 More often than not we read about young children getting scalded by
a hot cup of tea or hot water in the bathroom. Children are too young to comprehend that
hot drinks and hot water can be dangerous. We as adults often forget or ignore the dangers
of a steaming kettle or a hot cup of coffee but these can scald a child badly. Kettles,
jugs and teapots should be kept out of the reach of children’s reach, well away from
the edges of the tables or worktops. Do you know that water in a kettle, jug or teapot
could still scald up to half-an-hour after it has boiled? In fact in our country the water
coming in our taps from overhead tanks during summer months, especially during the
daytime, is hot enough to cause scalds. It is better if adults avoid holding or placing
the child in the vicinity of hot liquids. Containers of hot liquid should not be left
unattended within reach of the child. In case you use an electric kettle make sure the
cord is short and out of reach so that a child cannot pull at it. It is preferable to have
a coiled cord. Never keep a kettle on boil for too long. Ensure that the handles are
always facing inwards. Never ever drink anything hot with a child on your lap. Also
don’t carry hot drinks over a child’s head. In case you use a table cloth, use a
table cloth that children can’t pull at. Keep hot drinks away from the edges of the
table. A mug is safer than a cup with a narrow base.
 It is advisable to keep medicines always under lock
and key, preferably in the kitchen, so that you can keep an eye on it. And remember never
to store any inedible or toxic product in old medicine bottles or food containers. You may
in times of hurry and stress forget the contents of the container and it can cause a
disaster.
- Never refer to medicines as sweets, even to
make a child amenable to take medicines.
- Double check correct dosage of a child’s medicine. Never mix the medicine with
anything else to make it more palatable for the child. - If the child does not finish the
drink you will have no idea how much of the dose has been taken. Have the child’s
favourite drink ready to follow the medicine.
- You can also praise the child for co-operating. If the child really finds the flavour of
the medicine unpalatable, it might be possible for the doctor to prescribe a similar
medicine with a different flavour.
- If you have to take medicines, do not do so in front of your child. He could in your
absence follow your example.
- Always keep a regular check on the expiry dates of the medicines and discard the
medicines that have passed their expiry dates. In case you have some left-out medicines,
don’t store them for any future use, return them to your chemist.
- Keep the labels of the medicines clean and intact, hence when you pour medicines, keep
the label uppermost so that the label is not obliterated if a drop of the medicine runs
down the side of the bottle.
 Remember it is not necessary for a child to get
hold of Potassium cyanide to poison himself. There are several common things found in our
homes that can poison a child. Even medicines that might have been prescribed for you,
particularly medicines for cardiac problems and depression and iron tablets can poison
children if they swallow them. Even the commonly used analgesics like aspirin and
paracetamol can cause problems. Dishwasher, washing machine detergent, bleach,
oven-cleaner, disinfectants and deodorants, insecticides and sprays can all cause
poisoning. All such chemicals should be always kept in their original containers. They
should be stored in a safe place. After use they should be kept back in their original
place properly closed, especially if you go to answer the door or leave to go into another
room. Children help themselves to anything that is left out. In case you suspect that your
child has taken something that may be harmful:
1. Try to remain calm, don’t panic. 
2. Don’t try to treat the child yourself, this might cause more harm and may be
unnecessary.
3. Take the child immediately to your doctor or hospital, whichever is quicker.
4. Remember to take, if possible, a sample of whatever you think the child has swallowed
or the container it came in.
5. Do not induce vomiting, it can cause more problems if the swallowed substance is
corrosive in nature.
While you may have taken due precautions to
store medicines and other products safely, your relatives and friends may not be as
careful. When visiting relatives, be extra vigilant, as those dangers that you have
eliminated in your home may be present there. It is better if adults avoid holding or
placing the child in the vicinity of hot liquids.
I would like to conclude on the note that a
little care keeps many accidents away. Wishing you a very happy and safe new
millennium.
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