Preventing Accidental Poisoning & Medication Mix-Ups in Children

Parenting through sickness is exhausting. When one child has a fever, another is on antibiotics, and the toddler’s wheezing, it’s no surprise that keeping track of medications gets tricky. Add in grandparents, babysitters, or partners helping out, and suddenly everyone’s asking: “Wait, did they already have that dose?”

These everyday scenarios are when medication errors are most likely to happen.

Why Kids Are More at Risk

Children are naturally curious — they love to explore and often learn about the world by touching and tasting. Medicines, especially when left within reach, can look harmless or even appealing.

But it’s not always about little hands getting into cupboards. The reality is, many hospitalisations for childhood poisoning come from well-intentioned caregivers accidentally doubling up on doses of common medicines like:

• Paracetamol 

• Ibuprofen 

• Antibiotics 

• Inhalers 

  

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), thousands of children are treated in hospital each year for unintentional poisoning — and most of these incidents involve everyday medicines found in nearly every home.

Practical Prevention: Small Steps That Make a Big Difference

1. Safe Storage Keep all medicines in a locked cupboard or high shelf, well out of sight and reach of children.

2. Clear Communication If multiple caregivers are involved, write down what’s been given, when, and by whom. This stops the “I thought you gave it” confusion.

3. Use a Medication Tracker This is where tools make all the difference. A visual tracker on the fridge lets everyone in the household see at a glance what’s been given and what’s due next.

   
   

Tools That Help: The Sick Sense Medication Tracker

I created the Sick Sense Medication Tracker because I’ve seen how quickly things can spiral when multiple kids are sick at once (i've been there with my own children!). It’s a simple, fridge-friendly magnet board with a wipe-clean surface, designed for families of all sizes.

With the tracker, you can:

✔ Record each dose of paracetamol, ibuprofen, antibiotics, or inhalers

✔ Note who gave it — mum, dad, grandma, aunty, babysitter

✔ Prevent double-dosing or missed doses

✔ Feel confident, even in the busiest sickness weeks

It’s not about being perfect — it’s about having practical systems that make parenting easier and safer.

You can purchase The Sick Sense Medication Tracker here

Accidental poisonings and medication errors are common, but they’re also highly preventable. With safe storage, clear communication, and a simple tracking system, you can manage back-to-back doses with confidence and reduce the risk of mistakes.

At The Sick Sense, I believe awareness should empower — not scare. By making small, practical changes, families can feel calmer, more organised, and better prepared when sickness strikes.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider when giving medications to children. If you believe your child may have taken too much medication or been accidentally poisoned, seek urgent medical help — call 000 in Australia or contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.