Parents are aware of the importance of trying to keep medicines out of reach of their children. Even with this knowledge, they make some mistakes that can be dangerous.

For example, it may be tempting to call medicine candy to encourage your child to take it. But this has some real dangers, as children then want to take what they think is a treat.

Here are some hints to help keep things safe:

• Uses products with child-resistant tops. Though these tops might be more difficult for even adults to open, they at least prevent children from getting into medicines that might harm them.

• Remember, there is nothing that is childproof. Even with difficult-to-open lids, children are able to get into what we think of as child-resistant lids.

• Keep medicine in its original container to avoid confusion.

• Call each medicine by its real name, making it sound like medicine — not like something your child would willingly eat.

• If the phone rings while you are getting medicine ready to use, take the medication with you rather than leaving it on a counter.

• Use the proper measuring spoon or vial for measuring. Teaspoons vary in size and you can overdose or underdose by using the wrong one.

• Don’t take your own medication around your toddler, as she may want to mimic you.

• Medicines should be placed up high to prevent your toddler from reaching them. It is far better if the medicine is locked.

• Any vitamins with iron should be considered medicine, and an overdose can be fatal.

• When visitors stay at your home, make sure they take the necessary precautions on medicines when children are around. It is easy to forget of the added safety factors when company arrives.

• Never give your child medicines that have been prescribed to someone else, whether it’s an adult or child. Even if two people have the same illness do not share medicines.

• Call your poison control center at 800-222-1222 right away if you think your child might have gotten into a medicine or vitamin, even if you are not completely sure.

• Remember, your child can get to places and do things you never thought possible. Take precautions to be on the safe side.

Each year, about 60,000 children are treated in emergency departments after getting into medicines on their own or after dosing errors by adults (cdc.gov/patientsafety).

Even as an adult, you need to be extremely cautious on using and storing medicines. Many of the ways you keep your child safe help keep you safe, too.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation.