For Babysitters

What Babysitters Need to Know About Poisonings

Call 1-800-222-1222 in case of a poisoning. Do not wait for a child to look or feel sick.

Keeping children safe is the most important part of babysitting, and poisoning is one of the most common childhood injuries. Over half of calls to poison centers involve children under the age of six. As a babysitter, you need to know what poisons are and how to keep children away from them.

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Common Poisons

Many everyday household products are poisonous. When you babysit, make sure these items are locked up and out of children's reach:

• Batteries
• Bug and weed killers
• Cleaning products
• Laundry products
• Medicines
• Nail polish remover
• Plants
• Rubbing Alcohol

Five tips you need to know:

1. Children should be in your sight at all times. Don't leave them alone, even when you answer the door or telephone.
2. Make sure medicines and cleaning products are locked up, out of children's reach.
3. If you are asked to give medicine to a child, follow the directions. After using the medicine, return the bottle to a safe storage place right away. Never leave a child alone with medicine.
4. Don't carry medicines in your purse where children may find it.
5. Safety latches on drawers or cabinets and child-resistant caps on bottles help keep poisons out of the hands of children.Remember, they are not childproof and do not take the place of your careful and constant supervision.

Have the Information You Need

Before you are left in charge of a child, make sure the parents write down:

• Their family doctor's name and telephone number.
• How to reach them in an emergency.
• Each child's age and weight.
• Any allergies or medical conditions.

What to Do if You Think a Child Has Been Poisoned

Call NC Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Make sure you know the Poison Center's telephone number. Keep a card or sticker with our telephone number, and carry it with you when you babysit. We're available 24/7! Call toll free, 1-800-222-1222.

Source: The University of Kansas Hospital. http://www.kumed.com.