Swallowed objects, choking, poisons, objects in the nose and ears and all that you think is impossible, can actually be possible with the little daredevils at home, and there is nothing better than being prepared and well informed with what needs to be done, for such things don’t ask before happening.

With toddlers in the house, accidents like these have an open invitation and no matter how careful you are, you can still never be too sure. So here’s what you can do, if God forbid, you ever find yourself in a situation best described as an emergency.

Swallowed objects

The most likely of objects that your one or two year olds can swallow are – prune pits, seeds, beads, buttons, coins, safety pins, straight pins and the many other unimaginable things too. But it is not something of very alarming degree until the object swallowed is a sharp one like a glass piece or a pin or worse still, is choking the baby.

What to do?

• Immediately give a piece of bread to the child to push it along.
• If the child is not showing any discomfort still keep observing for a few days and keep an eye if the object has passed out of the body.
• It is obvious that incase of discomfort or pain, the child should be rushed to the doctor immediately.
• Never give a cathartic to a child who has swallowed something, as this can worsen the situation.

Choking

Many a times children end up getting something stuck in their throats or windpipes. Often sharp objects like a fishbone or a thin chicken bone can get stuck in the throat. This can be very uncomfortable for the child, but is not dangerous until, it is actually obstructing the windpipe making it difficult for the child to breathe.

What to do?

• When a child is choking immediately hold her upside down and slap her vigorously on her back, just behind the chest.
• If the child starts to turn blue, rush her to the nearest hospital or emergency centre. Don’t wait for anything.

Objects in the nose and ears

It is commonplace to see things like beads peas, cotton wads; paper balls etc find their way into the nostrils and ears of toddlers. Incase you are not aware that something like this has happened, then a foul smelling discharge from the nose with a tinge of blood should immediately make you think of this possibility, as anything foreign in the nose left for a few days brings this response.

What to do?

• Immediately take the child to a doctor.
• If the doctor is not available, it is best to use a pair of tweezers to pull the object out gently, holding the head of the child still. You can take someone’s help in this case.
• Do not panic and keep the baby calm.
• Avoid trying too hard as you may actually end up pushing the object deeper.
• Do not use a smooth long object to take out the stuck up thing.

Poisons

If there is one thing you should always have ready with you in hand at home, then it is the poison information cell or emergency room’s number, because it is very common to see kids swallowing some medicine, oil, kerosene, and dettol or floor disinfectant.

In the eye or on the skin - If this happens, splash plenty of plain water on the skin and eye dropper or sponge to pour water into the eye to rinse it thoroughly.

Swallowed poisonous substances - In this case the best thing to do is to reach for your poison control centre at the earliest or a nearby emergency hospital; anywhere where you can reach within half an hour. Little children have smaller bodies and the effect of poisonous substances is faster.
• Incase a doctor is not available, immediately give your child 3 tablespoons of the syrup of ipecac, to induce vomiting and then again search for doctors at some other place.
• This will help clear the stomach immediately.
• Some poisonous substances cause late reactions, so do not sleep over the problem, if the child appears to be fine. Meeting a doctor is a must.

Do not induce vomiting for these ingested substances - There are however some things which when swallowed, vomiting should not be induced, because some of them like petrol when choked upon can harm the lungs, and there is a possibility of a child choking while vomiting. Also substances acidic in nature can burn the throat again when vomited out. Therefore, in such cases no matter how far away the doctor is, rush for him.

Some such substances are - kerosene, gasoline, benzene, cleaning fluids, liquid auto polish, turpentine, liquid furniture polish, insect sprays, ammonia, drain cleaners, caustic lime, bleach and acids like- sulfuric or nitric acid.

With small children and busy daily schedules, such accidents can happen with anyone. It is thus best, to remain aware and not loose the much required calm and presence of mind when anything like this happens. Avoid pressing the panic button and stay in charge of the situation. All the best!