Month: November 2021

Did you know that liquid laundry packets are concentrated and designed to dissolve in water? They are similar in design to pods for dishwashing machines. These soap packets are easy to use and store, however, there is also a down side to them.

Each year, hundreds of children get into laundry packets and experience side effects. Many of these instances resulted in calls to Poison Control with the majority of children who are at the greatest risk being 1 and 2 year old. Some of those side effects have included difficulty breathing, excessive vomiting, severe eye burns/irritation, temporary vision loss and/or loss of consciousness.

There are ways to help keep kiddos safe.

1. Keep the soap packets out of children’s sight and reach.
2. Keep the soap packets in their original container, with the container closed, at all times.
3. If a child get’s into liquid soap packets, call the Poison Help number right away at 1 (800) 222-1222.

Did you ever thing about what type of batteries are running your small remotes and electronics. I am afraid that I had not, until I found one in my grandson’s mouth. I had not taken the time to look and find out what was in his toys, in my remotes nor in small battery candles. I should have. Why? Well, for one, if a child (or animal) swallows a button battery, the kiddos can often still breathe and could just cough, drool or have difficulty swallowing thus the symptoms mimic other illnesses. Secondly, batteries, if stuck in the throat can cause minor to serious burns.

Per the tip sheet provided by Safe Kids Worldwide, there are three ways to minimize risks, if having children and button batteries in your home.

1. Keep devices with batteries out of reach, in a secure location and lock away any loose batteries.
2. If a child swallows a battery, head to the ER immediately and ensure that the child does not eat or drink. Also, do NOT induce vomiting.
3. Share the information to other parents and caregivers.

If you would like more information, please call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 1 (800) – 498-8666.