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🛡️ Child safety · 0 – 6 years

🧴 Preventing household poisoning

During their early years, kids explore the world by shoving literally everything into their mouths.

Real talk

  • Never pitch medicine as "candy" just to convince your kid to take it.

Key rules of thumb

  1. 1. Medication

    Always locked away up high in a secure cabinet (never left in a bag, backpack, or on a low nightstand).

  2. 2. Cleaning products & DIY chemicals

    Keep them well out of reach, or locked down in a cupboard fitted with childproof safety latches.

  3. 3. Never decant chemicals

    Always keep toxic products in their original packaging, complete with the childproof safety cap.

  4. 4. Watch out for hidden traps

    Keep an eye on cosmetics (like nail polish remover), laundry detergent pods (they look just like sweets to toddlers), and certain toxic houseplants.

  5. 5. Local guidance

    Call 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669); confirm the appropriate regional route, especially Quebec, before publication. If unconscious, seizing or having breathing difficulty, call 911. Do not induce vomiting or give food/drink unless instructed; keep the product container.

A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team

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When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.