When our kids feel uncomfortable, we parents go out of their way to bring them comfort. Many times, this means seeking medication to relieve symptoms. As a pediatrician, I know that the safest place to store medication between uses is somewhere. But as a mom, after a long, stressful night with a feverish and fussy toddler, I felt the temptation to keep medication within easy reach. It’s always worth reiterating for parents and pediatricians that being vigilant about drug safety when sick is just as important as it is in our normal day-to-day lives.
Every year, 40,000 to 50,000 young children are sent to emergency rooms because they are given medicines that are within their reach. To understand the dangers that medicines can pose to our children and to figure out ways to make our homes safer, it is helpful to see the world from a child’s perspective.
- Out of sight out of mind. Bright pill bottles can attract the attention of curious eyes and small hands, so it’s best to keep the pills aside. Find places in your home that children can’t reach — and better yet — places they can’t even see. Don’t forget where you store your frequently used medicines – like vitamins or over-the-counter pain relievers. People often keep these drugs in their purses, bathroom counters, or other convenient places where children can easily access them. A convenient way to explore your home from a child’s perspective is to lower their level! Bend over and look around your home. Do you see anything colorful or inviting on your countertops or easy-to-reach drawers and cabinets?
- Disguised danger. For kids, pills can easily be mistaken for candy, gummies look like their beloved fruit treats, and liquid medicines look very similar to their favorite fruit drink. Children love flavors like cherry and bubble gum, and it’s understandable that kids might confuse drugs with candy. Take the time to create teachable moments around drug safety.Be very clear with your child and explain that the medicine is no candy, and you and other adult caregivers are the only ones allowed to give them. When visiting others or hosting guests, remind them to store and keep away purses, bags, and coats with medication.
- Let security “click”. Store medication in its original child-resistant container. These containers are manufactured with safety in mind and feature a locking mechanism that, when they are in the locked position, they click or no longer twist. But keep in mind that “childproof” does not mean “childproof” and it is important to keep all medication containers out of the reach and sight of children.
Know who to turn to if you know or suspect that your child is taking medication. You can call a poison center for expert advice 24 hours a day from anywhere in the United States: (800) 222-1222. You can also text “POISON” to 797979 to automatically save the number.
For more information on medication safety and tips to make your home safer, visit https://upandaway.org/
Hailey Nelson, MD, FAAP, IBCLC is an integrative care pediatrician at Children’s Health Center of Madera Valley, California. She is a core faculty member of the Valley Children’s Pediatric Residency Program, an affiliated clinical instructor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and serves as the medical director of the Valley Children’s Healthcare Pediatric Residency Continuity Clinic.
In addition to his work in the clinic and faculty, Dr. Nelson serves on several Valley Children’s committees and working groups. Dr. Nelson is also an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics California Chapter 1, a position in which she educates physicians locally and statewide on important topics, including self-care and physician health.
Dr. Nelson is an advocate for children’s health and frequently appears in the news media discussing pediatric health care. She has guest-starred on the “Valley Children’s Voice” Physician Podcast and contributed to the Valley Children’s “At the Heart” blog. As an ambassador for Safe Kids in Central California, Dr. Nelson hosts bi-weekly virtual lunch and learn sessions for parents covering a variety of safety and injury prevention topics and is a frequent subject matter expert at Valley Children’s Virtual Health Series for Families events.
