are more likely to drown in a bathtub, especially when unsupervised.
- Dry pet food and toys with small parts pose choking hazards. Use pet bowls with safety lids.
- Crib mobiles can pose a strangulation and choking hazard. Don’t place them above the crib.
For help and information, visit www.calpoison.org or call the free California Poison Control help line at 1-800-222-1222, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Get weekly tips about safety by texting TIPS to 20121 for English or texting PUNTOS to 20121 for Spanish. Follow CPCS on Facebook and on Twitter @poisoninfo. CPCS is part of the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and is responsible to the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.
