A smart thing to teach your child is to say, “Ahhh," to open his mouth wide and to stick out his tongue. This trick will make going to the doctor easier. It is also helpful when you want to see what your baby has put in his mouth. To teach your baby, say, “Ahhh” yourself. Open your mouth very wide and stick out your tongue. Your child will learn by copying you. No matter how well you try to make your home safe for your baby, he will find something to put in his mouth without you seeing it. Don't panic! You might startle your child and cause him to swallow the object. Instead, act as if you are playing the “Ahhh” game. If your baby knows the game, he will copy you. You can check your child's mouth in no time. If your baby does swallow something, try to find out what it is. Immediately call the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222), your doctor, or the nearest hospital emergency room for advice. If you have to take him for treatment, make sure you take the container of whatever he swallowed with you to the doctor or hospital. You might have an old first aid kit at home with activated charcoal and syrup of ipecac. DO NOT USE SYRUP OF IPECAC. In the old days, syrup of ipecac was used to make children vomit, but vomiting is not helpful. For updated information on syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal, go to the Web site for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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