Let's get one thing out in the open right now. No parent is perfect. Mistakes DO happen, to even parents who hover over their children. That is EXACTLY why the National Poison Control Hotline exists, as well as Emergency Rooms. Being a new parent, calling or going into the ER can be intimidating, or even scary. Let's be real here, these people are here to help, and are frankly very understanding. The number is listed below. Write it down, write it down EVERYWHERE. Include it in Babysitter Instructions. Tape it on the inside of medicine cabinets... paint in on a wall if need be. When in doubt, go directly to the ER.
Poison Control (USA)
1-800-222-1222
That being said, there are several house hold items that are overlooked when baby proofing. Things like bleach, butane, and matches are obvious- these may not be.
1.) Batteries. ANY batteries, and ALL batteries. Button Batteries (the small disk shaped ones that fit into watches, alarm clocks, ect) have gotten some press lately as being dangerous. They are. However, ALL batteries are VERY dangerous. I recently found out while doing some research that a child a young as 1 year old can SWALLOW a AAA battery. AA batteries pose the risk of being lodged in the throat. Batteries can conduct (shock), cause acid burns, and flat out poison children. Treat these like bleach. Keep them all together behind lock and key. Account for all batteries when changing them. Throw them away in the outside trash. Make sure all battery hatches on children's toys are screwed in properly, and keep TV/DVD/BLU-RAY/Video Game remotes out of reach.
2.) Sunscreen and lotions. These may not be obvious. Sunscreen in particular is a major risk if ingested due to the chemicals added to block UVA/UVB rays. Other lotions contain added fragrances and chemicals.
3.) Light Bulbs. Back when we were kids, light bulbs essential posed a laceration risk from the broken glass. However, CFL bulbs are now the most common in households. These CFL bulbs contain HIGHLY TOXIC Mercury, and if broken it can be inhaled, ingested, or settle into carpeting or on surfaces. Keep them HIGH out of reach, or behind lock in key in the chemical cabinet. If broken, leave the area with your child until you can contact poison control for instructions on how to clean up the powder left behind.
4.) Petroleum Jelly, and products containing it. This one is simple. Petroleum jelly is essential made from oil- hence "petro". You wouldn't leave motor oil or gasoline out in the open near your child, so don't do it here. Big offenders are Vapor Rubs, Diaper Creams, Cold Creams, ointments, ect. Check product labels and put them out of reach- and keep them there.
5.) Magnets. Magnets do sucky things when ingested. What sucks even more is that you can still find cheaply made alphabet magnets targeted at curious toddlers. Think about how 2 magnets stick together, repel and attract at different points. That does not change if they are ingested. I'd steer clear of these all together until at LEAST 3, or until things stop going into your child's mouth.
