Month: June 2022

Young children are explorers, and as they develop, they often learn by touch and by putting things into their mouths. This may be one of the reasons that poison control centers receive many calls each year about children getting into all kinds of laundry detergents.

Experts have found that those highly concentrated, liquid laundry and (dish soap packets) can cause serious harm to young children. The membrane of those packets is designed to dissolve when in contact with moisture, creating a risk of exposure when placed in the mouth or grasped by wet hands. 

“As of March 31, 2022, poison control centers have managed 2,085 cases related to laundry detergent packet exposure in children 5 and younger,” as reported by the National Poison Data System, American Association of Poison Control Center. “Some children who have eaten the product have had excessive vomiting, wheezing, and gasping. Some get very sleepy. Some have had breathing problems serious enough to need a ventilator. There have also been reports of corneal abrasions (scratches to the eyes) when the detergent gets into a child’s eyes.” 

While parents are encouraged to allow kids to explore and discover new things, they also need to ensure that we are keep those little ones safe. Here are a few tips to show you how to keep liquid laundry packets out of children’s reach and sight.

• Store packets up and out of reach of kids.
• Consider placing packets in a locked cabinet.
• Keep packets in their original container and keep the container closed.
• If a child gets into them, call the Poison Help number at once: 1-800-222-1222.You can reach your local poison control center by calling the Poison Help hotline: 1-800-222-1222. To save the number in your mobile phone, text POISON to 797979.

To learn more visit www.safekidsmissoula.org or call (406) 926-2522.

Summer in Montana is a time when we can expect to see our neighborhoods come alive, filling up with kids riding their bikes, roller skating, and riding on scooters and skateboards. There are so many great reasons for kids to participate in these activities with it being fun the best reason of all. It also is a wonderful way for kids to stay healthy.

As with most things, however, there are some risks involved including injuries ranging from mild to life-threatening. With plenty of practice and these safety tips from Safe Kids Worldwide, you can help your kids be smart and safe:

For Bicyclists:

1. All bicyclists should wear a properly-fitted helmet. It is the best way to prevent head injuries and death. Ensuring correct fit of a helmet can increase comfort and use.
2. Children should ride on the sidewalk, bike pathways or bicycle lanes when available. If not, ride in the same direction as traffic as far on the right-hand side as is practical.
3. Use hand signals and follow the rules of the road. Be predictable by making sure you ride in a straight line and do not swerve between cars.
4. Wear bright colors and use lights, especially when riding at dusk, night and in the morning. Reflectors on your clothes and bike will help you be seen.
5. Ride with your children. Stick together until you are comfortable that your kids are ready to ride on their own.
6. Check equipment at the beginning and end of the season, particularly fit for your child and things like brakes and tire pressure.

For Skaters/Skateboarders and Scooters:

1. Wear a properly-fitted helmet.
2. Knee pads and elbow pads are recommended for everyone, especially beginners.
3. Wrist guards are also recommended for skaters and skateboarders.
4. Mouth guards are good protection against broken teeth.
5. Children should ride on smooth, dry surfaces located in a well-lit area away from traffic.
6. Check equipment at the beginning and end of the season and teach children to check scooters, skates, and boards for problems before each use. If there are any cracked, loose, or broken parts, the item should not be used until it is repaired.
7. Teach children to minimize the impact of a fall by crouching down as they lose balance to reduce the distance to the surface.