Poisons

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Common accidental poisoning happens due to:  

• Laundry and dishwasher capsule-type detergents. These can be mistaken by your small child for toys or sweets. For more information, watch this helpful video on the dangers of laundry capsules.  

• Medicines. Keep these in a locked cabinet and well out of reach of your child. Try to avoid leaving medicines in a handbag. Your child will love to explore your bag.  Where possible, buy medicines in a child-resistant container. Be aware these are not child-proof. They simply delay your child from getting the product as quickly. Children as young as three can open them in seconds.  

• Alcohol. Keep any alcohol out of reach of children.  These bottles can look inviting to your child. Clear alcohol could be mistaken for water.  

• Plants. Some plants can be toxic, and if small parts are broken off, they can become a choking hazard. Read more about plants.

• Gardening products can be very toxic and harmful. Always supervise your child around these products and keep them locked away. For more advice, see our [garden safety section].  

• E-cigarettes and refills are very colourful and inviting to your child.  They contain nicotine and lots of other toxins which could be very harmful to your child.  Store these out of reach.  

The British Red Cross have some useful information on poisoning and first aid which can help you.   

Pet litter trays can pose health risks to young children and babies due to exposure to harmful bacteria and parasites. These can be transmitted through contact with cat poo or contaminated surfaces. Babies and toddlers are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are not fully developed, and they frequently put their hands in their mouths.  

 Some key safety advice to reduce potential hazards: 

• Keep litter trays in areas inaccessible to children, such as a utility room or behind a baby gate, to prevent accidental contact. 

• Clean litter trays regularly (daily if possible). Wash hands thoroughly after handling a litter tray.  

• If you are pregnant, avoid changing the cat litter yourself. Cat poo could contain a parasite which can harm your unborn baby. If you must change the litter yourself, make sure you wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. 

• Teach children to avoid touching the litter tray or the area around it. Young children should never be left unsupervised near pets or their waste areas. This minimizes the chance of accidental ingestion or direct contact. 

• Regular deworming of cats and routine veterinary check-ups can reduce the risk of parasites being passed to humans. 

• Keep baby toys and food preparation areas away from pet litter or waste zones. Consider using a covered litter box to limit access and contain any spills or odours.