If you suspect your baby has eaten a mosquito mat or anything
poisonous, seek medical advice. If your baby is unconscious or having breathing problems, call an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital right away.
Certain ingredients in insect repellents may be toxic, especially for babies and young children. The toxicity can vary depending on the type of repellent, and how your baby came into contact with it, such as by touching, breathing, eating or drinking.
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To make a proper diagnosis, your doctor will want to know more about the product and how your baby is reacting. You'll need to act quickly, but try to stay calm.
- If your child still has some of the item in her mouth, remove it or have her spit it out. Don't try to make your baby vomit.
- If possible, keep a sample of what's left, as well as the packaging. This will help the medical staff decide on the treatment.
- Don't give your baby anything to drink unless your doctor advises. In some cases, the fluid could react or cause the harmful substance to break down more easily and get absorbed more quickly in the body.
How will I know if my baby has ingested a toxic substance?
If you are unsure whether or not your baby has eaten something harmful, look out for these signs and symptoms. Your baby may have:
- vomiting
- drooling more than usual
- nausea
- stomach pain
- diarrhoea
- headache
- sore throat
- breathing problems
- drowsiness
You may also notice itchiness, warm patches or discolouration on your baby's hands and lips.
Even if your child doesn't have any of the symptoms listed above, you should still check with your doctor right away. Some dangerous substances don’t cause a reaction immediately.
Your doctor may ask you to look out for additional symptoms and suggest bringing your child for a check-up if needed.
What precautions should I take when using an electric mosquito repellent mat around my baby?
Babies explore the world by
putting things in their mouths, and even curious older children don't always know what's unsafe. This is one reason why it's common for young children to swallow something they shouldn't.
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To protect your baby:
- Keep the mat refills and heater device in a safe place out of reach (and out of sight) of young children.
- Always use the plug-in device at an electrical point that your baby can't reach. These devices often have bright lights that could look attractive to babies and young children. The mat machine also heats up quickly and can cause burn injuries or even an electric shock if not handled with caution.
- Dispose the used repellent mats carefully in a closed bin and according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Always keep an eye on your child, especially when she's crawling and on the move. There are many childproofing gadgets on the market, but the most important safety device is always going to be your supervision.
- Let your baby explore in safe places. Distract her from forbidden places by keeping one cupboard unlocked and filled with lightweight, baby-safe items.
- Be extra vigilant when you visit a friend's or relative's house. Not everyone's home is childproofed for crawling babies and curious toddlers.
- Speak to your family members and household help. Your baby will be safer if everyone in your house follows these precautions and is aware of what steps to take in case of a problem.
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