Tips for Keeping Medication Out of Reach of Children

Tips for Keeping Medication Out of Reach of Children

Every home contains medication. Whether it’s over-the-counter meds or prescription medication that has to be picked up at the pharmacy, families can greatly benefit from a wide variety of meds that can make life more comfortable when we aren’t feeling well. Unfortunately, those same medications can do the complete opposite when ingested in large quantities by children.

To keep your family in good health, you have to keep those medications around. But keeping your children in good health means being smart about how you store those pills so they aren’t mistaken for candy. Here are a few tips for keeping meds of all kinds away from the kids.

Be Mindful of Medication Containers

It is so important to be mindful of the containers that your medication is kept in. The prescription medication comes in child-resistant containers, which can help keep curious little hands at bay.

Over-the-counter medications are a different story. They can come in easy-open bottles and boxes that are much easier for children to access. It’s important to keep those meds in their original containers, but putting them in a childproof or child-resistant container as well can lessen the chances of your child ingesting potentially harmful meds.

Place All Medication Up High and out of Reach

It seems obvious that you’d want to keep medications up high and out of reach, but this can be harder than it initially sounds. For example, many families keep their medication in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom, but this is actually a bad idea. The bathroom is warm and humid, which is bad for medication of all kinds.

Instead, store your medication:

  • In a locked drawer in the bedroom closet
  • In a locked corner cabinet in the kitchen
  • In a container on the top of a bookshelf
  • In the refrigerator, but only if the meds need to be refrigerated

You may think you’re putting your medication out of reach, but many families keep some meds handy by putting them in a purse or a nightstand. If you do, make sure your purse is stored out of reach and your nightstand is locked.

Consider Products You Might Not Think Are Medicine

Part of storing medication safely is understanding exactly what needs to be stored away. You may be surprised to learn that many other items in your home are considered medication.

Medicated ointments, like diaper cream, should be stored out of reach. Vitamins can be very harmful to children when ingested in large quantities. Eye drops and even mouthwash need to be placed where a child can’t gain easy access.

When your child is old enough, you should begin educating them on the dangers of medicine, and never tell a child medicine tastes like candy in order to get them to take their own.

There’s no need to dump everything in the garbage and go au natural. With these tips, you can safely keep them in your home and out of reach of your children.

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