How your handbag could be putting your child’s life at risk – how many mistakes are you making?

IF you have a small child, chances are you spend every waking moment worried about them.

Little ones explore the world with their mouths, making lots of things potential hazards.

From foods like nuts and popcorn to small toys there are many obvious culprits.

But now, first aid experts have warned all parents to be on the lookout for surprising items in your handbag which you might not have considered to be dangerous.

The team of paediatric nurses said: “Little ones love to pull everything out of bags, so when you are out and about make sure you keep your bag up off the floor and out of reach.”

Posting to the CPR Kids platform on Instagram, the experts list the three most common handbag hazards you could have in your bag.

“Hand sanitiser can be dangerous if ingested or if it comes into contact with little eyes,” they said.

Car keys can also put little ones at risk.

“Many car key fobs contain an accessible button battery.

“These are a potential choking hazard and can be lethal if swallowed,” the first aid guru’s explained.

In 2018, the Government issued a warning to parents about the batteries after the death of a child who swallowed one.

Throat lozenges and medicines, which often look like sweets, can also be dangerous

“They can be a choking hazard and can also make your child unwell if ingested,” they said.

“Sometimes it is necessary to carry medicines with us – just make sure little hands can’t get to them,” the team added.

If your child does ingest any medication, or other substances they shouldn’t, make sure you establish what they have taken, the Red Cross says on it’s website.

The emergency services will want to know this information.

Then, you must call 999 as soon as possible.

If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.

The substance could be extremely harmful and they may need urgent medical attention.

You must not try and make them sick.

By making them sick, you can cause further damage to their throat or block their airway.