Every parent wants to keep their child safe, but accidents can happen, and one serious hazard to be aware of is the risk of a child drinking cleaning products. Cleaning products often contain chemicals that can be harmful or even deadly if ingested, so it’s important to be prepared in case this happens. Here’s what to do if your child drinks cleaning product.
First, stay calm. It’s natural to feel panicked in an emergency, but staying calm will help you think clearly and take the right steps to help your child.
Next, call poison control. The American Association of Poison Control Centers operates a national poison control hotline (1-800-222-1222) that is available 24/7. You can call this number for advice on what to do next. If your child is having trouble breathing, unconscious, or having a seizure, call 911 immediately.
If the cleaning product is still in your child’s mouth, try to get them to spit it out. Do not make your child vomit, as this can cause further harm. If the cleaning product has been swallowed, do not try to induce vomiting or give your child anything to drink.
While waiting for medical help to arrive, try to remove any remaining cleaning product from your child’s mouth and face. If your child is having trouble breathing, try to keep their airway open.
If your child has ingested a cleaning product, the healthcare professionals will likely give them medications to help reduce the absorption of the chemicals into their body. They may also give your child activated charcoal, which can help absorb toxins in the digestive system. Your child may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to be monitored for any potential complications.
To prevent your child from drinking cleaning products in the first place, it’s important to store them out of reach and in a locked cabinet. Make sure to always read and follow the instructions on the label, and never mix different cleaning products together, as this can create harmful chemical reactions.
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the appearance and location of all the cleaning products in your home, so you know exactly what to do in case of an emergency. Keep the poison control hotline number handy and make sure your child knows to never drink any unfamiliar substances.
Accidents can happen, but being prepared and knowing what to do can make all the difference. If your child drinks a cleaning product, stay calm and call for help immediately. With quick action and medical attention, your child can recover and avoid any long-term health effects.
