Published on July 15th, 2022
Packaging is everywhere. It’s on the walls in our homes, in our purses and wallets, and even on our bodies. But what many of us don’t realize is that some types of packaging can pose a serious risk to children.
Not all packaging is created equal. When it comes to protecting children, there are two main types of packaging: child resistant packaging and non-child resistant. Child resistant packaging (CRP) is designed to make it difficult for small children to open containers or packages containing hazardous materials by requiring more than one step to open it.
Non-child resistant packaging (NCRP) does not have these additional safety features and may pose a serious risk to children if they come into contact with the contents inside or if they manage to open the package.
What Kinds Of Packaging Pose A Risk?
Don’t give your child loose batteries or other items that could cause injury if they swallow them accidentally — especially those that contain lithium (lithium thionyl chloride).
Lithium poses a very serious risk of poisoning if swallowed by children because it can cause permanent neurological damage and even death in extreme cases. Keep all batteries out of reach of children at all times and only allow them to use batteries under adult supervision.
Other dangers associated with packaging, include:
- Poisonous chemicals – Many household cleaners and other products contain chemicals that are poisonous if ingested. These include drain cleaners, oven cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and others.
- Sharp objects – Many packages contain razor blades or other sharp objects that could cut you or your child if opened improperly.
- Small parts – Some packages may contain small parts that are a choking hazard if swallowed such as plastic zippers.
- Plastic bags – Plastic bags are great for holding your groceries or other items, but they’re also a choking hazard if your child tries to eat them. Plastic bags can also cause suffocation and should not be left with a child for any length of time.
- Bottles and cans – Bottles and cans aren’t just for drinks anymore. These containers are used for all kinds of products from paint to cleaners so it’s important to make sure that your children know how to handle these containers safely when they come across them in their environment.
So how do you keep your children safe?
Focus On Packaging Designed For Safety
The most important thing when it comes to keeping your children safe from packaging is knowing which types of packaging are designed for safety and which ones aren’t.
For example, some plastic bottles designed to hold liquids will have a special cap that prevents young children from opening them.
Other bottles have caps that can be removed with just one hand or no hands at all. These bottles aren’t designed with safety in mind because they don’t have any special features that make them harder for kids to open by themselves.
Teach Children About Package Safety
Teach your children about child resistant packaging so they know what to look for when shopping or visiting friends’ homes. Teach them which packages are safe to handle and which ones require an adult’s help.
Most people think of packaging as a means to protect their goods, but it’s also a safety concern. Packaging can be dangerous if you don’t know what to look for when buying products for children.
It’s important to teach your children about the proper use of packages so they can be safe when handling them on their own.
What You Can Do
Never let your child open a package alone or without supervision. Always have an adult around to supervise their activities and help them understand how packages work.
If buying products that may pose a risk to children, try to choose packaging that isn’t vibrant or enticing to a child.
Brightly colored and heavily designed packages are usually attractive to children and work towards their natural curiosity- something you don’t want when the contents are hazardous.
Opt for child resistant packaging in your home where possible. By teaching your children about potential hazards and showing them how to safely handle different kinds of packaging, you can work towards keeping everyone safe.
Ensure any items in your house that could be dangerous are stored in the appropriate containers and kept out of reach.
Luckily, there are companies out there that prioritize child safety and are creating packaging that reflects that.
Keep an eye out for brands that use this packaging and support their business. With a little extra care and attention, you can create a safe and secure environment for your children.
Image Source: flickr.com
