When a child drinks an acidic cleaning agent, and they can swallow, what should you give them?

In the case of a child ingesting an acidic cleaning agent and still being able to swallow, the appropriate treatment is to provide them with water or milk. This is crucial because water and milk can help dilute the acid, potentially reducing its corrosive effects on the throat and esophagus. This dilution may help to minimize discomfort and damage while waiting for professional medical help.

Other options are less appropriate. Offering nothing to drink can leave the acidic substance concentrated in the child's digestive system, potentially leading to more severe harm. Fruit juice is acidic itself and could exacerbate the problem by further irritating the tissues. Carbonated soda could also increase gastric discomfort and does not provide the neutralizing effect necessary to counteract the acidity of the cleaning agent. Therefore, the best choice for a child who has ingested an acidic cleaning agent and can swallow is to give them water or milk for dilution.