Poisons

If you are concerned a child has taken, or come into contact (on their skin, in their eyes) with household cleaners, pills or other poisons, urgently ring the National Poisons Centre phone number: 0800 POISON (0800 764 766), the accident and emergency department or your doctor.

Do not leave poisonous substances within your child’s reach, even for a moment.

As your child starts to put everything into their mouth, they are at risk of poisoning. They will be attracted to any bottles and containers as they play. Also, many pills look like sweets. Your child will not be aware of these dangers and needs you to make their play area safe.

Help protect your child from poisons

Keep all household detergents, washing powders, cleansers, medicines (including your child’s medication eg liquid paracetamol), perfumes and garden poisons out of reach in a high, lockable cupboard that can’t be reached by climbing. Use safety catches on cupboards, and after using poisons, close the container immediately and lock them away.

• Never store poisonous liquids in soft-drink bottles
• Check poisons have child-resistant tops whenever possible. Ask your pharmacist to fit safety caps to all your prescription medicines
• Encourage family members and visitors to keep pills and poisons out of reach
• Medications kept in the fridge should be kept out of reach and sight
• Check the paint on older furniture, toys and houses. If the paint is lead based it can poison babies and young children

Dishwasher safety

Keep your child safe from dishwashing powder and liquid by:

• Keeping the dishwasher door shut
• Putting dishwasher powder/liquid into the machine immediately before use
• Not leaving undissolved detergent in the machine

For help and advice call PlunketLine 0800 933 922, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If your child is sick please call Healthline, 0800 611 116, New Zealand's 24-hour telephone health advice service. All calls are answered by registered nurses.

In an emergency phone 111.