What is the first step to preventing accidental poisoning in children?

The first step to preventing accidental poisoning in children involves creating a safe environment by securing harmful substances. Locking up all medicines and potentially dangerous items is fundamental because children are naturally curious and may explore areas they shouldn't. By ensuring that these items are stored out of reach and secured, the risk of accidental ingestion is significantly reduced.

While childproof containers and clear labels are important safety measures that further help minimize risk, they are not as effective if the substances can still be easily accessed. Storing medicines in a kitchen cabinet, unless locked, does not provide adequate protection against curious toddlers or young children. Therefore, the priority should always be to eliminate access first, which makes locking up these items the most crucial initial step in preventing accidental poisoning.