5 household hazards that can harm young children

Prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause serious harm if taken incorrectly, even in small amounts. Keep medications in their original, child-resistant containers. Store them in a locked cabinet or container that children cannot see or reach.

Store purses, backpacks and pill organizers safely, and properly dispose of any unused or expired medications.

Household cleaners, laundry products and dishwasher detergents can harm children if swallowed, inhaled or splashed on the skin or into the eyes. Some have bright colors, appealing shapes and pleasant smells, which may attract young children.

“Household products can be harmful in ways beyond swallowing them,” Dr. Ansari says. “They can cause injury if they’re splashed into the eyes or mouth, spilled on the skin or inhaled.”

Among children age 5 and younger, household cleaning substances were the most common type of exposure reported to U.S. poison centers in 2024, according to America’s Poison Centers.

Detergent pods are a particular concern because they can cause serious harm if swallowed. Dr. Ansari recommends keeping laundry and dishwasher pods locked away. She also suggests considering liquid or powder detergent instead if children younger than 6 live in the home.

Mixing certain cleaning products can also create toxic gases that are dangerous to breathe, she adds.

Liquid nicotine used in electronic cigarettes and vaping products is highly toxic. Even a small amount can seriously poison a child if swallowed or spilled on the skin.

Keep vaping devices, refill containers and other nicotine products locked away and out of sight. Choose products with child-resistant packaging. If a spill occurs, keep children away from the area and clean it up immediately.

Garages and sheds often contain products that can harm children if swallowed or handled. Antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and pesticides are among the items that should be stored securely. Keep these products in their original, labeled containers in a locked garage cabinet or another secure location.

“Never transfer a potentially poisonous product into a food or drink container,” Dr. Ansari says. A child could mistake it for something safe to eat or drink.

After using one of these products, close the container securely and return it to storage right away.

Button batteries are found in remote controls, key fobs, toys, watches, thermometers and other common household items. If swallowed, a battery can become lodged in the esophagus — the tube connecting the mouth and stomach — and cause severe tissue damage.

“Button batteries pose a distinct risk because they can burn a hole in the esophagus in as little as two hours,” Dr. Ansari says.

Make sure battery compartments are secure, keep loose and used batteries away from children, and immediately search for any missing battery.