Protect Your Child From The Dangers Of Laundry Pods

Laundry pods are compact, providing the convenience of your detergent and fabric softener in an all-in-one package. For this reason, laundry pods are becoming a staple in many households. While a convenient cleaning aid, these pods are also dangerous. According to one report, accidental consumption of these pods by children sent one child to the hospital each day between 2012 and 2013. Familiarizing yourself with the dangers of these laundry pods and learning how to protect your child is essential.

Why Are These Pods Dangerous?

One of the main dangers associated with these pods is their appearance. They are bright-colored and fit perfectly in the palm of a small child's hand. To a child, they can easily appear as a toy. Additionally, their water-soluble packaging also makes them dangerous.

If your child were to come in contact with one of the pods, simply squeezing or placing the pod in their mouth could cause the contents of the pod to empty out. Severe vomiting, respiratory distress, seizure-like symptoms and skin irritation are just some of the symptoms your child could experience if they were to ingest one of these pods.

What To Do If Your Child Consumes A Pod?

If your child is accidentally exposed to one of these laundry pods, try to stay calm. While difficult, staying calm will ensure your child gets the care they need. Your panic will only scare your child, making the situation more intense. If the child hasn't consumed the laundry pod, your first step should be cleaning the detergent from your child.

Remove and rinse the detergent from child's skin and eyes. Once you've cleaned your child, contact the Poison Control Center for further direction. If your child has consumed the laundry pod, you want to get medical attention as quickly as possible from a pediatric emergency care center, like Ada Pediatrics PA.

Safety Tips

Keeping your child safe from the accidental dangers of laundry pods requires prevention. The first thing you want to do is remove the pods from their original packaging. Most of these containers are not child-proof, allowing your child to easily reach in and grab a pod. Transfer the pods to a container that your child cannot access.

Even after you transfer the pods, it's best to store them on a high shelf that your child can't reach. If you're unable to store your pods this way, always make certain that the cabinet where you store your pods has a child-proof lock on it. If your child is old enough to understand, it's also helpful to reiterate to your child that they aren't a toy. Stressing the dangers of playing with the pods will make your child less likely to play with the pod should they come in contact with one.

Make certain that you are doing your part to keep your child safe from the hidden dangers of these pods.

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