Accidental poisoning most frequently occurs in children 1 to 4 years old. All poisons, medications, and other toxic substances should be kept out of sight and reach of children. Cabinets and drawers containing such substances should be securely locked. Ipecac is no longer recommended for poisonings.

If you are worried that your child ingested a medication in error or overdosed on a medication, call the San Francisco Poison Control at 800-222-1222. Do not wait for symptoms to occur! Calling right away may prevent adverse outcomes.

Head injury is the leading cause of childhood injury. A blow to the head or fall on the head my lead to scalp swelling, bruising, lacerations, skull fractures, concussions, or even brain injuries. If you child has a head injury look for the following signs, which may be indications that your child needs to be evaluated by a physician.

1. Loss of consciousness – loss of consciousness is the sign of a significant concussion. Talk to your doctor about when your child should resume normal activities or sports. Note: Infants who do not cry soon after a fall may have lost consciousness and may need to see a physician.
   
2. Persistent bleeding – Some injuries my require stitches in order to stop the bleeding and improve healing outcomes.
   
3. Swelling – Infants or young children with swelling over the far sides of their scalp may be at higher risk for skull fractures. Note: Infants and children may develop a large bump on the forehead (sometimes referred to as a “goose egg”) after a fall. A cool compress and pain medication may be all that is needed for such a bump, unless one of the following symptoms occur:
   
4. Nausea or vomiting – Nausea or vomiting may be a sign of a skull fracture or brain contusion. Your child should be evaluated by a physician.
   
5. Lethargy or confusion – If your child seems more sleepy than usual or confused after a head injury, he or she should be evaluated by a physician.

In order to prevent injuries, remind your child to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, scooter, roller blades, skateboard, snowboard, downhill skis or other moving object.

Auto accidents are one of the most common causes of childhood injury and death. Adherence to car seat safety guidelines may save your child in the event of an accident. In 2011, the guidelines for car seat safety have been updated to the following:

• Infants and toddlers should sit in a rear-facing carseat until 2 years of age, or until the child has reached the maximum height and weight allowed by the carseat. Often, children 6-12 months will need to graduate to a bigger rear-facing or "convertible" car seat.
• Children 2 years and older (and those under 2 years who have out-grown the height and weight limits of their carseat) should sit in a forward facing car seat.
• California law states that once a child is 4 years old AND weighs at least 40 pounds he or she can move to a booster seat. AAP recommendations is for children who have outgrown the weight and height limitations of their car seats to move to a booster seat.
• California law states that once a child is 8 years old OR stands 4 feet 9 inches tall, he or she can ride in a vehicle without a booster seat. It is recommended that all children ride on a booster seat until they reach a height of 4 feet and 9 inches (usually between 8-12 years of age).
• Older children should use a lap and shoulder seat belt and remain in the back seat of the car until 13 years of age.

For more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics, read the Car Safety Guidlines from 2011.