What if my kid swallowed a cleaner?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to get dinner done, but you turned around to find your toddler holding an open bottle of dish soap with some on their lips.

Everyday mishaps add up.

Causes & evidence

Call Poison Help right away: 1-800-222-1222. See cleaning chemical safety.

What to do

1. Stay calm.
2. Call Poison Help.
3. 911 if trouble breathing.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: making a child vomit or waiting to see if symptoms appear. Don't induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to. Wipe out the mouth and give a small sip of water if the child can swallow, unless told otherwise. Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away; experts will tell you what to do. Call 911 if the child has trouble breathing, has a seizure, or won't wake up. Keep the container to read the label. Write the Poison Help number on a sticky note near the phone, and save it in your contacts. Laundry pods are especially risky for young kids; keep them locked away. Don't leave a child alone near open cleaners, even for a moment. Keep the product's label handy when calling so you can tell the expert exactly what was swallowed. Follow up with your pediatrician if advised.

Speed Man tip: Keep the product container.

Wrap-up: Calm. Call. 911.